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Midwest

2022 Risa K. Lambert Midwest Event

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Risa K. Lambert Midwest Event returned to an in-person format for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together Museum supporters and dozens of Holocaust survivors.

The Museum’s flagship event—which also offered a virtual livestream—included an in-depth conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, journalist, and writer for The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, as well as Museum historian Dr. Edna Friedberg. The two connected Holocaust history with contemporary issues.

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The Museum honored Loren and Howard Friend for their dedication and their leadership with the National Leadership Award. The Friends have traveled with the Museum on multiple occasions, visiting countries with significance to Holocaust history and those that have experienced more recent mass atrocities and genocide, including visits to Eastern Europe with a memorable trip to Ukraine and also to Rwanda. 

The event has become the largest fundraiser in the country for the D.C.-based institution over the last two decades. More than 70 Holocaust survivors attended the event in-person.The event was chaired by Priscilla and Steven Kersten and Brian Price of Mesirow served as corporate chair.

The 2023 Risa K. Lambert Chicago Luncheon will be held on September 11th at the Hilton Chicago.

Ways to Get Involved in Chicago

Chicago Next Generation 

A dedicated community of emerging philanthropists and leaders, the Next Generation supports the Museum through public outreach and fundraising events. Join this dynamic group and help us honor the victims of the Holocaust by transforming their memory into meaningful action today. As the Next Generation, what we do matters. Contact [midwest@ushmm.org](mailto: midwest@ushmm.org) for more information on becoming a Next Generation member and/or learning about upcoming events.

Chairs Katie and J.R. Berger Johanna and Brian Gutman

Children of Survivors 

Children of Survivors in the Chicagoland area gather regularly to learn about the Museum’s current projects and to share their family histories. To join this group, contact [midwest@ushmm.org](mailto: midwest@ushmm.org).

Chairs Renee Birnberg Silberman and Dr. Joseph Silberman

Chicago Lawyers Committee

The Chicago Lawyers Committee helps broaden the reach of the Museum by sharing law-related updates and program invitations. It also encourages participation in Museum events among the legal community. The committee sponsors two to four CLE programs annually. If you are interested in hosting an upcoming CLE program or would like more information, contact [midwest@ushmm.org](mailto: midwest@ushmm.org).

Chairs Adam Docks, Perkins Coie Rebekah Parker, Novack and Macey

Chicago Teen Committee

The Museum’s Chicago Teen Committee works to ensure that teens and future generations continue to find the lessons of the Holocaust relevant in their lives. Over recent years, hundreds of Chicago-area teens and their parents have come together to hear from local Holocaust survivors and Museum speakers.  

Chairs Dylan Grossman Joshua Horwich

For more information, contact [midwest@ushmm.org](mailto: midwest@ushmm.org). 

About the Midwest Regional Office

For more than 30 years, the Midwest Regional Office has focused on building and strengthening a vibrant community of Museum supporters. As the liaison to this region of the country, the office serves as a resource for Museum members, survivors and their families, and the general public as well as raises funds on behalf of the Museum.

To learn more about the Midwest Regional Office and Museum programming, please contact:

  • Alison Abrams, Major Gifts Officer

  • Sally Arnold, Major Gifts Officer

  • Amy Gershowitz Lask, Development Coordinator

  • Michelle Leon, Development Assistant

  • Renee Rotter, Senior Major Gifts Officer

  • Jed Silberg, National Philanthropy Officer

  • Jewel Snead, Data Services Specialist

  • Elana Stern, Development Operations Manager

  • Amy Topel, Development Services Assistant

  • Jill Weinberg, Regional Director

Midwest Regional Office PO Box 1852 Highland Park, IL 60035-7852 Tel 312.905.5459 [midwest@ushmm.org](mailto: midwest@ushmm.org)

The Midwest Regional Office serves Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York (upstate), North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.