About 125 people attended the third annual MB Financial Bank Pride Reception on June 9, held at Sidetrack in Boystown. This was the most that has attended MB's annual early June event, up from 60 and 90 the first two yearsand this was the first time it was held at a local gay bar, not at one of the area branches.
"I thought it was really nice, and by holding the event at an LGBT business, I think it really made a major statement," said Bernard Bartilad, who is openly gay and has worked for the bank for 16 years. He is a senior vice-president and works out of MB's branch in the West Loop.
About 20 MB employees attended, of which eight are openly gay, Bartilad said. Two senior management members attended, and both are straight, including executive vice president Mark Heckler, who spoke to the crowd. Art Johnston, co-owner of Sidetrack, also spoke.
Bartilad said the bank's pride reception is "very important" and the bank's main Pride month event.
"I really liked the fact that it was held outside of the bank, not at a branch, but rather, at an LGBT businessand I think a lot of people appreciated that, too," Bartilad said.
MB Bank will have a float in the annual Chicago Pride Parade for the sixth year, with about 75 in the parade, which includes MB employees, plus select friends and family members.