Gatsby Gala Co-Chairs

Something wonderful is happening here, in Northwest Illinois!  A movement is percolating, destined to grow into something solid and significant, with enduring  benefits for all of us in this region. To launch this endeavor, The Foundation for Northwest Illinois presents the Gatsby Gala, a fundraising event to support the Jane Adams Legacy Fund. The excitement is contagious, and I feel honored to be a Co-chair for this gala.  My roots are here in Stephenson County, raised on a family farm. I moved into the world, ending up with a Masters of Science degree, using that tool for many years to serve as an Administrator for a Visiting Nurse Association and as a Public Health Administrator for Ogle County. In my retirement, I am one of the owners for Big O’s on the Hollow, in Freeport.  It is now a privilege to be part of this new venture, following in the giant footprints of Jane Addams.  I look forward to meeting many of you at this worthwhile and historic gala event!

I returned to my home community of Freeport, Illinois in 2007 to begin the practice of law. As a current shareholder at Elliott, Trainor & Weller, P.C., I understand that the collective efforts of generations of women before me (like Jane Addams) made it possible to succeed in my chosen career path.

I invite everyone to join me in supporting the Gatsby Gala and the Jane Addams Legacy Fund, because a community in which women and girls are empowered and provided the resources to succeed is a community that will thrive.