For those of you who have previously attended our annual Fall Galas, you have experienced the joy and community we share as we gather to support Margaret’s Village, commemorate the legacy of Sister Margaret Traxler, and celebrate our honorees.

If this is your first time attending, this Annual Fall Gala gala is the perfect time to join us. It will be a special evening highlighting our success and revealing our vision for the future.

All are welcome in our village. Please plan to be with us and invite your family and friends to join us as well.

Thursday, October 9th
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Cocktails Hour Followed by Dinner
at the
Swissotel, Eleve Ballroom
323 W Wacker Drive Chicago Il, 60601
Attire: Formal (Black tie optional)

Dan Riley, Chicago Based Musician, Actor and Educator

will be our Master of Ceremony for the evening.

Dan Riley

Our Honorees

We are excited to recognize these outstanding individuals for their Commitment to Sheltering Hope and Building Community

Dr. Garth Walker

Dr. Garth Walker is a healthcare executive, board-certified Emergency Physician, and recognized public health leader. As Chief Medical Officer for Rush Health, he oversees a network of physicians and hospitals serving 160,000 patients, advancing value-based care, health equity, and chronic disease management. Previously, he served as Deputy Director at the Illinois Department of Public Health during COVID-19 and was appointed a White House Fellow under Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. An accomplished academic and civic leader, Dr. Walker serves on several boards and has been honored with Crain’s and Modern Healthcare “40 Under 40” awards.

Dr. James O'Connell

Dr. James J. O’Connell is President of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. A graduate of Notre Dame, Cambridge, and Harvard Medical School, he began serving Boston’s homeless in 1985. He co-founded the first medical respite program for the homeless and pioneered a computerized medical record system. Widely published and honored, his work is featured in books and documentaries, including Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder.

SOLU logo

Solu is a community-driven initiative under the leadership of Executive Director Rabbi Hody Nemes, that builds bridges across Chicago through acts of service. From building a literacy center on the South Side to serving meals at homeless shelters and assembling hundreds of backpacks for refugee children, Solu exemplifies compassionate leadership. Their partnerships—with communities like Margaret’s Village, Bright Star and the Rohingya Center—reflect a deep commitment to unity, dignity, and care.

miLTS bARbqUE

Local philanthropist and real estate developer Jeff Aeder opened Milt's BBQ for the Perplexed in East Lakeview on Chicago’s North Side in January, 2013. Aeder's vision was to create a premier kosher restaurant that could also serve as a vehicle for positive change. In the 12-plus years since opening, Milt’s has donated to hundreds of charities in the greater-Chicago community, supporting a different organization each month. Bryan Gryka has been with the restaurant since its inception, initially serving as the Executive Chef and eventually General Manager. In 2020, Aeder transferred ownership of Milt's to a group of its longtime employees, with Chef Gryka taking a controlling interest. This transition ensured that the restaurant's founding principles of quality, community, and philanthropy would continue to thrive under the stewardship of those who know it best.

Ray and Joan Tobin Service Award recipients

Maria Diecidue

Maria Diecidue has decades of marketing communications experience in the high-tech sector, including a career at IBM. Maria served in the IBM Corporate Service Corps, where she was deployed to India to help citizens in vulnerable communities better manage their limited water resources. She has volunteered for several organizations, including the Illinois Green Building Council, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and was a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center. Since retiring in 2016, she has supported Margaret’s Village by developing marketing plans and writing communications, including newsletters and announcements. As an advocate for social justice, she aims to raise awareness of the mission of Margaret’s Village through her efforts.

Faraz Sardharia

Faraz Sardharia is the visionary chef and founder of Elevation Hospitality Group. Known for producing over 800,000 meals during the 2023 migrant crisis, his leadership in fighting food insecurity is exemplary. In moments when Margaret’s Village was without kitchen staff, Faraz and Elevated Meal Services provided weekend meals for residents at both shelters. His compassion and community commitment embody the heart of our mission.

Margaret's Village Board of Directors

Angela Hicks, Executive Director

Nandita Pinisetti, Board Chair

Murali Balakumar

Natalie Bookey Baker

Catherine Grimsted

Geraldine Gorman, PhD

Jasmine Guy

Maria Hibbs, PhD

Brien Johnson

Ann Beran Jones

Blake Lueders

Bertha Mitchell-Smith

Rosalyn Putman

Laura Spizzirri

Renee Walker, PhD.

Mark Weber

Cheryl Wolfe, MD

About Margaret's Village

Margaret’s Village is a (501c3) nonprofit organization, operates two 50-bed residences: Maria Shelter, for women and children in Englewood, and Believe Shelter, in South Chicago for families. Both act as a safety net to help transition our residents from homelessness and isolation into community and self-sufficiency. An integral part of the Englewood community, Margaret’s Village also operates the Vincennes Senior Center, where seniors participate in programs and services.

A Brief History of Margaret's Village

It all began in 1974 when Sister Margaret Ellen Traxler founded the Institute of Women Today (IWT), with a group of like-minded interfaith women who joined her to advocate against injustice of any form and were especially drawn to helping women and children. In the late 1980's, IWT changed its focus from advocacy to direct service.

In 1989, Cardinal Bernardin facilitated the sale of the Yale Avenue campus to IWT, and we opened Maria Shelter and the Vincennes Senior Center. Maria shelter serves women and their children.

In 2012, Believe Shelter was added to serve families of various configurations, that may include adult men.

In 2016, we were renamed Margaret’s Village in honor of the enduring legacy of Sister Margaret.

With your support Margaret’s Village will continue our work and expand our mission for another 50 years and beyond, for as long as our community needs us.

Margaret's Village 2025 Fall Gala

Sheltering Hope, Building Community