Chicago’s literati shine at library’s Sandburg dinner

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Dia S. Weil (from left) of Winnetka, Dennis and Suzanne DeYoung of Burr Ridge | Photo courtesy of Dan Rest

Updated: January 20, 2012 10:51AM

The Chicago Public Library Foundation broke all prior fundraising records by raising $1.25 million at the annual Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner Oct. 20 at the University of Chicago Forum.

In 2011, the Chicago Public Library celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Harold Washington Library Center and the 10th anniversary of the library’s award-winning One Book, One Chicago initiative.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, film critic and author Roger Ebert was honored with the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, and Rebecca Skloot, award-winning science writer and author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, was honored with the 21st Century Award.

The celebratory evening was co-chaired by Margot and Tom Pritzker, Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Michael Pucker, Donna LaPietra and Dia S. Weil. WBBM-Channel 2 news anchor Bill Kurtis emceed the evening.

Each table was hosted by a prominent Chicago writer. Guests received books signed by Ebert, Skloot and the guest author at their table; the books were the focal point of the table décor.

The evening is the only major fundraising event of the Chicago Public Library Foundation, and proceeds support library programs such as One Book, One Chicago, the Family Summer Reading Program, Teachers in the Library, YOUmedia, Bookamania, CyberNavigators computer tutors, and innovative teen and early learning initiatives.

For information on how to support the library, visit cplfoundation.org or call (312) 201-9830.