Living Legacies 2024

Thank you!

Nearly 400 partners and friends joined us for our "Living Legacies Luncheon" on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

This special event, held at the Harold Washington Library's Winter Garden, honored the milestones achieved in empowering families and shaping more equitable education for all of Chicago's children.

The program featured Civil Rights icon Ruby Bridges in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education and honored BMO for its philanthropic leadership.

Moments from our Living Legacies Luncheon

Kids First Chicago’s CEO Daniel Anello addresses the crowd

Kids First Chicago Board member Penny Bender Sebring with Ruby Bridges and Casey Lewis Varela. The Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor.

Founder & CEO of the CAFE Group Liz Thompson with Ruby Bridges

BMO Bank President & CEO Darrel Hackett accepts Kids First Chicago honor

Guests welcome Ruby Bridges with a standing ovation

Ruby Bridges acknowledges the crowd

Kids First Chicago’s Daniel Anello discusses the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education with Ruby Bridges

Kids First Chicago Board Chair Laura Thonn thanks the crowd for their support in continuing the fight for educational equity

Members of Kids First Chicago’s Staff and Parent Advisory Board celebrate the occasion

Giving Parents the Mic

Kids First Chicago's parent leaders share about their work fighting for education equity.

Quote mark

“We have tolerance, respect, and equality in our written laws but not in the hearts of some of our people. It's not who you're going to sit beside at school that matters now: it's what resources will your school have. My mother had taught me that the only thing you could depend on was your faith, and I had that.”

—Ruby Bridges