Anne Lamott Inspires at Rush Luncheon
By Judy Bross (Classic Chicago)
https://classicchicagomagazine.com/anne-lamott-inspires-at-rush-luncheon/
“Grace is WD-40 for the soul,” author Anne Lamott, speaking recently at the Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center’s 30th Annual Spring Luncheon, encouraging the audience of 400 guests to realize that: “You are all pre-approved and shouldn’t choose your inside by what people see outside.”
The 30th Annual Spring Luncheon, held this year at the Four Seasons Chicago, has always been a reflection of the Rush Woman’s Board’s ability to choose just the right speaker each year, from Madeleine Albright to Doris Kearns Goodwin to Geena Davis.
This year the best-selling author and essayist Anne Lamott, in dialogue with former board President Cindy Mancillas, encouraged both action and self-reflection, creating a palpable serenity throughout the room.
Author of seven books and a Washington Post correspondent, Lamott urged: “show up with ordinary acts of kindness, using Mother Theresa’s “doing small things with acts of love.”
When choosing the guest speaker for what is probably the most anticipated luncheon in town, co-chairs Courtney Greene, Kristin Koepfgen, and Laura White, working with Woman’s Board President Kate Peterson, were looking for a speaker who could make a personal impact on the audience and who would share life lessons.
“Look for your own generosity, even when you are scared,” Lamott, noted: “We are all vulnerable as kittens but we are made the way God wants us to be. Maybe it’s a sip of water to a patient or a call to ask if a person is ok, we need to get out of ourselves.”
At the top of the program, President and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center Dr. Omar Lateef called attention to the Woman’s Board’s many acts of generosity, noting: “For 141 years the Board has been a steadfast partner and advocate, standing for our multiple missions including community partnerships, research and education and positive patient outcomes. The Woman’s Board is always the first to step up.”
Funds raised from the luncheon support The Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush, which propels Rush’s ground-breaking medical research, as well as community enrichment programs.
One of the oldest woman’s boards in the country, it was founded in 1886 and currently has over 200 members.
Lamott told how her life lessons have driven her writing of best sellers such as All New People, Imperfect Birds and Crooked Little Heart as well as her new podcast series The Big Questions.
“I am 71 years old and as a child I was severely bullied. For years I followed the philosophy of dance as fast as you can to get everyone to like you.”
When asked by Cindy Mancillas about her ability to write about loss, Lamott answered: “Grief isn’t something to get over, but to go with. You have to be willing to feel it, along with grace, faith and hope.”
Lamott counseled would-be writers in the audience:
“Tame your inner critic, the one who has kept you from writing by saying you are too old to start writing, that has kept you small. Look to your own generosity when you are scared and look around to what talks to you to write about.”
Freeman’s | Hindman displayed their jewelry during the reception for luncheon guests. The Book Stall sold a variety of Anne’s books, and VIP guests received a copy of Anne’s newest book Somehow: Thoughts on Love.
The event sponsors were The Garlands of Barrington, Freeman’s | Hindman, Bunny & Babe, Bulley & Andrews, Catherine King at Compass, and ITW.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible event chairs – Courtney Greene, Kristin Koepfgen, and Laura White – for orchestrating such a beautiful event,” said Board president Kate Peterson. “This year’s 30th Annual Spring Luncheon was both meaningful and exciting – a true reflection of their dedication, creativity, and commitment to Rush. Thanks to their leadership and their wonderful committee, the Spring Luncheon was a milestone event that we’ll remember for years to come.”
