Signature Soirée

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center Women’s Board raised more than $350,00 at a fundraiser earlier this month with a Jewish deli theme.

The Women’s Board (WB) of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) raised more than $350,000 at its annual signature Soirée. More than 400 guests came together on Sept. 7 at Bryn Mawr Country Club to support the Museum’s mission to preserve the stories of Holocaust Survivors and continue their legacy into the future.

“We were thrilled to have everyone come together for such a wonderful night,” said Sue Spinello, Women’s Board co-president. “We appreciate everyone’s support of the Soirée as these critical funds will go a long way in helping the Museum achieve its mission,” said Leslie Schaffel, co-president.

The evening kicked off with a piano bar as guests mingled, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and bid on Silent Auction items.

The Soirée paid tribute to Survivors with photo displays at every table and a short video featuring Survivor testimony on the Museum’s importance and impact. Kelley Szany, Senior VP of Education & Exhibitions, gave personal remarks drawing from her 20-plus years with IHMEC, sharing how the resilience of its Survivors formed a foundation for the Museum’s groundbreaking holography and virtual reality exhibitions.

“With the rise of antisemitism and other hate crimes, connecting the lessons of the Holocaust to present day continues to be as urgent as ever,” said Bernard Cherkasov, Museum CEO.

“While our primary focus is on education and awareness, social events such as the Soirée are another way to work toward our mission.”

Guests also got a sneak peek at what’s next at IHMEC: “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli, an exhibition opening on October 22. Presented by Once Upon a Bagel, “I’ll Have What She’s Having” reveals how Jewish delicatessens became a cornerstone of American food culture and how delis served

as a lifeline for many Holocaust Survivors and refugees who came to the United States.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the event featured a deli station with mini corned beef sandwiches and pickles. As they left, guests pulled their favorite flavors from the event’s Signature Donut Wall and received special “I’ll Have What She’s Having” branded jars of mustard. All guests also received complimentary admission to visit the exhibition.

The Soirée raises funds to support the Museum’s mission to combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference, and to inspire visitors to become Upstanders who speak out for what’s right—turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. The WB specifically earmarked funds from this event to support upcoming special exhibitions, field trips to the Museum (virtual and in-person) for students in under-served communities, and Law Enforcement Action and Democracy (LEAD) Training.

The Women’s Board was formed 14 years ago with the goal of increasing awareness for the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. It provides fundraising support to the Museum with a focus on educational programming.

Past sponsored events include book and author discussions, film screenings, private exhibition openings, art discussions, and more. The Soirée is the signature fundraising event for the Women’s Board.