Thank you to our generous host, Tao Chicago, who provided this unique exquisite venue and all of the drinks and delicious appetizers.
Thank you to our Raffle Prize Sponsors! Please patronize these local businesses who support our community.
Thank you to our photographer, Jarod Spohrer from Hotspot Photography I am Jarod, who generously donated his services. Consider Jarod for your next event!
RNRA Board of Directors and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly
President Eileen Murray with Rhett Lindsay (Anti-Cruelty Society) & Annie Hanrahan and Becky Lyons (Friends of the Chicago River)
RNRA Directors Carol Mjoseth and Debra Schalk with Alderman Brendan Reilly
Welcome Chase Mangioni and Michael Downs, newly elected to the RNRA Board of Directors
Ward 42: Robert Kearney (Chief of Staff), Joanna Angarone (Director of Development & Business Affairs) and Alderman Brendan Reilly
Alderman Reilly and RNRA Executive Director Mickie Gordon
18th District Commander Michael Barz with 18th Police District Council members Bob Johnson, Karen Kane and Brad Kessler
Sgt. Christopher Schenk, Commander Michael Barz and Captain David Koenig with First Responders of the Year Recipients Sgt. Erick Seng and Sgt. Edward Ranzzoni
River North Clean Streets Crew Member of the Year recipient, Alexsei Pavilainen and RNRA Executive Director Mickie Gordon
Maureen Biggane (Chicago Police Memorial Foundation), Annie Hanrahan (Friends of the Chicago River), Becky Lyons (Friends of the Chicago River), Egna Setiawan (Friends of the Parks), Laurajane Hyde (Gilda’s Club Chicago), Jacqueline Hayes (Chicago Help Initiative) and Rhett Lindsay (The Anti-Cruelty Society)
Clarissa Flores (Tao Director of Operations) and Amanda Barnes (Tao Executive Chef)
Beginning in 2022, RNRA established the First Responder of the Year Award.
This year we are honored to present the award to four Sergeants assigned to the 18th District Tactical Team. They are responsible for supervising their own team, but work collectively as a unit to reduce violence. They are tasked with the most difficult and newsworthy assignments within the 18th District and often change their hours and days off to address crime and disorder.
These teams represent the most proactive tactical team in CPD They have made numerous homicide, aggravated battery, robbery, and burglary arrests of the most violent and dangerous offenders in the city. They routinely arrest offenders for illegal firearms, placing their own lives at risk in doing so.
Each Sergeant has demonstrated a commitment to their officers by leading from the front, which is why their officers work so tirelessly for them.
The success of these teams are due to the leadership of these remarkable men. These men uphold the highest standards of CPD and have the upmost integrity.
Just having completed our 7th year, we’re proud of our River North Clean Streets Program. Through civic minded local businesses and residents who sponsor blocks, we arrange for Cleanslate Chicago to tidy up our neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Cleanslate is part of Cara Collection who trains and helps Chicagoans transition into the workforce.
Of course, we’re grateful to every crew member, but each year, we like to recognize one standout. This year our Crew Member of the Year award goes to Aleksei Pavilainen
Aleksei joined Cleanslate in July 2023. Each weekend he hit the ground running, thoroughly removing litter and debris. His performance, based on his development of workplace competencies, has been outstanding and reflected in high evaluation scores. Aleksei is a leader among his peers and supportive toward staff. Every supervisor that has worked with Aleksei has praised his performance.
Every year, RNRA provides financial and promotional support to non-profits doing incredible work in our neighborhood.
This year, our “adopted” charities include Friends of the Parks, Gilda’s Club, Friends of the Chicago River, The Anti-Cruelty Society, The Chicago Help Initiative, Streets, The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and Ignite the Spirit.
More information is available on our website: https://rnrachicago.org/community/philanthropy/
