Every moment is an experience that can inspire, change, and ignite us. Last week, our Girl Scout community sparked those moments for girls at the first-ever virtual Tribute to Achievement.
For over 30 years, the Tribute to Achievement annual fundraiser has been instrumental in providing financial support to Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI)—and though we didn’t meet in person this time, the evening was still a monumental success.
During this year’s program, we focused on Moments that Matter: those moments in life, big or small, that forever change your future, your life, or the lives of those around you. And you, our supporters, made the Moment Matter like never before.
Featuring stories told by girls, volunteers, and staff, as well as inspiring remarks from our three honorees and visions of what’s to come from our CEO and board members, we got an insight into the past, present, and future of GSGCNWI—and we couldn’t be more excited.
Thanks to your generous donations, our council has raised more than $517,000 and counting. And if you missed out, not to worry—watch the recording of the entire event above!
Read on to learn more about the evening and how you can support our council.
Sharing Moments That Matter
We were inspired by the powerful moments that mattered for our girls and volunteers – and that taught us so much about what Girl Scouts really means to our communities. Hosts Sherina Edwards and Therese Malinowski introduced us to several members who shared their personal turning points: we heard from alum Therese on her powerful National Gold Award initiative Project Dandelion, from troop leader Natalie Wynn on her first year as a champion for girls, and from Camp CEO mentor and Board member Monica Weed and alum Anusha Ebrahim on the power of a happenstance moment.
Also joining us for the evening was Connie Lindsey, long-time Girl Scout supporter, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity & Inclusion at Northern Trust, and Past President of the Girl Scouts of the USA National Board of Directors, who shared her defining moment that changed the trajectory of her life.
It was the moment Connie’s Girl Scout troop leader told her: “You matter— you are not what is the matter,” that everything changed. “I was seen, I was heard, and I was important. That informed my leadership and commitment to service for the rest of my life.”
Reflections on 2020 & Looking Ahead
“2020 challenged us and it changed us,” shared CEO of GSGCNWI Nancy Wright while reflecting on the last year with Board President Kathy Scherer. And even through a year of unprecedented moments, the power of Girl Scouts kept our heartbeat as a community strong. Kathy Scherer affirmed: “Girl Scouts never give up. We personify resilience.”
The pandemic may have interrupted life as we knew it, but Girl Scouts persisted, transitioning to at-home camping experiences, quickly coordinating emergency service projects for their communities, and diving head-first into the waters of virtual programs. “Every one of those experiences taught us how much Girl Scouts really means to girls and our communities,” Nancy continued. “It’s a lifeline. A safe space. A welcome respite when life gets overwhelming.”
While we don’t know what the future has in store, we will boldly move forward as THE place to champion the needs of our girls and their families in every way we can.
Celebrating Our Honorees
Together, we celebrated three incredible honorees who have championed moments of innovation, transformation, and change for girls. Receiving the Luminary Award was Carrie Hightman, longtime GSGCNWI supporter and recently retired Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of NiSource. Polk Bros. Foundation was honored with the Girl Scouts Own Award, accepted on behalf of the organization by CEO Gillain Darlow, and the Corporate Award was given to Sidley Austin and accepted by Hille Sheppard, member of the GSGCNWI Board of Directors and co-leader of Sidley’s litigation practice.
We are so grateful to our honorees who are tremendous partners in and champions for our movement.
The Moment Still Matters
ALL supporters of GSGCNWI now have the chance to triple their impact by making a tax-deductible contribution, thanks to the $75,000 Board Match announced the evening of the event!
Give before March 31 to have your gift tripled dollar-for-dollar.
Thanks to Our Supporters
