2022 Risa K. Lambert Midwest Event
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Risa K. Lambert Midwest Event returned to an in-person format for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together Museum supporters and dozens of Holocaust survivors.
The Museum’s flagship event—which also offered a virtual livestream—included an in-depth conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, journalist, and writer for The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, as well as Museum historian Dr. Edna Friedberg. The two connected Holocaust history with contemporary issues.
Jill Weinberg, director of the Midwest Regional Office; Brian Price, corporate chair; Loren and Howard Friend, honorees; Priscilla and Steven Kersten, chairs, at the 2022 Midwest Event. —Lynn Renee Photography for the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Museum honored Loren and Howard Friend for their dedication and their leadership with the National Leadership Award. The Friends have traveled with the Museum on multiple occasions, visiting countries with significance to Holocaust history and those that have experienced more recent mass atrocities and genocide, including visits to Eastern Europe with a memorable trip to Ukraine and also to Rwanda.
The event has become the largest fundraiser in the country for the D.C.-based institution over the last two decades. More than 70 Holocaust survivors attended the event in-person.The event was chaired by Priscilla and Steven Kersten and Brian Price of Mesirow served as corporate chair.
The 2023 Risa K. Lambert Chicago Luncheon will be held on September 11th at the Hilton Chicago.
Ways to Get Involved in Chicago
Chicago Next Generation
A dedicated community of emerging philanthropists and leaders, the Next Generation supports the Museum through public outreach and fundraising events. Join this dynamic group and help us honor the victims of the Holocaust by transforming their memory into meaningful action today. As the Next Generation, what we do matters. Contact midwest@ushmm.org for more information on becoming a Next Generation member and/or learning about upcoming events.
Chairs Katie and J.R. Berger Johanna and Brian Gutman
Children of Survivors
Children of Survivors in the Chicagoland area gather regularly to learn about the Museum’s current projects and to share their family histories. To join this group, contact midwest@ushmm.org.
Chairs Renee Birnberg Silberman and Dr. Joseph Silberman
Chicago Lawyers Committee
The Chicago Lawyers Committee helps broaden the reach of the Museum by sharing law-related updates and program invitations. It also encourages participation in Museum events among the legal community. The committee sponsors two to four CLE programs annually. If you are interested in hosting an upcoming CLE program or would like more information, contact midwest@ushmm.org.
Chairs Adam Docks, Perkins Coie Rebekah Parker, Novack and Macey
Chicago Teen Committee
The Museum’s Chicago Teen Committee works to ensure that teens and future generations continue to find the lessons of the Holocaust relevant in their lives. Over recent years, hundreds of Chicago-area teens and their parents have come together to hear from local Holocaust survivors and Museum speakers.
Chairs Dylan Grossman Joshua Horwich
For more information, contact midwest@ushmm.org.
About the Midwest Regional Office
For more than 30 years, the Midwest Regional Office has focused on building and strengthening a vibrant community of Museum supporters. As the liaison to this region of the country, the office serves as a resource for Museum members, survivors and their families, and the general public as well as raises funds on behalf of the Museum.
To learn more about the Midwest Regional Office and Museum programming, please contact:
Alison Abrams, Major Gifts Officer
Sally Arnold, Major Gifts Officer
Amy Gershowitz Lask, Development Coordinator
Michelle Leon, Development Assistant
Renee Rotter, Senior Major Gifts Officer
Jed Silberg, National Philanthropy Officer
Jewel Snead, Data Services Specialist
Elana Stern, Development Operations Manager
Amy Topel, Development Services Assistant
Jill Weinberg, Regional Director
Midwest Regional Office PO Box 1852 Highland Park, IL 60035-7852 Tel 312.905.5459 midwest@ushmm.org
The Midwest Regional Office serves Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York (upstate), North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Your financial contribution will help us continue to preserve the history of the Holocaust and share its important lessons.