By Judy Carmack Bross
Bruce and Anne Marie Adreani
Guests dining at Spark!
Michele Lee and Pablo Celnik MD (Chicago, IL)
Almost 400 Shirley Ryan AbilityLab supporters celebrated together at Spark!, raising more than $4.6 million—a event record—with funds going toward advancing science and patient recoveries. The hospital’s signature event was held at Rockwell on the River with spectacular views of the Chicago River to feast on during cocktails as the CoverGirls played high-energy music on electric violins.
Ronald and Christina Gidwitz with Shirley and Pat Ryan
Jim and Cecelia Ryan (Naperville, IL)
Event Co-Chair Pat Ryan and Pablo Celnik, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab CEO welcomed guests and following dinner guests marveled at an animated science lesson presented by hospital leaders. Lori and M. Jude Reyes and Shirley and Pat Ryan served as co-chairs of Spark!’s seventh year.
Katharine McPhee performing at Spark! 2025
Rich and Mary Beth Murphy (Chicago), Clare Veselik Richardson (Chicago), Mary Rose and Keith Veselik (Clarendon Hills, IL)
Laura and Geoffrey Luce (Lake Forest, IL) with Mary Dolan (Lake Forest, IL)
Chart-topping artist and actress Katharine McPhee performed with powerful videos of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patients and their recovery journeys.
Steve Manus (Chicago, IL), Molly Tully (Chicago, IL), Pat Manus (Chicago, IL) and Michael Manus (Chicago, IL)
Jennifer and David Roock (Chicago, IL)
Spark! proved once again the incandescent power and hope of this great Chicago institution. It is the choice of patients from around the world for acute rehabilitation and its mission to treat the whole patient, both physically and mentally.
Joan Siff (Wilson, WY), Liz Warnock (Chicago, IL), Betsy Ahearne (Chicago, IL), Alicia Ziegler (Chicago, IL)
Sarah Borgeson (Arden Hills, MN), Lou and Kate Morrone (Wilmette, IL), Debi Celnik (Chicago, IL)
C. Brant Ahrens and Molly Shutt (Wilmette, IL)
