2025 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

The Humanitarian Awards Dinner is one of the largest fundraising events in the city of Chicago. This high-profile evening pays tribute to Holocaust Survivors as well as civic, community, and business leaders.

Distinguished keynote speakers enrich the evening and address an audience of over 2,000 with their personal experiences and poignant observations about our world, both past and present. This signature event is a moving evening that showcases the Museum and the role it plays in the Chicagoland community and beyond.

For more information, email dinner@ilhmec.org or call 847.967.4852.

2025 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Sidley Austin LLP accepted by Brian Fahrney, Chair-Elect of Sidley’s Executive Committee
• Ann and James Goodman

In conversation with:

• Gen. David H. Petraeus General, US Army (RET.); Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute; Former Director of the CIA

Official Airline of the Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Past Events

2024 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Michael and Juliet Gray
• Wintrust

Featuring

• Debra Messing, award winning actress, producer and human rights activist
• And a special musical performance by acclaimed cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper 

2023 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Northern Trust, accepted by Michael O’Grady, Chairman & CEO
• Pete Kadens, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

Survivor Legacy Award:

• Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Keynote:

• Michael Oren, Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States

2022 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• United Airlines, accepted by Gerry Laderman, Executive VP & CFO
• The Duchossois Family, accepted by Kim Duchossois and Jessica Green

Survivor Legacy Award:

• Sam Harris, Holocaust Survivor and Museum President Emeritus

Keynote:

• George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States

2021 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Exelon Corporation, accepted by Chris Crane, President & CEO
• Scott Swanson, President, PNC Bank, Illinois

Survivor Legacy Award:

• Zev and Shifra Karkomi – Posthumously

Keynote:

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- Former NBA Star & Activist

2019 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Our cherished Holocaust Survivors
• John Ettelson, President & CEO, William Blair

Keynote Speaker:

• Former President Bill Clinton

2018 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Mitchell Feiger, President & CEO, MB Financial, Inc.
• Pamela L. Netzky, Founder & Former President, SkinnyPop Popcorn, now Amplify Snack Brands 

Distinguished Community Leadership Award:

• Robert R. McCormick Foundation, represented by President & CEO David D. Hiller

Keynote Speaker:

• The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair Prime Minister, Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1997-2007)

2017 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, Founder, Chairman and CEO, ComPsych Corporation
• E. Scott Santi, Chairman and CEO, ITW

Keynote Speaker:

• Former First Lady Laura W. Bush (2001-2009)

2016 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Harvey L. Miller, Partner, Benida Group
• Terrence A. Duffy, Executive Chairman and President, CME Group

Keynote Speaker:

• Leon Panetta

2015 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Renee and Lester Crown

Keynote Speaker:

• Walter Isaacson

2014 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• John A. Canning, Jr., co-founder and Chairman, Madison Dearborn Partners
• Thomas S. Ricketts, Chairman, Chicago Cubs and Incapital

Distinguished Community Leadership Award:

• Richard S. Hirschhaut, Founding Executive Director, Illinois Holocaust Museum

Keynote Speaker:

• Dr. Henry Kissinger

2013 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• William Brodsky, CEO, Chicago Board Options Exchange
• Linda Johnson Rice, Chairman, Johnson Publishing

Survivor’s Legacy Award:

• J.B. Pritzker, Managing Partner, The Pritzker Group

Keynote Speaker:

• Bob Woodward

2012 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

Honorees:

• Neil Bluhm, Walton Street Capital
• Don Thompson, McDonalds
• Rick Waddell, Northern Trust

Community Leadership Award:

• Michael J. Rubinstein

Keynote Speaker:

• Dr. Robert Gates