Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago - Walter Florence, Frontenac Company, IVCA Vice Chairman

December 9, 2015

The definition of civic engagement is the following: individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Our second profile is Walter Florence, Frontenac Company, the current IVCA Vice Chairman.

IVCA:  To which one charitable or civic organization do you contribute your time?

Walter Florence:  Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-4350
 
IVCA:  How & when did you get involved with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago?
 
Walter Florence: I joined the Foundation Board about 12 years ago.  At the time, my wife (Kathy) and I lived in Lincoln Park and were “neighbors” with the hospital.  We had two healthy kids - today we have three and we live in the western suburbs.  We felt blessed that our kids were healthy.
 
IVCA:  Why does the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago's mission resonate with you?
 
Walter Florence:  Children’s Hospital is a world class pediatric clinical, teaching, and research hospital that helps families in the Chicagoland area, the midwest and nationally.  At the time we got involved, Children’s was in its Lincoln Park location which it literally grew out of over the last 100 years.  Through the Hero’s for Life Campaign, Children’s successfully built a new state of the art hospital in Streeterville.  With this move, the hospital has secured its next 100 years and its commitment to Chicagoland families.  Their mission, the people, and the opportunity to have a positive impact on so many young lives were all meaningful to us.
 
IVCA:  How does Children's Hospital measure its success?
 
Walter Florence:  Smiling faces.
 
IVCA:  What is your formal role with Children's Hospital?
 
Walter Florence:  Board member.   
 
IVCA:  Are other IVCA members involved?
 
Walter Florence:  Yes, there are several other IVCA members involved in various ways. 

Click here to see the full list of board members.
Click here to see the full list of Ambassador Board members.
 
IVCA:  If interested IVCA members want to get involved, what are the options?
 
Walter Florence:  There are literally hundreds of ways to get involved.  Visit the hospital, attend a community event, make a pledge, etc.  Click here to find a way to get involved!

For more information about Children's Hospital please contact:

Johanna Wheaton
Senior Major Gifts Officer
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation
T 312.227.7252 | [email protected] | luriechildrens.org
225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 4, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2991