Highlights from The Douglas Center’s 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Benefit
On the evening of May 8, 2024, The Douglas Center marked a significant milestone with our 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Benefit at the Evanston Golf Club. This unforgettable event was a testament to our quarter-century journey of empowering individuals living with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Thanks to the unwavering support of our friends, donors, and community partners, the evening was a resounding success, filled with gratitude, celebration, and a shared vision for the future.
The evening began with a warm welcome to approximately 200 guests who gathered to honor The Douglas Center’s remarkable journey. Our theme, “Serving with Heart: 25 Years of Transforming Lives,” resonated deeply as we shared stories of resilience, growth, and the profound impact we’ve made in the Chicago metro area.
From our humble beginnings with just two professionals in a 2,500-square-foot facility, The Douglas Center has grown into a cornerstone of support with a team of over 50 dedicated staff members, consultants, interns and volunteers, serving over 100 individuals daily. Our comprehensive community day services, vocational training, developmental rehabilitation, and life skills training have empowered countless individuals with special needs, providing opportunities and choices that were once out of reach.
Highlights of the Evening:
The Douglas Center Staff
Reflections of the Heart: Our CEO and founder, Rifath Khan, shared heartfelt reflections on her journey and her vision for a program that offers choices and opportunities, empowering individuals with special needs to live more independently with an enriched quality of life. The evening was marked by inspiring speeches and heartfelt testimonials by local dignitaries, including Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, Board Member David Putrus, Niles Township Trustee Mark Collins, and Omar Khan, Director of Health/Wellness/Administration/Development.
Entertainment and Engagement: Attendees enjoyed vibrant performances from the Niles North High School string trio and a moving video presentation highlighting the transformative impact of our services.
Fundraising Success: We are thrilled to announce that our "25 Years, 25 Days, $25,000" campaign, which culminated on the day of the event, was a great success. Alongside this campaign, our silent auction added to the excitement and significantly boosted our fundraising efforts. The combined generosity of our supporters has made a tremendous impact, ensuring that we can continue to provide essential services to those we serve.
Opportunities and Choices: A display showcased the many programs, services, and opportunities The Douglas Center offers to our program participants.
Community Partnerships: A display highlighted the numerous community partnership collaborations that we engage in to better serve our community.
Our Heartfelt Thanks
25th Anniversary Planning Committee
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this evening possible, especially our sponsors, donors, silent auction donors, and volunteers. A very special thank you to our 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, who worked tirelessly over many months to make this event a great success. Your support and generosity are the lifeblood of our mission. Whether you attended the event, donated, or spread the word, you have made a difference in the lives of our participants.
Our sincere thanks to State Senator Ram Villivalam who presented a proclamation of the State of Illinois honoring The Douglas Center on our 25th Anniversary. Throughout the evening, it was clear that the true celebrated heroes of the past 25 years are our program participants, whose determination and spirit inspire us every day.
Looking Ahead
Art from the Heart products
The success of our 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Benefit is not just a celebration of our past but a catalyst for our future. With your continued support, we are poised to expand our reach and deepen our impact, providing even more opportunities for empowerment and growth.
Together, let's continue to transform lives and build a future of inclusivity and empowerment. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved. Thank you for being an integral part of The Douglas Center family.
