Erikson Luncheon 2024
Thank You for Your Support!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, donors, and supporters of the 2024 Erikson Institute Annual Luncheon. Your commitment to mental health advocacy in early childhood education drives impactful change. A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Insel for his insights and to Brandis Friedman for facilitating a thoughtful conversation that explored the importance of mental well-being and compassion.
Make a Meaningful Difference
2024 Annual Luncheon
Erikson’s 2024 Annual Luncheon was a remarkable gathering centered on mental health, drawing attention to its vital role in early childhood development. On October 22, more than 375 attendees came together at the Marriott Marquis to support this important cause and celebrate Erikson’s ongoing commitment to children and families.
Congratulations to Chicago Public Schools and Leslie McKinily
We are honored to present the 2024 Advocacy Award to Chicago Public Schools, accepted by Leslie McKinily, Chief of Early Childhood Education. The award recognizes CPS’s commitment to mental health, including the launch of a suicide prevention program and expanded behavioral health support in schools.
Personal Journeys in Mental Health Advocacy
At Erikson, we are privileged to be part of such important work, supporting mental wellness and early intervention. In this heartfelt video, our Luncheon co-chairs and a dedicated team member share personal reflections on mental health. We are honored by their openness, which serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, support, and early intervention.
We invite you to watch this moving video and stand with us in nurturing a community built on understanding and advocacy for mental wellness.
A Message from our President
“Our focus on mental wellness is informed by urgent needs documented in recent reports. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s advisory highlights the necessity of supporting the mental well-being of parents and caregivers—especially those in the early childhood workforce who often face high levels of stress and burnout.”
Join us in continuing to advocate for mental health in early childhood education.
Watch the highlight reel:
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Erikson Institute’s 2024 Luncheon sponsors for their profound commitment to the children, families, and communities we serve.
Host Committee
Presenting Sponsors
Sabrina Gracias, Ortus Foundation
Peggy & Yung Bong Lim
Founding Partners
The Harris Family Foundation
Linda & Bill Friend
Judy & Ray McCaskey
Cari & Michael Sacks
Sandy & Will Sterling
Zell Family Foundation
Benefactors
Anonymous
Gail Basch, M.D. & Eric Adelstein
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation
Rick & Dee Dee Chesley, DLA Piper
Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
GCM Grosvenor
Shawn & Lewis Ingall
Lori & Ross Laser
Liz Lefkofsky
The Malkin Family
Kate Neisser
PNC
Joy Segal, Anne E. Leibowitz Fund
Jenni Sorenson & John Holmes
Sara Crown Star
Susan & Bob Wislow
Sheri & Sherwin Zuckerman
Sponsors
Patrons
Ikram & Joshua Goldman
Northern Trust
Elenne Song & Soheil Esmailzadeh
Susan Stone & Jonathan Kahn
Advocates
Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Macol & Jose Cerda
Grayson N. Holmbeck, PhD & Marie L. Fioramonti
Steve Kaplan & Carol Rubin
Jennifer and Alec Litowitz
Judy & David Maley
Katherine Mann & Mitchell J. Lederer
Diane Goldstick Meagher & Tom Meagher
Paul & Jill Meister
Mesirow
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company
Mariana Souto-Manning
Start Early
Steans Family Foundation
Sunshine Charitable Foundation
Robin Loewenberg Tebbe & Mark Tebbe
YMCA Metropolitan Chicago
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
Luncheon Co-chairs
Special Thanks to our Luncheon Committee
Lori Laser
Diane Goldstick Meagher
Cari B. Sacks
Sara Crown Star
Jenni Sorenson
Erikson Institute proudly recognizes our
valued corporate sponsors:
Celebrating Erikson’s Mission
Mariana Souto-Manning, Stacey Abrams, Barbara Bowman, Valerie Jarrett and Senator Dick Durbin celebrating Barbara’s birthday during 2023 Erikson Luncheon.