The Junior Council was founded in 1988, following the establishment by Drs. Ram Yogev and Ellen Gould Chadwick of CMH’s multidisciplinary HIV program in 1987.  Broadly, the Junior Council is an organization of young professionals dedicated to supporting Children’s Memorial Hospital’s patient care mission of providing high quality healthcare to every child who needs it, regardless of his or her family’s ability to pay.  Specifically, our fundraising efforts focus on the Section on Pediatric, Adolescent and Maternal HIV Infection.  To date, we have raised over $800,000 to this end.

The Junior Council strives to encourage a culture of philanthropy in its members and to foster investment in the future of Children's Memorial. The Junior Council has approximately 50 active members consisting of young professionals in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The Future

Since Children’s treated its first HIV infected patient in 1984, the program has grown to meet the increasing need for its patient care, research and advocacy expertise.  Advances in treatment mean that children are living longer, healthier lives.  However, maintaining the momentum of current research endeavors is critical to ensure that such advances continue. 

How We Help as Fundraisers

Our primary fundraising event is the annual Snowball Gala, which is typically attended by over 1,000 young professionals.

The Junior Council hosts a variety of other events in Chicago throughout the year. Activities range from casual weeknight social gatherings to Snowball, our major black tie gala held each year in February. Events have included rooftop parties during Cubs games, a day at Arlington Race Track, an annual Christmas party, a boat cruise on Lake Michigan, miniature golf tournaments and more. Each event raises awareness of and enthusiasm for our fundraising cause.

Education

For more information about CMH’s pioneering Pediatric and Adolescent HIV program visit:

http://www.childrensmemorial.org/depts/infectious/pediatric.aspx