Summary of the Annual Peoples Gala – December 10, 2008

The Annual Peoples Gala was held on December 10, 2008 at the Garfield Conservator located on Chicago’s West Side. The location was easily accessible by both expressways and public transportation. Free street parking was also available.

The location itself was beautifully decorated with holiday flowers, lights, ornaments, and such. There was a warm ambience and delightful aroma of fresh plants about the place that welcomed guests as they made their way to the main room where the event was held. Friendly greeters registered guests and directed them to tables. Respectful vendors lined the aisle with products and services for those in attendance. Nice bags to carry products were made available at no charge from some vendors.

Those in attendance dined on chicken and vegetables catered by a local restaurant. Except for running low and out of food. They’re food was quite tasty nonetheless.

The program was very well put together and represented the spectrum of those who were incarcerated to those providing services and support to family members. Yaa did a fantastic job as mistress of ceremony. The inclusion of the children as part of the program was especially good to see. The reminder of those in attendance to take time with the vendors was done in good taste. A pictorial of the events over the last three years that ran consistently was good for those that arrived at different times. The unveiling and distribution of the resource guide was very well timed. Many in the audience appreciated receiving it.

Especially inspiring were the guest spoken word artist and singer who wowed the audience with their eloquent and captivating speech and song. It was obvious that they gave of themselves during their performance and everyone seemed to truly enjoy them.

The highlight of the evening occurred when speeches were given by those who worked in the Department of Corrections with the inmates. They spoke of programs and their accomplishments in their respective programs. They then were presented with Awards for their dedication and commitment. There were representatives from the Illinois Department of Corrections, Deputy Director Roberta Fews, Cook County Sheriff Department, Program Director Dorenda Dixon, and Cermak Health Services C.C. J. Dorothy Murphy, M.S. R.N., and Dawn Layne, Program Coordinator MWIP/UHR. All were honored for their accomplishments and dedication to serving those incarcerated and their families.

In conclusion, the Annual People’s Gala took a moment at a wonderful, often lonely or depressing time for this special population and through food, song, spoken word, and awards, inspired all stakeholders to be kinder, more patient, and connected with one another. Many thankless hours providing support, making referrals, and providing resources to these needy populations by those in attendance at the Annual People’s Gala are to indeed be appreciated.