The Merit School of Music’s mission is to transform the lives of Chicago youth, especially those in under-served communities, by providing them with quality music education to help them achieve their full potential.
Their gala, attended by over 500 guests, took place on May 6 at the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago and raised $1.1 million. The gala celebrated 36 years of education by honoring pianist and philanthropist Judy Istock as well as the Aon Corporation.
Please see photos below, taken by Jasmin Shah.
Verne and Judy Istock, recipient of Merit’s 2015 Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts, with 2015 Merit School of Music Gala Co-Chair Ellen Gignilliat and her husband Bill.
Judy Istock, recipient of Merit’s 2015 Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts, thanks the guests at Merit School of Music’s Gala.
Judy Istock, recipient of Merit’s 2015 Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts, treating attendees of Merit School of Music’s Gala to a performance of “My Favorite Things,” from Sound of Music on the piano.
Merit’s Suzuki-Alegre Strings Ensemble entertains guests at Merit School of Music’s Gala cocktail reception.
J. Barry Mitchell, Merit School of Music Board Chair, and Carolyn Barry Frost, Office of the CEO Vice President and Executive Director of the Aon Foundation, accepts the 2015 Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Aon at Merit School of Music’s Gala.
