These would be clients’ assignments that involve public
service, cause-related programs or charitable work. Recent LCWA efforts include
heralding a state-wide bike ride that helps injured military veterans
rehabilitate, securing donations to a national animal welfare organization, publicizing
a fashion show that raised funds for local charities and arranging sponsorship
of a documentary on fire safety.
Another meaningful project occurred this past week. LCWA
helped the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (www.ilholocaustmuseum.org)
plan and stage Kristallnacht 75, a
program to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the horrific night
that started the Holocaust. Kristallnacht, translated from the German as the
“night of broken glass,” was the first organized act of Nazi violence against
the Jewish people of Germany and Austria that culminated in the murder of
millions. 
The event featured personal and historical perspectives about
Kristallnacht and its relevance today from prominent religious, academic and
community leaders. We helped enlist speakers (such as Illinois Attorney General
Lisa Madigan, Cong. Brad Schneider, National Commander of the Jewish War
Veterans of the USA Dr. Robert Pickard, among many other dignitaries), arranged
for honorary co-sponsors (which included eight local mayors), developed copy
for direct outreach to target audiences, and generated media coverage,
highlighted by a riveting front page Chicago
Tribune article.
More than 700 people attended the Nov. 9 event to hear
the moving and memorable reflections from participants. As program chair Al
Gruen said, “The Kristallnacht commemoration is not just a remembrance of the
past, but an opportunity to remind the world of what can happen when such
ideologies take control. Programs such as these help ensure the phrase, “Never
Again,’ is heard around the world.”
Playing a role in the extraordinary program that evening,
indeed, was a rewarding experience.
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