Marseil ‘Action’ Jackson, Dorothy Leavell, Josephine Wade and Maudlyne Ihejirika are being honored at the Dear Me Care Circle’s Second Annual Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch (Photos Provided).
Caregivers and community leaders will gather on Saturday, May 10, for the second annual Dear Me Care Circle Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch, a celebration aimed at honoring those who care for others while balancing careers, families, and community responsibilities.
Held at the Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the brunch will carry the theme “Love Bears All Things” and highlight the often overlooked needs of caregivers. The event will feature a conversation titled “Who Cares for Caregivers: A Conversation on Policies, Challenges and Resources,” moderated by Fox-TV’s Nate Rodgers.
The panel includes:
- Wynona Redmond, founder, Dear Me Care Circle
- Karen Freeman-Wilson, Chicago Urban League
- Camille Y. Lilly, Illinois House of Representatives (78th District)
Recording artist Kim Stratton will provide entertainment during the brunch.
The program will also honor a slate of distinguished individuals whose work reflects the spirit of caregiving and leadership:
Caregiver of the Year Award Honorees:
- Dorothy Leavell, Newspaper Publisher
- Josephine Wade, Chef and Restaurateur
Special Heart Award Honorees:
- Tonita Cheatham, Community Relations Executive
- Maudlyne Ihejirika, Award-Winning Author/Journalist
- Marseil “Action” Jackson, JAC Organization
Heart of a Leader Award Honorees:
- Danny K. Davis, U.S. Congressman (7th District)
- Mattie Hunter, Illinois State Senator (3rd District)
- Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President
- Jason Ervin, Chicago Alderman (28th Ward)
Caring Heart Award Honorees:
- Edna Parks
- Lauren Whetstone
Dear Me Care Circle (DMCC) was created to offer resources, support, and a compassionate community for those navigating the demands of caregiving, often while maintaining full professional and personal lives. The organization’s mission is to ensure caregivers can care for their loved ones without sacrificing their own health and well-being.
Tickets for the brunch range from $75 to $125, with table sponsorships available for $1,500.
For more information, visit www.dearmecarecircle.org.