Press

The dinner reception celebrated the GLCU Foundation’s success over the past year. With an eye toward fundraising to continue the GLCU Foundation’s financial empowerment efforts in local communities, the event raised more than $16,000.

Emceed by GLCU Foundation Board Chair Patrick Basler, the event included speeches as well. The Mayor’s Office of North Chicago’s Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson, delivered a speech about the city’s vibrant outlook, and GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment Executive Director Matthew Rizzie addressed the audience with the history of the GLCU Foundation, as well as his own personal journey as a child refugee from Laos to America.

The highlight of the event was when the GLCU Foundation presented two very special awards: The Financial Achievement Award and the Community Empowerment Award. Honoring Rashawn Thomas, who almost lost his home to predatory lenders after his mortgage was sold, presenter Wilane Boone, Senior GLCU Foundation Financial and Housing Counselor, whom Rashawn refers to as “his angel” for helping him save his home, recalled, “Throughout our journey with Rashawn, we’ve witnessed him embody three key qualities: creativity, persistence, and transparency. By doing so, he is helping shed light on the assistance we can provide to others in the community.”

After accepting his award, a video of Rashawn’s inspiring personal story was played for the attendees, offering hope to others in comparable circumstances.

The second award went to Loretto Hospital Foundation’s Community Cupboard, a free food and wellness pantry in the Austin neighborhood that provides essential non-perishable items to those most in need, tackling the social and economic barriers that often exhaust under-resourced, financial strained communities. Accepting the award on behalf of the Loretto Foundation was Chief Impact and Strategy Officer Paula Yates.

The GLCU Foundation’s goal is to affect positive change and financially empower everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The GLCU Foundation has one of the largest HUD-approved Housing and Financial Counseling programs in Illinois. “We are incredibly proud and humbled by the generosity of everyone who attended our event and supports the GLCU Foundation,” said Rizzie. “With their support, we can continue providing vital community services, such as housing and financial counseling, financial literacy programs, workshops, grants, and other outreach efforts – all of which make a meaningful, tangible difference.”