Nearly 500 business leaders, legislators and other friends of Anixter Center gathered for the nonprofit agency’s 25th Annual Awards Luncheon on Oct. 29 at Hilton Chicago and Towers. Anixter Center, a Lincoln Park-based community provider assisting people with disabilities, honored former President and CEO Stuart G. Ferst with its Lester and Rosalie Anixter Spirit of Life Award. Ferst spent 35 years at Anixter Center including the past 20 years as its leader.
"Stuart found employment for people deemed ‘unemployable’ and refuted prevailing stereotypes about people with disabilities," Anixter Center Board Chair Renee Lumpkin said in presenting the award. "He was fervently devoted to the people we serve, and their best interests were always foremost in his priorities."
Lumpkin welcomed new President and CEO Allan I. Bergman, who joined Anixter Center in July. Bergman presented the Stuart G. Ferst Legislator of the Year Award to the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus. State Sen. Miguel del Valle accepted the award on behalf of the caucus.
"For many years, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has supported Anixter Center and the people we serve," Bergman said. "We are grateful that we can rely on such staunch advocates in the state legislature in these uncertain fiscal times in Springfield."
Anixter Center also recognized ACCESS Community Health Network for its commitment to people with disabilities at ACCESS at Anixter Center, a federally qualified health center on Clybourn Avenue that specifically provides services to people with disabilities.
"The dedicated staff of the clinic have extended themselves beyond the typical role of a health care provider to meet the special needs of their patients," Medical Services Coordinator Pat Conway said in presenting the Partnership Award.
WLS Channel 7 reporter Karen Meyer, also director of DePaul University’s Office of Students with Disabilities and a faculty member at DePaul, received the first-ever Media Champion Award. Meyer joined WLS in 1991 and was the first reporter in Chicago to develop disability issues as a reporting specialty.
"She has stimulated interest in the field of disabilities through reporting that is always intelligent, interesting and compassionate, as well as advocacy-oriented," Director of Public Relations Betsy Storm said as she presented the award.
Lincoln Park resident Caitlin Pultz was honored for her dedication as a volunteer in Anixter Center’s Literacy Program. While assisting an individual with reading, writing and basic computer skills, Pultz also is an active member of Anixter Center’s Human Rights Committee.
"Caitlin Pultz has far exceeded the expectations we have for tutors," said assistant director of Training Amy Laboy as she presented the Sheldon L. Siegel Volunteer of the Year Award. "Caitlin helps ensure that individuals served by Anixter Center receive quality and appropriate services. |
