The Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration, a marquee event for Lambda Legal and the LGBTQ+ community, is making a grand return to the Art Institute of Chicago on Friday evening, May 10, 2024. Recently announced co-chairs will spearhead efforts to galvanize local, corporate, and grassroots support, ensuring a vibrant evening dedicated to Lambda Legal’s mission.
“As we gather for the Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration, we’re not just celebrating Lambda Legal’s past victories. We’re reigniting our commitment to a future where everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV experience full legal and societal equality. Our goal is unwavering, and our resolve is stronger than ever,” said returning Co-Chairs Dan Nisbet & Terrence Chappell. “This event symbolizes our collective strength and the enduring spirit of our community. Together, we’re not just advocates but architects of a future where dignity and equality are ideals and realities for all.”
“Every step Lambda Legal takes towards justice and equality sends ripples across the nation. The Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration is a testament to our shared journey, filled with challenges – but also, more importantly, incredible triumphs and progress,” adds Diane Bell, returning Co-Chair and member of Lambda Legal’s Board of Directors.
Newest Co-Chair Michael Mock joins with excitement, “As we come together, we celebrate the power of unity and the impact of our collective voice. Our work at Lambda Legal is far from over, but with the support and dedication of everyone here, we’re paving the way for a more just and inclusive world.”
The 2024 Bon Foster Co-Chairs are:
Terrence Chappell & Dan Nisbet
Terrence Chappell is the Principal of Chappell Communications Group, a social media agency that specializes in socializing nuanced messaging among cultural communities. He partners with clients and organizations to tap into the human experience across advocacy and mission-based work. He is a regular contributor to Chicago’s newsmagazine shows discussing pertinent news and cultural topics around social media. He has been published in Teen Vogue, The Advocate, Reader, and more.
Dan Nisbet, Vice President of Development at Feeding America, has provided fundraising leadership and consulting support to human services, education, healthcare, civic, cultural, and faith-based organizations throughout the United States and internationally for more than 20 years. Terrence and Dan reside on Chicago’s North Side.
Diane Bell
Diane Bell is a partner at Ice Miller and the office managing partner for the Chicago office. She focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions and growth investments, with an emphasis on private equity transactions. Diane also serves on Lambda Legal’s Board of Directors and is a member of Lambda’s executive committee. She lives in Oak Park.
Michael Mock
Michael Mock is a financial advisor with Westpoint Financial. He and his team focus on comprehensive financial planning, wealth management, and charitable giving strategies. Michael also serves a national role with Lambda as a member of the Legacy and Planned Giving Council.
More Information on the Bon Foster Celebration
Each year, the Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration significantly contributes to Lambda Legal’s mission, raising over $600,000. This pivotal event honors the legacy of Robert Bonvoulier “Bon” Foster, a remarkable Chicago attorney and civil rights advocate. Foster’s powerful legacy, especially after his passing from AIDS complications in 1991, includes a generous endowment to establish Lambda Legal’s regional office in Chicago. For further details or to secure tickets for this year’s event, please visit www.lambdalegal.org/bonfoster.