LOOK WHO’S COMING TO LUNCH!
DON’T MISS FIRST FRIDAY’S LAST SPEAKER LUNCHEON OF THE 2023-2024 SEASON!
DR. NGOZI EZIKE : President & CEO of Sinai Chicago
Please join us on Friday, May 3rd as we welcome Dr. Ezike to the podium at the Union League Club of Chicago. A confident, reassuring presence during Gov. Pritzker’s daily covid briefings, Dr. Ngozi Ezike in 2022 left the Illinois Department of Public Health to lead Sinai Chicago. And, while steering this major, 105-year-old Chicago healthcare institution, she’s keeping her eye on the broader picture.
A Message From Fr. John Cusick
As the board and I entered into the “dance” of securing speakers for the 2023-2024 season, I was asked several times “how long has First Friday been around?” Well, to answer that question, the First Friday Club of Chicago started back in June of 1986. That’s a long time!
Looking back on all those years, First Friday has added a number of feathers to its cap with some incredible speakers. But let it be said, bringing some of our speakers to the podium hasn’t always been an easy task. Finding and making connections with a speaker requires lots of persistence, patience, calls and more calls or emails. And yes, at times, this “courting” seems a bit like a dance until we get an answer!
The abundance of wisdom our speakers have shared from the podium on the first Friday of the month is a treasure that I will carry with me forever. I hope you feel the same way! And I hope this is what keeps you coming back for more. Connecting with a speaker’s message and breaking bread with friends and strangers provides a priceless gift to be cherished.
The pandemic was a big challenge to First Friday’s luncheon model and initially, seemed like a tall order to fill. But as I’ve noted before, we learned how to adapt and stay connected to everyone. First Friday survived Covid with flying colors, never missing an opportunity with the help of live-streaming via computers and phones and critical technical assistance from a wonderful past board member!
Increasing costs will always be a challenge for the First Friday Club of Chicago, a nonprofit organization. But as you’ve shown us over the years, your support has aways been timely and integral in allowing this organization to move forward.
And here we are: season number 38, in person, at the Union League Club with the one and only, Fr. Michael Pfleger as our opening speaker. What a gift to be kicking off another season and a privilege to welcome you, to our 2023-24 luncheon series.
Thank you for your support through your attendance and donations. As always, it is greatly appreciated!
Stay well and God Bless!
Fr. John Cusick, Chaplain
First Friday Club of Chicago