Women of Moral Courage Awards Dinner

We are excited that the NCJW Chicago North Shore Women of Moral Courage Gala will be honoring US Representative Jan Schakowsky on Tuesday, June 16 with the Hannah G. Solomon Award. Please join us in celebration of her years of unyielding commitment to the critical work on issues that improve the lives of women, children, and families.

The evening will showcase a conversation between Jill Wine Banks, author of The Watergate Girl, MSNBC legal and analyst, and co-host to the podcast #SistersInLaw and Lynn Sweet, prominent journalist with the Sun Times who has spent her long career covering political issues in Washington DC. They will share their insights into the current State of the Union and What We Can Do About It. 

These are perilous times in which the survival of democracy rests with the upcoming election. As we continue to fight hard, we celebrate three of our own extraordinary members who have proven their courage by protecting our rights and strengthening our communities.

Hannah G Solomon Award

The Honorable Jan Schakowsky’s moral courage has been heralded for over 37 years. Rep. Schakowsky proudly served, first as an Illinois State Representative, then as a US State Representative. She encompasses all that Hannah G. Solomon had imagined women could accomplish and the impact they would have in making a better world. She has changed the lives of countless people.

Jane Addams Award

Carole Levine has worked for social justice reform for decades, through numerous leadership positions. As founder and Chair for Courts Matter Illinois, Carole’s advocacy informs voters on judicial candidates and issues. She is invaluable to our work.

Innovative Leadership Award

Renee Silverman has broadened the reach of Luggage for Freedom, expanding our service to women survivors of domestic abuse. Renee’s energy has increased the amount and scope of essential items available and brought in more volunteers to pack and deliver the luggage to shelters. This program helps women start a new life.

Proceeds go towards continuing the social policy and activism work of NCJW Chicago North Shore. Tickets are $200 per person. The fair market value is $100 per ticket. The remainder of your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Women of Moral Courage Awards Dinner Sponsorship Levels:

All donations of $500 and over include the opportunity to send a personal tribute, an invitation to a wine reception with the honorees preceding the dinner, and listing in the program.

$500 Mensch

• Dinner reservations for 2 people.
• Underwriting our advocacy work on the front line – Witness Slip Warriors, Courts Matter Illinois, Take Action Today alerts, rallies, marches, peaceful protests.

$1000 Leader

• Dinner reservations for 4 people.
• Underwriting our advocacy work with Congress and the IL State Legislature on immigration, presentations of the Silent Witness Exhibit, abortion, civil rights, gun violence, domestic violence, and judicial nominations.

$2500 Visionary

• Dinner reservations for 1 table.
• Underwriting of NCJW Gives Back to meet community needs, including Comfort Care Kits for Illinois abortion clinics, 60 baskets filled with personal care items for our Mother’s Day Initiative to survivors of domestic abuse, our coalition work to prevent domestic abuse and gun violence prevention legislation.

$5000 Underwriter

• Dinner reservations for 2 tables.
• Underwriting our Luggage for Freedom Initiative to provide sheets, towels, and personal essentials for survivors of domestic abuse and Spotlight Salon, our monthly social action program for education and advocacy.

Please RSVP by June 5th, 2026 You may pay by clicking the button above or mail a check to: NCJW Chicago North Shore, 5 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062

Women of Moral Courage Hostess Committee

Tina Cantrell, Marilyn Cohen, Jessica Colman Cheng, Barbara Dolinger, Donna Fishman, Donna Gutman, Iris Iglarsh, Beth Inlander, Amy Kleinman, Sara Kurensky, Jill Perlman, Susan Rifas, Jan Schwartz, Holly Smith, Kim Sterling, Cindy Wolfson