By Judy Carmack Bross
2025 Gala Chair Judith Gethner with Tom Paster and Joel Cohen at a past Village Gala
“The Village Chicago is a community of people who have incredible expertise and lived experience. We will be celebrating our community with a new venue, shared stories and amazing musical performances on September 30.”—The Village Chicago’s new Executive Director Molly Conley.
“Many Voices, One Song” on September 30 at the Arbory on West Grand will once again show that The Village Chicago knows how to unite an intergenerational community with song, conversation, games, prizes and raffles while bringing home the message that “everyone needs a village.” Offering an extensive network of services and service providers, new social connections, lifelong learning opportunities to find purpose and support through life transitions, The Village Chicago celebrates new ways to navigate life after 50.
The Village Board Chair David Baker welcomes guests to a past benefit
Judith Gethner serves as Event Chair, and David Baker is Board Chair. A highlight of the evening will be medleys of Broadway classics performed by four talents vocalists.
Molly Conley
With a career in non-profits working with the senior population, Conley talks with experience about the importance of intergenerational opportunities. “It creates a richer community and promotes understanding and respect when generations listen to one another,” she said. “We have young volunteers who offer rides to seniors and other support and they find they have learned so much. We are a membership community not a residential community. We have many cultural opportunities, we lean into taking advantage of all that Chicago has to offer. Just a few of our offerings are movie groups, walks in Lincoln Park, birding, concerts–members have many choices.”
Madeline Muecke playing the Dash Game at a past gala
Villagers take a bird walk
Conley told us about a very special time in her life.
“When I was about 11 or 12, my grandfather moved in with us after my grandmother had passed away. He told great jokes and even sang a good song. Before, I hadn’t realized that he had a sense of humor. It was a wonderful time for me.
“At The Village I am delighted to be meeting members whose lives have been filled with incredible experiences. We have musicians, teachers, psychotherapists, on and on—what a significant community is woven together. One of the most moving and fascinating features of the upcoming benefit will be the personal stories told by members.”
Susan and Tom Kuczmarski, David Hiller at a past benefit
For further information about membership or the benefit, visit: thevillagechicago.org
