Chicago Lighthouse Honors Outstanding Philanthropists at Annual Gala June 22

Citing their generous support and willingness to serve as good-will ambassadors, Steve and Georgiann Pangere received The Chicago Lighthouse’s prestigious “Beacon of Light” Award at its 2018 Seeing What’s Possible Gala on June 22.

In 2010, the family established The Pangere Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases at The Lighthouse through a generous gift and subsequent funding.  Under the leadership of world-renowned ophthalmologist and researcher Dr. Gerald Fishman, the Center provides exemplary patient care through specialized testing, clinical research and evaluation and accurate diagnoses of various inherited retinal diseases.

The Gala, which attracted over 350 supporters and raised nearly $400,000, also saluted Alexandra Johnston of Target Corporation who received The Lighthouse’s “Light of the Night” Award.  Ms. Johnston was recognized for helping establish the organization’s first ever partnership with a big box retailer.  Her efforts paved the way for Lighthouse clocks, made by talented individuals who are blind, to be sold in select Target Chicagoland stores and online through Target.com.

View photos from our recent events here.

Serving as Gala chairman was Lighthouse Board Member Anida Johnson “Cookie” Cohen.  Serving as emcee was Felicia Middlebrooks, award-winning co-anchor of WBBM-AM’s top-rated morning news program.

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