By C.H. Barton
Special to Inside
All eyes were on Susan Daniels, Ph.D., featured speaker at Anixter Center's 26th Annual Awards Luncheon, when she proclaimed, "We all have two choices: Live long and eventually become disabled—or die young! That's it!" Daniels, a nationally recognized spokesperson on employment and disability policy, addressed approximately 350 Anixter Center supporters at the agency's annual awards luncheon held at the Hilton Chicago and Towers on Oct. 28. The event honors individuals who have furthered the mission of Anixter Center—to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community.
Presenting sponsors included Mesirow Financial and Walgreens. Fifth Third Bank was the lead sponsor, and participating sponsors included Blackman Kallick, Chicago Cooling, Heating and Refrigeration, and LaSalle Bank. Board Chair Renee Lumpkin launched the festivities by introducing Anixter Center president and CEO Allan I. Bergman as well as Anixter Center's "new" executive vice president Cheryl Smith, who recently assumed her new responsibilities. Cheryl joined Anixter Center in 1990.
Rita Bakewell accepted the first award of the day, the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Spirit of Life Award. "Rita joined Anixter Center's Board of Directors in 1985, and has served as board chair, and her contributions are numerous," said Lumpkin. "As a public health nurse, she has used her expertise to help broaden the scope of services that Anixter Center provides."
An exceptional level of commitment to individuals with disabilities earned state Rep. Karen May this year's Stuart G. Ferst Legislator of the Year Award. "Karen was one of the key legislators who responded to families who wanted a new approach to adult community day support services several years ago, which resulted in the original funding for the Adult Community Transition Program (ACT)," said Bergman in presenting the award. "Responding to the success of ACT and the increasing demand and waiting list for community integration, Rep. May made the critical difference in securing increased funding for the expansion of the ACT program
this year."
Emphasizing the important role that the media plays in educating the public about people with disabilities, Allan presented the Media Champion Award to Gary Taylor, associate editor of the Evanston Review and the Wilmette Life, "for its high-quality, in-depth and wide-ranging coverage of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in
July 2005."
The difference that one highly-focused individual can make to an organization like Anixter Center is apparent in the contribution of Joe Wren, a friend to Anixter Center for more than seven years and recipient of the Sheldon L. Siegel Volunteer of the Year Award. Wren's computer expertise has benefited Anixter Center program participants and staff members alike. He has even made much needed repairs to several toys at the National Lekotek Center.
Assisting people with disabilities to secure meaningful employment is a key objective of Anixter Center and an initiative where committed corporate allies are a must. Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., this year's Employer of the Year, is an exemplary partner in assisting individuals with disabilities to secure what most of us seek—a successful role in the world of work.
Describing her as "our Anixter angel," Director of Sales Chris Math presented the Distinguished Service Award to Bettie Binkley Lee. She has given graciously and generously of her time and energy to help expedite orders for Anixter Center's Imaging Business—including three round trips in her station wagon to Tennessee!
The Customer of the Year Award was presented to Tom Knibbs, president of Urban Accents. The gourmet spice company displays a commitment to Anixter Center's Packaging Business by continually increasing the amount of business allocated to Anixter Center. "As a customer for more than 10 years, Urban Accents has helped dozens of adults with disabilities maintain employment," said Chris Math.
Anixter Center's partnership with the Center for Access-Ability Resources at Northern Illinois University is one in which the shared goal is to create a universally accessible environment where individuals are viewed on the basis of ability, not disability. Sheila Milan of the Center for Access-Ability accepted the Partners Through Progress Award.
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