Bethel New Life Celebrates 29 Years and Honors Warner Saunders

The Magic of Mardi Gras came to Chicago’s Union Station as Bethel New Life hosted its 22nd annual “Gumbo Gala” fundraising event.  On Tuesday, February 12, 2008, in the Great Hall of Union Station, friends and supporters of Bethel New Life gathered in support of the organization’s 29-year mission of transforming Chicago’s West Side into a Community of Choice.

As part of the festivities, Bethel New Life presented Emmy Award-winning Chicago journalist Warner Saunders with the Bethel New Life Cornerstone Award, in recognition of his lifetime achievements and contributions to community life on the West Side, as a newscaster, Chicago Public School Teacher and past Director with the Boys & Girls Club. 

Additional honorees included Reverend Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Baptist church for Outstanding Community Achievement and the winner of an essay contest sponsored in collaboration with Al Raby High School was announced at the event.

Gumbo Gala 2007: A Great Time Even in Bad Weather!
Highlights from last year's Gala.

Cornerstone Award Recipient Quintin E. Primo with Steven McCullough	Community Award Recipient Minnie Smith with Steven McCullough	Student Award Recipient Tyion Bridgeman
Advocate's Jerry Wagen Knecht	A reveling participant	Sheila Meyers and T.A. Cummings during our Live Auction

Advocate sponsor table	"A Motown Tribute" provided the evening's entertainment