
HEIDI LUKAS, PAUL & ELLEN GIGNILLIAT, CHARLIE GRODE
Photography by Todd Rosenberg and Amy Aiello
More than 350 supporters were greeted by Merit School of Music’s spectactular Suzuki-Algre Strings Ensemble at the Four Seasons Chicago during Merit’s 2019 gala. Hosted by WGN-TV’s Gaynor Hall, who is also an alumna of Merit, guests honored long-time Merit leader Duffie Adelson with the Alice S. Pfaelzer Distinguisted Service to the Arts Award. Roughly $1.2 million was raised during the 40th anniversary gala to be used toward the school’s mission of transforming lives through music. meritmusic.org

JON RAYMOND, MARY KING, DAVE THOMAS

JEFFREY BRESLOW, JANYCE COGAN AGRUSS

CAROL HONIGBERG, RHODA PIERCE

DAISAQ CYRILLA, DUFFIE ADELSON

JOSH SULTAN, SUSIE SULTAN, DUFFIE ADELSON, BUTCH PFAELZER