Chicago House Speaker Series Luncheon raises over $340,000

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Jamie Mall and Mike Hilborn, both of Deerfield, Whoopi Goldberg, and Laney Hilborn, also of Deerfield

Updated: February 3, 2012 1:57PM

On Nov. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., over 700 guests gathered for an inspirational afternoon at Chicago House’s 3rd Annual Speaker Series Luncheon at the Palmer House Hotel, Chicago. Raising over $340,000, award-winning actor and co-host of ABC’s The View, Whoopi Goldberg, served as keynote speaker alongside ABC’s Cheryl Burton, and Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan.

VIP guests including State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, and top executives including BMO Harris Bank CEO Ellen Costello, Macy’s Media Relations VP Andrea Schwartz, Todd Hamilton of Bolder Capital, Claudia Gonzalez of Nordstrom, and Judi Gorman of American Airlines were all in attendance. Guests enjoyed an autumn salad, followed by hearty braised short ribs over a bed of delicious pasta, and walked away with cookies from Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery, Chicago House’s unique transitional job program and venture capital project.

Prior to the event, Chicago House presented Goldberg, a long-time supporter of HIV/AIDS related issues and an outspoken supporter of equal rights and support of the homeless, with a box of sweet treats from the bakery, including a decadent box of brownies, and their limited edition “Whoopi” Pies, baked just for the occasion.

Special Events Manager for Chicago House, Jeremy Hilborn, says the event was a success on every level. “With the support of our ticket buyers and our growing list of corporate sponsors and underwriters, we exceeded our budgeted expectations at every level and once again raised the bar for Chicago House.” Hilborn continued, “Whoopi and her team stand for everything Chicago House is about. We couldn’t have asked for a better keynote.” Whoopi’s passion for the cause, and her own style of comedy combined with sincerity for making a difference were what attracted them to her as the next in a long line of impressive speakers, including former President Bill Clinton & Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

For more information, see chicagohouse.org.