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John and Char Cepek. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Rusty Schwimmer. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Toni Weaver, president of the PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Alex Agard and Eduardo Placer. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Benjamin Sprunger, Christopher Gumprecht. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Carole Weidhuner, Treasurer of Hindsdale’s PFLAG chapter. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Charles Middleton, Tico Valle. Photos by Sean Pyles -
David Horowitz, President of PFLAG National. Photos by Sean Pyles -
Photos by Sean Pyles
More than 100 guests enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by an award ceremony in honor of PFLAG partnerships and LGBT achievements in Chicago.
PFLAG President Toni Weaver honored former the former president of PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois, Barbara Schon-Lundberg, who is currently ill. Schon-Lundberg’s husband accepted the achievement award on her behalf.
Eduardo Placer and Alex Agard—both from the American Theatre Company production of Rent—dedicated the song “I’ll Cover You” to Schon-Lundberg.
Afterwards, Rusty Schwimmer, local actress and the night’s emcee, introduced PFLAG National Executive Director Jody Huckaby. Huckaby praised Illinois’ PFLAG and Equality Illinois for their efforts regarding the past year’s legal struggles toward LGBT equality.
Huckaby also made note of Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG, whose historic march with her son 40 years ago eventually led to the organization’s creation.
Modesto “Tico” Valle received an award for his work as CEO of Center on Halsted. Christopher Gumprecht and Benjamin Sprunger of About Face Theater were recognized for their work with LGBT youth. Also, Walgreens was recognized for its new “Care with Pride” campaign, which raises money for PFLAG and LGBT causes.
The evening ended with refreshments and bidding at a silent auction.