Chicago Lighthouse Ushers in New Era with Dedication of World Class Building Addition

CHICAGO -- Ushering in a fresh and bold era, The Chicago Lighthouse formally dedicated its new building wing on September 29th and as a result, will be well positioned to become a global leader in vision care.

The additional space will enable the 104 year old agency to grow current programs and add new ones so it will be better able to serve people who are blind or visually impaired as well as offer hope to members of the massive baby boom generation experiencing vision loss in the years ahead.

Nearly 200 guests attended the Dedication ceremony which featured remarks from a number of distinguished speakers, including Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and Alderman Robert Fioretti, who read a City of Chicago proclamation declaring September 29th as "Lighthouse Day." There were also inspirational comments from Steve Pangere, an Indiana businessman who operates his own construction firm. Mr. Pangere who is visually impaired, is so impressed by the work done by the Lighthouse that he is funding the agency’s new Pangere Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases.

In addition, the event featured entertainment from acclaimed composer/pianist Lisa Hilton who came all the way from Los Angeles; Megan Tate, an award winning gospel singer who lives in Mississippi and the Lighthouse’s very own group of visually impaired musicians, Vision Quest.

Topping off the festivities was a colorful ribbon cutting ceremony lead by Lighthouse Board Chair William Conaghan and Dr. Janet Szlyk, president and executive director.

"Literally, a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this event and I want to knowledge the outstanding support we received from so many generous donors," Mr. Conaghan said, saluting in particular board members Dr. Joel Kaplan and Frank Chanen who served as co-chairs of the agency’s Bold Vision Campaign that helped raise the necessary money to fund the expansion and rehabilitation project.

Pointing out that the new wing is home to The Sandy and Rick Forsythe Center for Comprehensive Vision Care; The Pangere Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases; and The Bergman Institute for Psychological Support, and that taken together, all three offer a system of rehabilitative care that is unsurpassed anywhere, Dr. Szlyk noted that the Lighthouse is well situated as an agency to deliver optimal programs in education, rehabilitation and employment-in fulfillment with its historic mission.

For further information on The Chicago Lighthouse, call 312/666-1331 or visit www.chicagolighthouse.org