Kenneth Cole made a special appearance as keynote speaker for Chicago House's 4th Annual Speaker Series event Nov. 2 at the Hilton Chicago.
"His generous interests reflect the core values of Chicago House, making him an excellent addition to the growing list of prominent individuals featured here at our largest annual fundraising event, The Speaker Series," Chicago House CEO Rev. Stan J. Sloan and Chicago House Board Chair Ed Laginess wrote in the event's printed program.
Todd Hamilton, founder and senior managing director of Bolder Capital, and Susanna Negovan, "Splash" editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, co-chaired the luncheon held at the Chicago Hilton. Cheryl Burton, ABC-7 co-anchor, served as the emcee for the afternoon, leading a Q&A session with Cole following his speech.
Guests had the opportunity to support the cause further by donating money toward Chicago House to build bedrooms, computer stations and gardens throughout the event.
"I have a genuine appreciation for the important work that Rev. Sloan [CEO of Chicago House] and the Chicago House does and I appreciate this invitation to be here to share with you and to impose upon you some aspects of my journey and a few insights I've picked up along the way," said Cole, the brand's chairman and chief creative officer.
The fashion designer and humanitarian stated he does not typically make speeches. However, at the podium in front of the hotel ballroom, he shared his experience starting Kenneth Cole Productions 25 years ago out of the back of a 40-foot trailer in New York City and how the company has expanded over the years with a goal of "making cool clothes for cool people."
Also standing as chairman of The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and a founding board member to the homeless organization HELP USA, Cole spoke about his philanthropic beliefs and how he found importance in combining business with social action. Photos by Bahar Partow; more online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com