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On October 29, 2024, over 100 attendees joined the inaugural Community Open House at the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s Jack D. Lynch Building in Chicago’s historic Chatham neighborhood. The event honored donor recipients, families, and the community, celebrating the life-saving work of Gift of Hope and the partnerships that promote health and education on Chicago’s South Side.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, a nonprofit coordinating organ and tissue donations in Illinois and northwest Indiana, has saved over 24,000 lives since its founding in 1986. President and CEO Dr. Harry Wilkins highlighted the organization’s mission to end the waitlist for organ transplants, noting that many of those in need are from communities of color. “Currently, over 100,000 people are on the waitlist for life-saving organs,” Wilkins said. “Our goal is simple: to save as many lives as possible.”
The Jack D. Lynch Building is now home to several organizations working to improve community health and education. Executive Vice President Marion Shuck thanked supporters, including Congressman Danny K. Davis, who helped secure funding for the building. “Today, we celebrate the home of Gift of Hope and our partners who share our commitment to community health,” she said.
Strengthening Community Through Partnerships
Each organization with a permanent presence in the building plays a unique role in the community:
1. Gift of Hope Community Foundation
Led by Executive Director Audrena Spence, the Foundation supports donor families, offers educational programs, and raises funds to continue Gift of Hope’s life-saving mission. The Foundation provides a space for community healing and remembrance.
2. National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
Under CEO Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, the Foundation focuses on preventing kidney disease, which disproportionately affects communities of color. Through education and support initiatives, they work to empower those at risk.
3. Chicago State University (CSU)
Represented by President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, JD, CSU provides workforce training and wellness programs, supporting economic mobility and educational equity. CSU’s involvement brings career resources to community members of all ages.
4. South Side Healthy Community Organization
CEO Kimberly Hobson shared the organization’s mission to improve health outcomes across Chicago’s South Side by expanding healthcare access and outreach. Their partnership with Gift of Hope seeks to address health disparities and support community well-being.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Jack Lynch, retired executive and former senior advisor of Gift of Hope, spoke about the organization’s impact since its founding in 1987. “We never believed in a ‘we can’t do it’ mentality,” Lynch said. “Together, we’ve built one of the most successful organ donor programs focused on the African American community.” His words underscored a legacy of resilience, growth, and service.
In closing, Spence thanked Alderman Michelle A. Harris and Congressman Jonathan Jackson’s office for their continued support. “This building holds so much history,” Spence said. “We look forward to making history of our own here—saving lives and impacting our community.”
The open house concluded with a tour of the Jack D. Lynch Building, symbolizing hope, health, and opportunity for Chatham and beyond.
For more information on organ and tissue donation, visit Gift of Hope at www.giftofhope.org.