Jack D. Lynch, retired Senior Advisor at Gift of Hope (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
The Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, alongside community partners, hosted a “Community Open House” at the Jackie D. Lynch Building, inviting residents to explore the facility and learn about upcoming programs and initiatives.
The event featured several notable speakers, including Congressman Danny Davis (represented by Nikki Harvey), Illinois State Senator Elgie Sims Jr., Alderwoman Michelle Harris, Alderman Will Hall, Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, Kimberly Hobson, President of the South Side Healthy Community Organization, Jackie Burgess, President/CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, and Dr. Sonja Feist-Price, Provost and Senior VP of Academic Affairs at Chicago State University.
Marion Shuck, executive vice president of governmental relations and external Affairs, emceed the event and enthusiastically welcomed attendees, stating, “When we started this project six years ago, there were just four of us with a vision: we needed a home for our community outreach department and a backup call center. As you can see, this space has grown beyond our wildest dreams. I’m thrilled to see you all here on this beautiful day in Chicago!”
Leaders and community members gather to celebrate the Gift of Hope’s new facility, a collaborative space dedicated to health, education, and community empowerment (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
The Jackie D. Lynch Building is home to several key organizations, including Gift of Hope, the Organ and Tissue Donor Network, the Gift of Hope Community Foundation, Chicago State University, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, and the South Side Healthy Community Organization. This facility symbolizes a commitment to providing essential services and resources to the community.
Each speaker shared their unique stories and expressed gratitude for the community’s support, particularly acknowledging Alderwoman Michelle Harris for her vision and dedication despite the building being outside her ward.
Dr. Harry Wilkins, CEO of Gift of Hope, reflected on his journey and the organization’s mission.
“This month marks my fourth year with Gift of Hope. Just two weeks before I took on this role, I worked as a bedside trauma surgeon,” he shared. “I stepped into this position for one reason: there are over 100,000 people on the waiting list for life-saving organs, many of whom reflect the communities represented in this room. My mission is straightforward: to save and enhance as many lives as possible through organ and tissue donation.”
He added, “When you have a mission, you will encounter barriers. It’s your job to navigate around them, over them, under them, or break them down to achieve your goals. My ultimate aim is to have zero people on the waitlist—everyone who needs a transplant should receive one.”
Dr. Nicole Harvey, representing Congressman Davis, delivered a message on his behalf:
“I’m delighted and proud to share in this new beginning with you. Saving lives is the most rewarding service one can provide, and it’s the mission of Gift of Hope,” she conveyed. “Community partnerships are essential as we move forward together. How could anyone not support this effort today?”
She also shared a poem that Davis felt resonated with the occasion, stating:
“Life is just a minute, only 60 seconds in it. Forced upon you, you couldn’t refuse it, didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it. But it’s up to you how you use it.”
Ald. Michelle Harris (8th) recounted the project’s challenges.
“We discussed plans around 87th and Cottage Grove six years ago, but things didn’t go as planned,” she noted. “I had to put on my big-girl pants and push this project across the finish line. It became a labor of love.”
Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott expressed gratitude for the partnership.
“Today, we stand in this beautiful space, a testament to divine purpose, and celebrate a vibrant partnership with Gift of Hope,” she said. “It’s about creating a space for our community. We must never fear our people. We possess the talent and power to make a difference.”
Chicago State University President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
President Scott shared the story of her coming to the historic building, first known as Independence Bank, with her dad.
“When I was about to start college, I opened my first bank account. And you know what it’s like to be with your dad? Most of us always do important things with our mom, but my dad walked me here. He said, here is where you will bank, and here is where you will get your first student loan. Because my father believed in the community and the power of us, and that’s what he taught us.”
Kimberly Hobson, from the South Side Healthy Community Organization, highlighted the importance of their work.
“As a native of the South Side, I am deeply committed to this work. We have important health disparities here, and having a space in the heart of this community is crucial,” she stated.
Jackie Burgess emphasized the National Kidney Foundation’s mission, saying, “Our mission is to improve the health of those affected by kidney disease through prevention and education. Being here in this building is incredibly impactful for us.”
Jack D. Lynch, retired Senior Advisor at Gift of Hope and a Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honoree, shared his journey in the field. “Our collective efforts have resulted in a successful organ donor program focused on the African American community,” he said.
“That reason started back in 1987, and we got into it because they said it could be done, and like our former president, I never participated in, we can’t do it. I would get wounded in those 30-some-odd years, but having the type of wife that I have, I would get home some days, and I’m certain that they didn’t expect me back, and I would vent in front of my wife, and she would sit there quietly. And then, amid my venting, she would get up, go to my closet, come back with two suits, and ask me which one I would wear to work.
She said that because you owe people, you owe the lady who works the paper stand on 103rd and Michigan, the older lady in Highland Park, to whom you said, “You’re going to get her a kidney.”
The event concluded with a tour of the historic building, which was once Independence Bank, the first Black-owned bank in the area. Food and refreshments were served to attendees.
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