This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Evanston Residents Co-Chair Gala Fundraiser Benefiting the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis

Nearly 300 people came together on the evening of May 7 at the Union League Club of Chicago to celebrate psychoanalysis and the psychoanalytic community in Chicago. The gala started with a special VIP reception for supporters who donated $2,500 or more to the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis Annual Benefit, or $5,000 or more to the Institute’s general campaign. The 4th floor Library served as a visually rich backdrop as guests enjoyed cocktails and a lovely assortment of hors d'oeuvres. There was a meet and greet with headliner Stephen Grosz, esteemed psychoanalyst and bestselling author of, The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find Ourselves. Guests had the opportunity to buy a copy of the book and have it signed by the author, with proceeds of book sales benefiting the Institute. The Annual Benefit raised $130,000, with funds going towards supporting the Institute’s educational programs, clinical services to underserved and at-risk groups within the community, and diverse public programs.

After socializing and enjoying cocktails in the elegant 6th floor Main Dining Room, guests sat down for dinner and the program. Entrees included white fish with couscous, braised rib of beef, and Portobello mushroom ravioli. Benefit Co-Chairs Judy and David Schiffman of Evanston welcomed guests, with Board Member David Schiffman delivering a rousing, rhyming tribute to the 82-year-old Institute that evoked smiles and laughter. Welcoming the guests, Institute Director Erika Schmidt said, “It is a joy to see the efforts of many - dedicated staff, faculty, and board members - come together this evening in celebration of the invaluable work the Institute carries out every day.” Eva Lichtenberg, a longtime board member emphasized the importance of supporting the Institute community in a variety of ways – whether through volunteering on a committee or spreading the word about the positive impact the Institute has made over the last 82 years.

A video produced by Susan McCowan of Creative Bridge Video, effectively conveyed the personal difference the Institute has made in the lives of countless patients, mental health practioners who trained there, and the community.The video featured Schmidt along with cameo appearances from select faculty, program directors, board members, grateful patients, and community partners. Especially touching was the heartfelt gratitude expressed by a Montessori teacher, thanking the Institute for the Engelwood Project, which has given teachers real hope, enabling them to evoke positive change in parents and children emotionally scarred by the violence that plagues this inner-city neighborhood.

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Grosz engaged the audience by sharing several chapters of The Examined Life, concluding the evening with a question and answer session moderated by Schmidt. One reason he wrote the book was to “Convey the magical transformation psychoanalysis imparts on patients – especially for all the people that will never have a chance to engage in this collaborative emotional process.” Grosz remarked about the video, “People were speaking from their hearts with a sense of humility – and the more psychoanalysts speak from their hearts, the brighter the future of psychoanalysis will be. Schmidt concluded, “Thanks to your eloquent, heartfelt words, you have helped ensure the bright future of psychoanalysis.” A lucky guest at each table whose birthday was the closest to May 7 received a complimentary copy of the book, with the runner-up taking home the colorful flower arrangement.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?