The Chicago-based Crossroads Fund, which grants money to a wide range of grassroots and progressive organizations, held their annual Seeds of Change benefit April 4 at the Cultural Center in downtown Chicago.
This year's event was very LGBTQ inclusive, given the success of various community efforts over the past year. The Ron Sable Awards, named for the openly gay doctor and progressive activist who ran unsuccessfully for alderman and who served on the Crossroads board for 10 years, were presented to the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and then jointly to Illinois Unites for Marriage and the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality.
Crossroads Executive Director Jeanne Kracher was the event MC, and she spoke passionately about the role both Illinois Unites and the March on Springfield had in helping push for marriage equality in the state of Illinois. Jim Bennett represented Illinois Unites and Tracy Baim represented the March in accepting the awards.
Sean Carpenter was the designated speaker for the Safe Schools Alliance, and he spoke about the critical role youth play in the LGBTQ movement.
The Donald F. Erickson Synapses Award was presented to Alphawood Foundation, represented by James McDonough. Alphawood partnered with Crossroads to create the Solidarity Fund to raise money for the funds withheld by Catholic Campaign for Human Development from member groups of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights over their perceived support of gay marriage.
Janine Hoft and Michael Collins ended the evening with a pitch for monetary support of Crossroads Fund.
VIDEOS by Tracy Baim and Jean Albright:
Windy City Times: Crossroads Fund Awards: IL Unites, March on Springfield at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Crossroads Fund Awards: Alphawood Foundation at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Crossroads Fund Awards: IL Safe Schools Alliance at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Crossroads Fund Awards, Janine Hoft & Michael Collins at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .