Chicago’s who’s who came together for the inaugural Susan G. Komen Chicagoland’s “Ignite the Night” Gala to honor individuals, including Congresswomen Robin Kelly and the University of Chicago’s Funmi I. Olopade, MD. Exceeding initial goals, more than $360,000 was raised throughout the course of the evening through a combination of live and silent auctions and a Fund-the-Need live campaign. Additional VIP attendees included host Zoraida Sambolin of NBC 5, Chicago White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams, Empire actress Ta’Rhonda Jones, and former Chicago Bears tackle Keith Van Horne.
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Ta’Rhonda Jones from Empire
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Ta’Rhonda Jones with Bonnie Gordon, executive director of Susan G. Komen Chicago
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Dr. Funmi Olopade with Ta’Rhonda Jones
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Survivor Marcy Twardak from Corboy & Demetrio and husband Bob
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Former Chicago Bear Keith Van Horne with Bonnie Gordon
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Lolita King, Alicia Cook, Lidia Aparicio Bertha
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Stevens Sainte-Rose from Walgreens and his family
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Congresswoman Robin Kelly and her husband
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Bonnie Gordon raises the W with Ta’Rhonda Jones.
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Bonnie Gordon on stage with Ta’Rhonda Jones
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Stevens Sainte-Rose from Walgreens accepting his award.
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Dr. Funmi Olopade from University of Chicago accepting her award.
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Congresswoman Robin Kelly accepting her award.
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Dr. Sherri Prentiss getting the crowd excited for the fundraising.
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The stars of the video, survivors and those touched by breast cancer, take the stage with Dr. Sheri Prentiss for an emotional moment in the evening.
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From left: Bonnie Gordon, executive director of Susan G. Komen; Dr. Funmi Olopade from University of Chicago; Kenny Williams, EVP of Chicago White Sox; Ta’Rhonda Jones from Empire; Dr. Sherri Prentiss; and Zoraida Sambolin from NBC5 Chicago.
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The crowd celebrates the Cubs’ win.
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Zoraida speaks with the survivors.
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Ta’Rhonda Jones on stage
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Richard and Eve Biller, chairs of the evening
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Award acceptance
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Zoraida emceeing the evening.
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EVP of Chicago White Sox Kenny Williams takes the stage to speak in support of his wife and survivor Zoraida Sambolin and to encourage husbands to be supportive.
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Congresswoman Robin Kelly accepting her award.
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Former Bear Keith Van Horne and Martha O’Bryan
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Richard Biller, gala chair, with Zoraida Sambolin and her daughter
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Zoraida and Ta’ Rhonda Jones from Empire
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Zoraida and husband Kenny Williams with Ta’Rhonda Jones from Empire
Photo: Exton Julius and Kevin Devick