05/29/2026
Yesterday we were proud guests at the “More Than Ever” educational scholarship luncheon. Awards were given to over a dozen young people, all clients of La Casa Norte, all having experienced homelessness.
Our host Michael Horvich raised 42k from yesterday’s event and over 440k over ten years. We are a small business without a lot of discretionary income, but know the importance of this cause.
Michael’s late husband Gregory Maire was an architect, designer, and ultimately a philanthropist. One of our directors was honored to handle Greg’s final arrangements (at a previous employer) and fell over herself with adoration for Michael, because who wouldn’t?
The event was hosted by McDonald’s corporation. One out of every eight Americans has worked for Mickey-D’s. Thank you to Hamburger University for lunch!
As Michael said, 2026 is a year of anniversaries. 10 years since Gregory died, 10 years since the first luncheon, and now this is the 50th year they would have celebrated as a couple.
We sat next to a young mom holding her three-month old, both residents of La Casa Norte’s mother and child shelter. Her boss was sitting across the room, had no idea that she would be there, or even why she took the day off.
The keynote speaker was Chicago Mayor’s Chief of Staff; born/raised in Logan Square, fantastic person who also went to Whithey Young (there were five of us there!). She left us with this best quote ever from Gwendolyn Brooks: “We are each other’s business.”
Also, our colleague Jacquez received the Gregory Maire award. Jacquez has worked with
IFC on occasion, and is running a fantastic business of his own. We are happy to support our colleague, because we are all in this together!
