On June 18, the Gilda’s Club Chicago community gathered for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and purpose at the beautiful Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in downtown Chicago. The 27th Annual Awards Dinner brought together long-time supporters, new friends, and those whose lives have been touched by cancer to honor the mission and impact of Gilda’s Club.
This year’s honoree was beloved NBC Chicago anchor Allison Rosati, a trusted voice in the city and passionate champion of community causes. In her heartfelt speech, Allison brought both warmth and humor to the stage, channeling the legendary Gilda Radner through her character Roseanne Roseannadanna: “Ya know, Jane, it’s always something… if it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Reflecting on her own journey, she added, “And now, after 40 years in television and four children, her words are so true—it’s always something!” Her words reminded us all of the power of laughter, even in life’s most challenging moments.
The evening also featured a moving speech by Gilda’s Club member Greg Frasz, a prostate cancer survivor who shared his deeply personal journey. “I want to thank all of you former strangers, now new friends,” he said, “for supporting and nurturing this community we call Gilda’s Club. It feels so wonderful to be surrounded by a room full of loving and compassionate caregivers, like yourselves.” His message was a beautiful tribute to the strength and support that defines our community.
In addition to the heartfelt program, guests enjoyed a full evening of engaging activities and performances. The event featured both a silent auction and a lively live auction, with exclusive experiences and packages up for bid. A special highlight of the silent auction was the “HeART of Our Community” collection, featuring original artwork created by Gilda’s Club members and previously displayed in our Art of Resilience gallery at the Downtown Clubhouse.
Lyric Opera Stage Artists performed both before and after dinner as a preview to their live auction item—an extraordinary experience that, over the years, has helped raise more than $20,000 for Gilda’s Club Chicago. Following the formal program, guests enjoyed a lively dessert reception featuring musical performances by our very own Bradford Newquist, Chief Development Officer, alongside the talented William Underwood Trio. Throughout the evening, guests also captured memories at a photo booth staged to resemble the iconic Saturday Night Live set, a playful tribute to Gilda Radner’s enduring legacy.
The night was a resounding success—not only in spirit, but in impact. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and supporters, the evening raised more than $700,000 to ensure Gilda’s Club Chicago remains a free, welcoming, and vital resource for anyone impacted by cancer.
We are grateful to all those who helped bring this event to life. Special thanks go to our Honorary Chair, Dr. Leonidas Platanias, and our dedicated Event Chairs, Ann and Thom Serafin, for their leadership and support. We also extend our appreciation to Stefan Holt for serving as the evening’s emcee, and to T.J. Shanoff for energizing the crowd as our auctioneer. Production Plus provided expert audio/visual support that helped the program shine, and NBC Chicago and Telemundo graciously partnered with us as our exclusive media sponsors.
This evening was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of resilience, love, and the unwavering power of community. Thank you to everyone who joined us. With your continued support, we will keep showing up, keep laughing, and keep proving that community is stronger than cancer.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Jennifer Cavanaugh
VIPs
Elisabeth & William Adams IV
Advis, Inc.
Chapman and Cutler, LLP
Mrs. John D. Cooney
The Crown Family
Tim Mohan & Kerry Gustafson
The Reynolds Family
Hosts
Greg & Deborah Klamrzynski
Donnie & Erica Phillips in conjunction with Citadel Securities
Benefactors
AbbVie
Advocate Oncology Services South Chicagoland
Julie & Bill Albin
Laura & Gerald Horn
Lora & Jim Jacobsohn
Magellan Corporation
James Mitchell
Melissa & Alex Richardson
Kelly Superczynski, Aon
The Chicago Bulls
Susan Wiemeyer
Wintrust
Sponsors
AstraZeneca Oncology
Blue Door Neighborhood Center
Anne Brodley
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd
Conagra Brands
Peg & Philip Corboy
Sandra & Ron Culp
Nora Duffy
Executive Construction Foundation
Susan Goodenow
Lisa Konieczka, CBRE
Karen V. Lamb
Sandye & Wayne Lerner
Sarah McEneaney
Northwestern Medicine
Old National Bank
Dr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Kelly Gervin Raizer, Takeda
Leslie J. Sawyer, Environmental Design International
Ann & Thom Serafin
Arlene P. Small
The Second City
Exclusive Media Sponsor
NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago