Patrick McCarthy’s Be Your Best Video Debuted at the 12th Annual Inspire Greatness Gala for Special Olympics Illinois
The event raised 1.3 million with 750 attendees.
On Saturday, May 11 Special Olympics Illinois hosted the 12th Annual Inspire Greatness Gala at the Fairmont Chicago. The event welcomed over 700 guests and raised $1.3 million for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.
The event was chaired by Michael L. Scudder, Chief Executive Officer, First Midwest Bancorp Inc., along with Executive Vice Chair, Joe Antunovich, President, Antunovich Associates.
Zimyra Ross, Special Olympics Illinois athlete, co-emceed the program alongside, Special Olympics Illinois Board Member and Chicago Journalist, Rob Johnson.
United Airlines and its staff were recognized for their dedication to the Special Olympics mission and people with intellectual disabilities.
The night continued with a special message from Patrick McCarthy, the featured Special Olympics Illinois athlete of the evening. Attendees enjoyed an uplifting and comical video, titled Be Your Best, which took guests through the many facets of Patrick’s life as a Special Olympics Illinois athlete. The video guest starred Hamilton Chicago cast members, Miguel Cervantes & Jamaal Fields- Green as well as Jon Seda of Chicago P.D.
The video concluded with crowd-roaring applause and a standing ovation. Patrick’s smile was infectious as the audience continued to cheer his name as walked to the podium to give his speech.
Patrick spoke about the many opportunities Special Olympics Illinois has afforded him. He added in humor, personality, spunk to his speech. Patrick inspired the audience to be their best, just like Special Olympics Illinois inspired greatness within Patrick.
The Be Your Best video could not have been a success without the help of many contributors. Thank you to Cinespace Chicago, Hamilton Chicago cast members, Johnny’s Ice House, Jon Seda of NBC Chicago P.D., Lowes Hotel, Misericordia Heart of Mercy, Noise Floor Sound Solutions, and Panera Bread.
Event Sponsors:
- Gold Sponsors: First Midwest Bank, and Mike & Karen Atwood
- Silver Sponsors: Advocate Health Care, Antunovich Associates, Ariel Investments, Blue Cross BlueShield of Illinois, KPMG, Magellan Corporation, MAKE Corporation, McKinsey & Company, The Stack Family Foundation & Jim and Mary Corrigan, Tom & Jan Murray Family Foundation, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Union Carpenters & Contractors
- Champagne Sponsors: Chapman and Cutler LLP, Goldman Sachs, and Sandler O’Neil + Partners L.P.
- Bronze Sponsors: Advantage Paving Solutions, AJ Gallagher, Coupa, Elkay, EY, Foley & Lardner LLP, Forum Financial, Gelber Group, Hyatt, ITW, Jenny & P. Jay Fortner Family Fund, JP Morgan, Knights of Columbus, Pat and Rosemary O’Connor Family, PNC, Stephens Inc., Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister, TransUnion, USG, VedderPriceSM, and Wintrust