October 19, 2018

On October 18, we had a wonderful evening at Celebrating Activism. The annual cocktail reception recognizes CAASE’s work improving laws, educating allies, and championing survivors of sexual violation in Chicago while seeking funds to bolster our work. 145 attendees along with sponsors and donors showed their generous support, raising $38,496 – a record-breaking amount for the fall event – to help CAASE continue in our mission to end sexual harm. 

Celebrating Activism also gives us an opportunity to praise the work of allies in the movement. This year, we honored Karla Altmayer and Sheerine Alemzadeh, co-founders and co-directors of Healing to Action, with Outstanding Activist Awards. Their organization supports worker leaders in developing meaningful responses to gender violence in their communities.

Healing to Action is the first organization in the country to address the needs of workers across industries who are facing sexual violence and economic instability. It is also the anchoring organization to the Coalition Against Workplace Sexual Violence – of which CAASE is a member. Karla and Sheerine’s activism has created the space and provided the tools necessary for workers to access the power that is already inside of them and cast it out into the world, together.

See more photos from the night!

While guests joined us in celebrating Karla and Sheerine, they enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. They were moved by a poetic performance from Cherlnell Lane and deeply touched by a speech from Adam Swanson, a former CAASE legal services client. The two helped illustrate the impact that sexual violation can have on a survivor’s life while illuminating how support can have a tremendous impact on the healing process.

We are so grateful to all those who supported Celebrating Activism and cannot wait to host the event again next year. The generous backing of our sponsors, including Skadden, Mayer Brown, Boomerang Information Services, Motorola Solutions, Corboy & Demetrio, United, Strategic Talent Solutions, MB Financial Bank, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, coupled with attendees’ contributions is a compelling testament to the power of our community to join together to end sexual harm.

If you would like to support CAAES’s work, please consider making a donation.