Anixter Center Kicks Off Upcoming Benefit for Ability with a Celebration of Design

On Tuesday, March 4, Anixter Center, one of the Chicago area's largest nonprofit organizations serving people with disabilities and related challenges, hosted a Mardi Gras themed fete to kick off its upcoming Benefit for Ability.  Held at Anixter Center’s flagship location in Lincoln Park, the kick-off event welcomed the design community, including employees and executives from CannonDesign, Open Hand Studio and Executive Construction Inc. (ECI) who came together to celebrate the power of design and its ability to transform lives. 

Guests of the kick-off met the clients and staff of Anixter Center and witnessed firsthand how design impacts their lives.  With this year’s Benefit for Ability themed, “The Power of Design to Transform Lives,” guests were also asked to share their design ideas for transforming key areas within Anixter Center to enhance client’s experience within the space. In addition to sharing their vision for the building, attendees had a chance to meet and mingle while enjoying New Orleans style muffuletta sandwiches and mini king cakes, compliments of Limelight Catering, as well as microbrews which were graciously donated by Lagunitas Brewing Company.

The evening served as the ideal kick-off for Anixter Center’s annual Benefit for Ability, where John Syvertsen, senior principal of CannonDesign and guiding force behind Open Hand Studio, will be honored for his steadfast commitment to enhancing lives and communities through design.  Taking place on Thursday, May 1, at Harold Washington’s Winter Garden, Anixter Center’s annual fundraising fete will feature a cocktail hour, dinner and an inspiring program. Chaired by John Blacketor, president and CEO of ECI, the Benefit for Ability will highlight the power of design and its ability to transform lives. 

Tickets to the Benefit are $350 with a variety of sponsorship packages available. Reservations or donations can be made online at www.anixter.org/soaring-to-success-2014. For more information, please contact Denise Rausch at 773.973.7900 x 243 or via email at drausch@anixter.org. For more information about Anixter Center and ways to support the organization, please visit www.anixter.org.

One of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area serving people with disabilities, Anixter Center provides an array of services to help those with disabilities and related challenges live, learn, work and play in the community. Through 34 programs and services at 35 locations across the greater Chicago area, Anixter Center and its three divisions—CALOR, Chicago Hearing Society and Lektoek—touch the lives of more than 7,300 individuals annually and advocates for the rights of children and adults with all types of disabilities to participate fully and equally in society. For more information, visit www.anixter.org.