On Tuesday September 24, at the Chicago History Museum, The Village held “Light Up the Night”, our 2024 annual fundraiser. A lively crowd of 220 had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones at the cocktail reception. This year, though, came with an exciting twist— fun games with prizes that helped boost the funds raised that evening. 

Auctioneer Keith Jones energized the room, and sparked enthusiastic bidding with his fast-paced presentation, showcasing irresistible travel packages and Chicago experiences.

The evening culminated in a breathtaking performance by three talented young artists from Lyric Opera’s Ryan Opera Center. 

This event is important because the Village is important. We are a unique community of people dedicated to each other’s wellbeing, supported by a professional staff, providing vital connections and resources for navigating life after 50. There’s truly nothing else like us.

Thanks again to Judith Gethner and Ira Kohlman, event co-chairs, for their leadership; to the fundraiser committee and staff for their hard work – and most of all to you, our members for your commitment and support.

Chicago (May 2, 2024)  The Village Chicago, the city’s leading community network of friendship, engagement, and services for people over 50 announced today the appointment of Niki Fox as Executive Director effective May 13, 2024. She replaces Darcy L. Evon who stepped down after five years of extraordinary contributions to the organization.  

David Baker, Board Chair and Chair of the Search Committee said: “Niki’s intimate knowledge of The Village’s mission, members, and programs made her the ultimate choice after a thorough search. I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”  

Since 2015, when Fox first came to the Village she has demonstrated her strategic and operational capabilities which, combined with her skills at listening, understanding, and fulfilling individual and community needs, make her uniquely prepared to step into this role.  

In her previous position as as Director of Health and Wellbeing, Fox was instrumental in developing new program and service offerings with a broad range of community partners – including the development of the Village’s best-in-class Memory Loss and Brain Health programs.  

Neelum Aggarwal, MD of the Rush University Medical Center Department of Neurological Sciences says, “Niki has been a tireless advocate for the health and wellbeing of Village members. She also has worked alongside members of our Village Research Committee, offering her insights, and expertise to the various research proposals we receive from Chicagoland institutions and community partners.”  

Fox says, “I am honored to be selected as Executive Director and eager to put my experience to work on behalf of the Village community. As The Village celebrates 15 years of service to Chicago’s older adults and their families, I look forward to the future from this new vantage point, guided by our shared vision of aging well with empathy, passion, and purpose.”  

About the Village Chicago: The Village Chicago is a community network of friendship, engagement, and services for people over 50. We support all aspects of wellbeing through social engagement, an extensive services and referral network, lifelong learning, health and fitness, intergenerational relationships, work, and purpose.