Illinois Bar Foundation Gala 2009 raises more than $230,000
![vince-cornelius-john-cullerton-mike-monico Vince Cornelius, John Cullerton and Mike Monico](/sites/default/files/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/vince-cornelius-john-cullerton-mike-monico-300x212.jpg)
While I admit that I may be biased, I believe that this was our best Gala in recent memory. - Vince Cornelius, IBF Board President.The evening's program was kicked off by Board Gala Chair and IBF Silver Fellow Shawn Kasserman of Corboy & Demetrio, who recognized and thanked the two Gala Co-Chairs, Barry Montgomery of Williams, Montgomery & John, and Lorna Propes of Propes and Kaveny, as well as the rest of the Committee members. Brief remarks from ISBA President John O'Brien and IBF Board President Vince Cornelius kept the program moving. Perry Browder of the Simmons Firm, Gala Vice Chair and an IBF Board Member, was introduced as the 2010 Board Gala Chair. After a four-course meal and the Award Presentation by Michael Monico of Monico, Pavich and Spevack to Senator Cullerton, who attended with his wife Pam and family, guests remained to dance to the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra and find out which items they'd be taking home. All in all, a wonderful time was had by everyone present. Most importantly, with the assistance of these funds the Foundation will continue to move forward in its mission to serve the people of Illinois by ensuring meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity.
Tonight is about the work we do and the efforts we make to ensure that justice is fair for everyone in Illinois. For each of you, I commend your work...I thank you for your charitable efforts and continued work throughout the year. Each dollar you contribute to the works of this Foundation is an investment in the goal to make the idea of freedom truly work. - Sen. John Cullerton during his award speech.Please save the date for the 2010 Gala on Friday, October 15, 2010!
2009 Gala Sponsors
Circle of Friends
Gala Partner
Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
VIP Reception Sponsor
Corboy & Demetrio, P.C.
Silent Auction Sponsor
Powers Rogers & Smith
Reception Sponsor
Wight & Company
Wine sponsor
Foote, Meyers, Mielke & Flowers
Benefactors
Clifford Law Offices
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Williams, Montgomery & John
Raffle Sponsor
Preferred Capital Lending
Champagne Sponsor
ISBA Mutual Insurance Company
Coat Check Sponsor
Vincent F.Cornelius
Violin Trio Sponsor
Entertainment Software Association
Patrons
Amari & Locallo
Ameren Illinois Utilities
Anesi Ozmon Rodin Novak & Kohen Ltd.
Bradford Settlement
Cassiday Schade, LLP
Cook, Ysursa, Bartholomew, Shevlin & Brauer Ltd.
Paul Episcope
Hartigan & O'Connor
Hassakis & Hassakis
Jenner & Block
John Marshall Law School
ISBA Mutual Insurance Company
Lavin Law Offices
Leahy & Hoste
Lupel Weininger LLP
Monico, Pavich and Spevack
Morici, Figlioli &Associates
Shefsky & Froelich
Tabet, DiVito & Rothstein
Winston & Strawn LLP
Table sponsors
Attorney's Title Guaranty Fund, Inc.
Hinshaw & Culbertson
Illinois State Bar Association
Romanucci & Blandin
Thompson Coburn
2009 Gala Committee
Gala Co-Chairs
Barry Montgomery
Lorna Propes
Board Gala Chair
Shawn S. Kasserman
Vice Chairs
Perry J. Browder
Vincent F.Cornelius
Peter Flowers
Mark D.Hassakis
Michael D.Monico
John C. Sciaccotta
Caesar A.Tabet
Auction Committee Co-Chairs
Peter J. Birnbaum
Gregg A.Garofalo
Michael D.Monico, Live Auctioneer
Program Book Committee Co-Chairs
James J. Morici, Jr.
Dan Houlihan
Raffle Committee Co-Chairs
Russell W. Hartigan
Christine M.Ory
Underwriting Committee Co-Chairs
Antonio M.Romanucci
Rudolf G. Schade, Jr.
Committee Members
Dion Davi
Anita M.DeCarlo
Ann Hatch
Terrence J. Lavin
Tom Leahy
George Leynaud
Sheila Murphy
Lisa Nyuli
Arlette G. Porter
Meredith Ritchie
Letitia Sheats
Frank A. Sommario
April G. Troemper
Rory T.Weiler