For 7 of the last 8 years, Erin has been deeply involved in special event fundraising. In her current role with Rush North Shore, she manages their most significant event of the year, the Spring Gala. Last year this event had a net profit of $230,000, a record amount. Two years ago, Erin relocated to Chicago from Cleveland. In Cleveland, she worked for a hospital system just east of the city. Here she was the lead planner for the largest fundraising event in the county, The Glitz. Close to 600 people attended the event, which raised over $100,000 a year for the hospital. All of these events included various fundraising activities, including auctions, raffles, etc. Erin is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.

Karen Yellen Dillon, Assistant Director of Development, joined ADL’s Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Regional Office in July 2005. Karen’s major areas of responsibility include event management, donor and board cultivation, local direct mail campaigns and other marketing functions. Karen is responsible for a number of high profile events each year, including ADL’s Crystal Globe Award honoring Ravinia’s James Conlon and the First Amendment Freedom Award Dinner, honoring Arne Duncan. She created the ADL`s educational program and essay contest on the First Amendment for Chicago area students. Prior to joining ADL she worked for many years in local television, including ABC 7, CBS 2 and Oprah – as a writer/producer, promotion director and sales marketing manager. She is on the board of Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, where she co-chaired numerous benefits. She is also a member of AFP. Karen graduated from Washington University with a B.A. in Psychology.

Now in her third year as Director of Special Events for Rainbow Hospice, Jackie Mathews has increased attendance at the Angels Ball from 438 guests to 650 and has increased revenue by 60% through strategic expansion of sponsorship, volunteer management, and major gift relationship building. Mathews has served as a consultant for "Cows on Parade" in Chicago, the St. Patrick`s Day Civic Celebration, the groundbreaking for Chicago`s Theatre District, Mayor Daley`s birthday celebration as well as numerous other events in Chicago and Washington D.C. Mathews is currently working on a public art project for the City of Park Ridge that will showcase large fiberglass rainbows, similar to the Cows on Parade project.

Colleen has 16 years experience in non-profits, mainly in special events and volunteer management. Her career began with the American Medical Association and City of Hope. She spent seven years with March of Dimes as Director of Special Events and State Director of Development where she was responsible for 1.5 million annually in special event revenue --- and increased revenue for one event by $300,000 in one year. Colleen recently planned Prevent Blindness America’s Centennial Gala that raised $600,000. Colleen has experience in planning events such as golf outings, auctions, motorcycle rides, walks, testimonials, and basketball and poker tournaments. She has freelanced for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Fire, Chicago Marathon, Windy City Sports and AES Events. Colleen is a member of AFP Chicago and has a degree in Communications.

Joan began her career in event/meeting planning in convention sales at the historic Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago. Over the years, she has worked in several capacities at non-profit organizations both as a professional and a volunteer. Joan has experience producing a wide variety of events ranging from galas, sporting events and concerts, etc. She earned a BS in Organizational Leadership from Dominican University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Illinois Chicago. Joan is presently working toward a MSOL in Women’s Leadership with a focus on Women’s Philanthropy Studies at Dominican. As a Certified Meetings Professional, she is an active member of Meeting Professionals International Chicago Area Chapter and the Association of Fundraising Professionals working toward a CFRE. Joan also volunteers as a Community Liaison for AFS-USA and serves on the council of Grace Community Church, Oak Lawn, IL.