Women's Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
The Women's Board was founded in 1960. Since that time, it has provided major funding for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's (RIC) Charity Care Fund and has made significant annual contributions to many special programs including:
The Women's Board comprises more than 90 members who have made a strong commitment to supporting RIC and its mission of helping people return to productive and independent lives. In addition to fundraising, members support the special programs through direct service volunteering by offering their skills and abilities to meet specific needs.
Women's Board Events
Medicine Ball 2009: An Evening with Steve Tyrell
The RIC Women's Board will host its second annual Medicine Ball on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the InterContinental Chicago. 
This is an elegant, black-tie event featuring a live performance by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell. Mr. Tyrell has achieved great success in his four decades in the music business as an artist, producer, songwriter, performer and two-time Emmy nominee. He has reinvented classic American songbook favorites and pop standards for the modern-day audience. You may have seen him at the Café Carlyle in New York or the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. He will be the toast of our evening.
This year's Medicine Ball will raise awareness for RIC's clinical research initiatives to support its bold vision to advance human ability by translating scientific discoveries into real-world innovations. We hope you will join us for what promises to be a fabulous and inspirational evening!
For more information or to request an invitation, please contact the Women's Board office at 312-238-6023.
Medicine Ball 2008: An Evening of Gatsby
The Women's Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago held its first annual Medicine Ball on Saturday, September 6, 2008, at the Chicago History Museum.
The Ball, chaired by RIC Women's Board members Britt Taner and Tracy Souder, boasted an attendance of more than 400 and net proceeds surpassing $550,000. Proceeds from the event support RIC's new Cancer Rehabilitation Program spearheaded by Dr. Gail Gamble.
Honorary event chair, film critic, former RIC patient and cancer survivor Roger Ebert added a poignant note to the event by emphasizing what it means to live with a disability and the challenges one faces. He also expressed his gratitude to the Institute for aiding in his recovery following several cancer surgeries.
The Women's Board of RIC would like to thank all of its many friends, supporters and sponsors for their continued support and generosity.
12th Annual Preview Party at The Merchandise Mart’s International Antiques Fair™
Chair: Mrs. Anne Hokin
The party, held April 30, offered the first viewing of exhibits from more than 120 world-class international antiques and fine arts dealers. The ticket price and a portion of all purchases helped support RIC’s outstanding work. Attendees sampled sumptuous buffets and refreshments and enjoyed the company of some of Chicago's best designers as they assisted RIC in carrying out its vision to make a difference in the world for people with disabilities.
Women's Board Branca Event and Holiday Luncheon
The RIC Women's Board took part in two events in late 2008 to build support for RIC as well as fellowship among members. First was a pre-holiday cocktail party and shopping event at Branca, the East Pearson interior design shop belonging to Women's Board member Alessandra Branca. More than 60 board members and guests gathered for the evening to visit with one another and select gifts for family and friends. RIC received 15% of the sales generated during the event.
The December meeting also doubled as the Christmas Luncheon at the Women's Athletic Club. During the event, RIC President and CEO Dr. Joanne Smith discussed her updated vision for the future of the hospital as well as the organization's accomplishments in 2008. The afternoon also featured a presentation to board member Kitty Freidheim as member of the year.
About the Women's Board
Follow this link to donate to the Women's Board Annual Appeal
For more information, please contact the Women's Board office at 312-238-6023.