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Giving Back Blog

Gala to support behavioral health


Doctor talking with patient at desk

 Ascension Illinois Foundation gala committee members at the 2023 Ascension Illinois Foundation gala at the Field Museum in Chicago: (Top row from left) Dr. Dane Hassani, Pam Seiser, co-chair Jim Wienold, co-chair Dina Morris, co-chair Dr. Jeffrey Silver, Susie Cassidy, Steve Blye, (Front row from left) Michael Friman, Frank Schneider and Mary Ann Miller.


A national epidemic of anxiety, depression and addiction is hitting communities here in the greater Chicago area.


Proceeds from this year’s Ascension Illinois Foundation gala will help address that epidemic and build on Ascension Illinois’s longstanding mission of providing high-quality behavioral health treatment to all who need it.


On Saturday, April 27, the Ascension Illinois Foundation along with Presenting Sponsor Superior Ambulance Service will host Dancing Thru the Decades at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

“This event is about giving back to the community and it could not come at a more important time,” said Clayton Ciha, President and CEO, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and Behavioral Medicine Service Line. “Together with many incredible partners, we will raise much-needed funds to support people in need of behavioral health and substance use treatment.”

2024 gala: Dancing Thru the Decades

More than 500 guests are expected to attend the gala. They will enjoy a three-course dinner; silent, live and reverse auctions; and a progression of live music from across the decades. Guests are encouraged to dress in formal attire that’s fit for dancing. Ascension Illinois and Foundation leaders will welcome guests and deliver remarks. A short video will share stories of individuals who recovered from debilitating anxiety, panic disorders and OCD thanks to the treatment they received. 


Guests will have an opportunity to win a four-night getaway for two people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and to bid on trips to Porto, Portugal; the Greek island of Santorini; Las Vegas; and a PGA tour golf weekend in Florida. A silent auction will include autographed memorabilia, sports tickets, and experiences throughout Chicagoland and nearby midwestern destinations.

Thank you to our generous sponsors

The gala is Ascension Illinois Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event and is expected to raise $1 million. All funds raised through event sponsorships, guest ticket sales and direct donations will support people receiving behavioral healthcare from Ascension Illinois. The Ascension Illinois Foundation is grateful for the support it has received to date from numerous sponsors, including:

  • Presenting Sponsor: Superior Ambulance Service

  • Platinum Sponsors: BEAR Construction; Heart & Vascular Physicians in Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Elgin, Ascension Medical Group Illinois – Heart & Vascular; Versant Diagnostics; and Vituity

  • Gold Sponsors: A-TEC Ambulance; B and B Maintenance, Inc.; Cardiac Surgery Associates, S.C.; Medical & Dental Association of Ascension Saint Alexius; Power Construction

  • Silver Sponsors: Kaufman Hall; Walsh Construction

  • Bronze Sponsors: DiverzifyPro; Livingston, Barger, Brandt & Schroeder; Sebert Landscape

  • Ruby Sponsors: Affiliated Oncologists; Elk Grove Imaging Associates; Jensen & Halstead Ltd.; Medical Center Anesthesia, Ltd. at Ascension Saint Alexius; Michuda Construction; NorthStar Anesthesia; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Super Electric Construction Company

  • Emerald Sponsors: Baird; Generations Healthcare Network; Eckenhoff Saunders; Generations Healthcare Network; Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell Glazer LLC

  • Pearl Sponsor: Dr. Geeti Ghosh and Mr. Partha Ghosh


Ascension Illinois is the leading provider of behavioral medicine in Illinois, and is one of the largest behavioral health providers in the U.S. Faced with increasing costs of providing care, philanthropy is more important than ever to continue to fulfill its mission. 




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Emily Dagostino

Director, Communications

Ascension Illinois Foundation

708-829-4167

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