Much Shelist is pleased to announce it has raised more than $36,000 for the 2017 Make-A-Wish Illinois campaign. This is the most the firm has donated to a single Make-A-Wish campaign to date, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of Much Shelist’s staff, attorneys, friends of the firm and an $18,000 challenge grant from client No Simple Highway, a donor-advised fund.
Much Shelist participated in the campaign for its eighth consecutive year to help grant the wishes of Illinois children with life-threatening illnesses. With cumulative giving exceeding $100,000 since 2010, this year the firm will become a member of the Chris Greicius Society of Hope, named for the young boy who inspired the inception of Make-A-Wish. Membership in the society signifies lifetime giving between $100,000 and $250,000.
Paul Austin, Much Shelist Director of Information Services, has led the firm’s Make-A-Wish fundraising efforts over the years in honor of his daughter, a childhood cancer survivor. Austin and the Much Shelist team commemorate each campaign with unique gestures of gratitude. This year Paul celebrated the firm’s giving milestone with a permanent Make-A-Wish Society of Hope tattoo and fun hairstyle, while Much Shelist attorney Shawn Staples shaved his head to celebrate the achievement. Paul and the firm were also featured in an article in The New Lenox Patriot.
“We take pride in our contribution to Make-A-Wish and our efforts to advance the organization’s mission to help families during such a challenging and vulnerable time,” said Steven P. Blonder, Chair of Much Shelist’s Social Responsibility Committee. “We are inspired by Paul and his family’s efforts.”
“Our firm continues to exhibit a commitment to philanthropy and to each other that is truly moving,” added Mitchell S. Roth, Co-Chairman. “Each year, I am in awe of our collective efforts and proud of our support for Make-A-Wish Illinois.”