Affinity Groups

President's Council:
The President's Council is comprised of business and community leaders who recognize the value of The Chicago Lighthouse to the well-being of our community.  These individuals are called upon, selectively, by the Lighthouse President.

Associate Board:

The Associate Board of The Chicago Lighthouse represents a group of women from Chicago and the North Shore who have joined together to raise awareness about the services offered at the Chicago Lighthouse. Since 1986, the Associate board has raised more than one million dollars by hosting an annual House and Garden Walk, held the fourth Wednesday of June, on the North Shore.

The Associate Board has chosen to direct most of their contributions to the Birth to Three Family Intervention Program.  This program provides home-based and center-based services to families with children, from birth to three years of age, who are blind or visually impaired. Over the past 5 years, the Associate Board has also been able to direct gifts to the Low Vision Clinic, the Seniors Program and, through the donation and distribution of coats, hats and mittens, the Development Center for blind and multi-disabled children.

Professional Advisory Council:
The Chicago Lighthouse relies on its Professional Advisory Council (PAC) comprised of leading area optometrists and ophthalmologists for referrals to the Low Vision Clinic, outreach to patients and other eye care professionals, and support of its organizational mission.

The PAC convenes twice a year once in the spring, at a working group meeting, and once in the fall for an annual dinner. While there are no dues or fees to join, PAC members are encouraged to support the Lighthouse's advancement efforts with an annual gift, and by attending various fundraising events throughout the year.

Young Philanthropists Board:
The Chicago Lighthouse Young Philanthropists Board (YPB) is a diverse group of young professionals who share a passion for helping people who are blind or visually impaired. Through fundraising events, volunteer service, advocacy, community outreach and education, the YPB impacts the lives of both those with and without visual disabilities.

Funds raised by the YPB support The Chicago Lighthouse's ongoing programs. This includes the Scholarship fund and the Seeing Is Believing Program, which provides free low vision exams and devices to children who have severely reduced vision in Chicago and suburban schools.

Women's Board:
The Women’s Board for The Chicago Lighthouse is a group of women in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. Recently established, this group raises  funds and awareness for the Lighthouse by organizing several fundraising events throughout the year. Last year, the women were involved in an Arlington Park, Day at the Track and a Billy Elliot the Musical theatre and dinner event.

The group supports other great initiatives such as Flair: Fashionable Philanthropy and other Lighthouse events annually. The Women’s Board directs their contributions to the Lighthouse’s Annual Fund, enabling the organization to continue providing support for its 26 programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.