2025
CHICAGO HUMANITARIAN
AWARD DINNER
honoring
Humanitarian Award
Medals of Valor
Government Leadership Award
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Theater on the Lake
2401 North DuSable Lake Shore Drive
6pm | Cocktail Reception
7pm | Program and Dinner
Unable to attend? Make a donation
For more information contact Lori Tessel
310-772-2426 • ltessel@wiesenthal.com
Business Attire • Valet Parking • Dietary Laws Observed
HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT
TODD STERN
, BBA, MBA
Todd Stern, the grandson of Holocaust survivors, has served as a leader with the Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) for more than a decade and currently serves as a Trustee. His visionary leadership shaped the innovation of the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT). After leading a group of Midwest SWC supporters to Toronto to learn more about the Tour For Humanity in Canada, Todd spearheaded the advocacy for funding from the state of Illinois in 2021. Today, SWC’s MMOT initiative has grown into a nationwide educational campaign with an expanding fleet of eight Mobile Museums operating across five states. The MMOT offers schools and communities the opportunity to engage in the highly regarded curriculum of the Museum of Tolerance.
Todd Stern, a highly accomplished healthcare executive, has devoted more than two decades to building and leading some of the most successful organizations in the post-acute and hospice care industry. More recently, Mr. Stern established Enfield Capital, his family office dedicated to investment opportunities across both healthcare and non-healthcare sectors. Enfield Capital engages in investments through both active and passive strategies. In 2020, Mr. Stern orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar merger between Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care and AccentCare. Following this milestone achievement, he assumed the role of Executive Vice Chairman at AccentCare, contributing his expertise to further advance their integrated healthcare services.
Residing in the suburbs of Chicago with is wife Raphaela and their three teenage children, Mr. Stern remains deeply involved in community causes, driven by a commitment to Jewish values.
MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENT
PATRICIA HEATON
She has travelled to Rwanda, Zambia and Syria with the humanitarian organization which focuses on conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries.
Patricia Heaton has created memorable, lovable and relatable characters on TV steadily for the past 25 years. She is perhaps best known for her role on the beloved and critically acclaimed series “Everybody Loves Raymond” for 9 seasons. She followed that up with another 9 season run, starring on the ABC cornerstone, single camera comedy “The Middle.”
Heaton is a mother to four sons and divides her time between Los Angeles and Nashville with her husband.
Patricia Heaton is a committed philanthropist and in 2024 Heaton founded the October 7th Coalition (october7coalition.com), a movement of Christians, committed to public and private support and protection of the Jewish community, O7C recognizes Israel’s right to exist and emphatically and vociferously reject all antisemitism. They aim to unite, promote, and encourage meaningful public and private action in the Christian community to strengthen relationships with the Jewish community. Their goal is being achieved through a number of ecumenical opportunities that aim to educate, find common ground, and encourage Christians to find ways to support the Jewish community in their sphere of influence. Heaton is also a founding member of World Vision’s CelebrityAmbassador Network.
MEDAL OF VALOR RECIPIENT
KAREEM
K.W.O.E. WELLS
Kareem has been on the forefront of activism and standing with SWC and the Jewish people since Oct. 7. He bears witness to the atrocities and attends our events to use his voice and share the truth. He also shows up to support students on college campuses at the pro-Israel rallies.
Through Kareem's entertainment company, Flow Entertainment, and his foundation, the K.W.O.E. Foundation, we’ve created Parties with Purpose—a meaningful initiative where we join Bar/Bat Mitzvah children on their day of service, partnering with kids from Black and Brown communities to spread love, kindness, and connection. Together, we engage in impactful projects, share
conversations, and build bridges, showing each other just how much we have in common. Kareem also brings these communities together through the things they love—dance, basketball, music, art, and more—sharing moments that inspire and unite. This has been his passion for a long time.
At a time when division and hate seem more widespread than ever, this initiative has made a powerful impact by creating genuine connections and spreading love. It’s a testament to how shared experiences and joy can bring people together and build bridges toward a future filled with love.
Kareem has also been spreading love and support both online and in real life - posting and sharing messages of encouragement with his Jewish friends and family. He's also shared content to help educate himself and others and to help combat hate with love.
GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
DON HARMON
Illinois Senate President
In January 2020, Don Harmon was elected by his colleagues to serve as the 39th President of the Illinois Senate, vowing to lead a new era of ethical progress as the Senate works to rebuild trust in public service and rationalize state tax policy.
Harmon, an Oak Park native, was first elected to the Illinois Senate in the fall of 2002. During his time in the General Assembly, he championed early childhood education, ethics reform, curbing gun violence, protecting civil rights and expanding voter access.
He also worked to protect Illinois’ natural resources, promote renewable energy and enhancing economic opportunity for all. Harmon was an early supporter of Preschool for All programs and sponsored the Illinois Early Learning Council. Harmon led efforts to win legislative approval of the Fair Tax constitutional amendment that will give voters the opportunity to overhaul the state’s antiquated tax system.
Harmon has an undergraduate degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and a law degree and MBA from the University of Chicago. He was a founding member of the Boat Drink Caucus band, a bipartisan group of lawmakers who set aside politics to perform at small venues across the state.
All but the fair market value of the dinner, $300 per person, is tax deductible. Tax ID# 95-3964928
In the last fiscal year, for each dollar spent, the Center allocated 67 cents to program services, 8 cents for fundraising, and 25 cents for general and administrative expenses.