From the moment guests arrived at the HUB, Anixter Center’s seven-days-a-week drop-in mental health center in Uptown, for our inaugural Sip, Sign & Support, hosted by the Anixter Center Ambassador Board, the evening was filled with energy, connection, and purpose. Friends, supporters, community partners, and advocates came together to build new relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the power of inclusion in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, guests experienced firsthand how Anixter Center is transforming lives by learning about our three core service lines and touring one of our innovative community-based mental health program sites. Representatives from our Disability, Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, and Mental Health Services teams shared stories that highlighted the life-changing impact of our programs and the many ways Anixter Center empowers individuals to build independence and thrive.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was a presentation from Chicago Hearing Society, a division of Anixter Center, which offered guests a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, American Sign Language, accessibility, and the lived experiences of the Deaf community. The presentation sparked thoughtful conversations and reinforced the importance of creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.
Guests also learned about the Adventure Club, an Anixter Center member-led initiative that empowers individuals to explore new experiences, build lasting friendships, and gain greater confidence and independence.
Inspired by these stories, attendees came together to raise $8,021.50 in support of Anixter Center’s mission and the programs that help individuals and families thrive across Chicagoland.
As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense of excitement for what lies ahead. To our Ambassador Board, Board of Directors, corporate partners including Wintrust and BMO, our generous in-kind sponsors Vesta Preferred Realty and Grey Goose Vodka, our donors, volunteers, community partners, staff, and everyone who joined us—thank you for making our first Sip, Sign & Support such a meaningful success. Your generosity, enthusiasm, and belief in our mission are helping transform expectations, strengthen our community, and create new opportunities for the people we serve. We can’t wait to continue building on this momentum together.
