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The JJs List Blog

Search Trailblazers 2018 Celebrates 50 Years of Service!

Posted by on March 28, 2018 - 0 Comments

Please join us on Thursday, May 17th for SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018: Celebrating 50 Years of Service at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago! This exciting evening will celebrate the 50th anniversary of JJ’s List’s parent company, Search, Inc.

Search was founded in 1968, in Cabrini Green, Chicago, to serve children with developmental disabilities. Over time, Search expanded its services to adults. In 2013, JJ’s List and Search merged and today, JJ’s List operates as a social enterprise of Search. Since the merger, JJ’s List has grown its core training and advocacy programs, like Disability Awareness and Hop On The Bus to Independence trainings.

On May 17th, we will be celebrating this successful record of providing essential services and advocacy opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AT SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018, guests will enjoy cocktails, fun foods, delicious desserts, awards, and a silent auction. A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Galleria Marchetti blends European charm and magnificent spaces for a truly distinguished experience. All proceeds from SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018 will support the essential services of Search, Inc. and JJ’s List.

We are thrilled to announce that Alan Nadolna, CEO of The Associates Group and Janet Stover, Retiring President and CEO of Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) will be honored with the 2018 Trailblazer Award!

Alan Nadolna, CEO of The Associates Group, has spent over 20 years championing the interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as Chair of the Board of Directors of Search, Inc. His exceptional leadership has impacted every aspect of the organization, from fundraising, to board development and governance.  His important contributions have guided the organization on a continuous path of growth and stability.

Alan’s dedication and singular strategic vision have been instrumental in Search’s efforts to continually expand and enhance its programs and services for people with disabilities. Throughout his tenure as Board Chair, he has also been a tireless advocate in support increased wages for our incredible team of direct support staff.

John Lipscomb, CEO of Search, says “Capturing the enormity of Alan’s contributions to Search over these past 20 years is a virtual impossibility.  He has been an integral part of meeting each and every challenge we have faced and achieving every success we have enjoyed.”

In her role as President and CEO of IARF, Janet has overseen the growth and development of the Association into Illinois’ most influential and effective statewide advocacy organization on behalf of agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities.  Janet has a solid and sustained track record of service and success on behalf of the IARF membership and the communities and individuals from across Illinois they have the privilege of serving. We are so happy to honor Janet in her year of retirement, after 42 years of service with IARF.

Beth Valukas, Executive Director of Search, says, “In a state that ranks 47th in spending for people with disabilities, Janet has been at the forefront of focused advocacy efforts with policy-makers and legislators to effect important change on behalf of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the agencies that serve them, throughout Illinois.  We are tremendously grateful for her leadership and are excited to recognize her at our milestone anniversary celebration!”

Each in their own way, these two trailblazers have made an indelible imprint, not only on the organizations they’ve directly served, but on thousands of people and families across Illinois who seek a brighter future for people with disabilities. It will be our honor to present Janet and Alan with The Trailblazer Award on May 17th. We hope you will join us.

As a stakeholder, you are instrumental in the success of SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018. We respectfully ask your help in order to make this event a success!

How can you help?

There are many ways to get involved!

  1. Sponsor the event…

Sponsors make a valuable investment in supporting Search’s services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sponsorships start at $500 and include event tickets and recognition.

  1. Attend the event!

Join us on the evening of Thursday, May 17th for an elegant and fun reception at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago! Individual tickets are $150. 

  1. Donate items to the silent auction…

We are in need of auction and raffle prizes to ensure a successful and fun evening. Here are just a few examples of items needed for the auction:

  • Travel: hotel or condo/rental home stays, airline tickets, rental cars…
  • Experiences: tickets to sporting events, concert tickets, theater tickets, lessons, food or wine tastings, golf outings, etc…
  • Physical items: bottles of wine or alcohol, new electronics, high-end apparel, accessories, or home goods, etc…
  • Gift cards to restaurants, shopping destinations, movie theaters, etc…
  1. Volunteer…

Volunteer opportunities include helping with mailings and assisting on the evening of May 17th with check-in, silent auction, and more. Please contact Audrey Landale at 773-305-5000 x55 or alandale@search-inc.org to volunteer.

  1. Make a donation…

Gifts to SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS support direct services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your investment will help ensure a bright future for the individuals we serve. To donate, click here and select “Would you like to make an additional donation?”, then choose your desired donation amount.

  1. Invite family, friends, and colleagues…

Word of mouth is an invaluable resource. Please share information about SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS with your network of family, friends, colleagues, and community groups. Let us know if there is anyone you would like to add to the invitation mailing!

Click here to find out more about SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018: http://search-inc.org/get-involved/search-trailblazers-2018

Or contact Audrey Landale at 773-305-5000 x55 or alandale@search-inc.org to find out more about any of the opportunities above.

Thank you so much for your support and we hope to celebrate with you on May 17th!

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