Gift of Hope Community Foundation Honors Chicago Ald. Michelle A. Harris with 2025 Award for Compassionate Service

Gift of Hope Community Foundation Honors Chicago Ald. Michelle A. Harris with 2025 Award for Compassionate Service

Itasca, Ill. – The Gift of Hope Community Foundation recognized Michelle A. Harris, 8th Ward City Council member for the City of Chicago, as the recipient of the 2025 Changer Award for Compassionate Service at the Annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation Charity Golf Outing on July 24 in Woodbridge, Illinois.

Established in 2018, the Gift of Hope Community Foundation raises funds to support Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s (Gift of Hope) mission to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation. The Foundation’s Life Changer Award for Compassionate Service recognizes individuals whose leadership and advocacy help foster hope, healing, and transformation in Illinois communities.

Ald. Harris is committed to advancing health equity and promoting organ and tissue donation across the Chicagoland area.

“I have always believed that true leadership means showing up for all communities, not just the ones you’re elected to represent,” said Harris. “Supporting Gift of Hope’s life-saving mission is deeply personal to me. Organ and tissue donation is a gift that brings healing and second chances, and I’m honored to play a role in expanding awareness for the people of Chicago.”

A long-time supporter of Gift of Hope and its mission, Harris plays a pivotal role in the organization as a valued community partner. The Jackie D. Lynch Building on Chicago’s south side proudly stands in the heart of the Chatham community, reflecting that commitment. Harris’ leadership benefited the community outside her own ward, underscoring her deep compassion for improving the health and well-being of all Chicagoans.

“Ald. Harris exemplifies servant leadership,” said Audrena Spence Executive Director, Gift of Hope Community Foundation. “Her advocacy transcends boundaries, demonstrating a profound care for others that aligns perfectly with our mission to offer hope through donation. We are honored to recognize her service with this award.”

The annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation Charity Golf Outing gathers supporters, community leaders, and healthcare partners to celebrate compassionate service and raise awareness and funds that advance the Foundation’s work in promoting organ and tissue donation through education, outreach, and community engagement.

To learn more about the Gift of Hope Community Foundation or to support its initiatives, please visit giftofhope.org/give.

Established in 2018, the Gift of Hope Community Foundation raises funds to support Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s mission and programs, to save and enhance the lives of as many people as possible through organ and tissue donation. Learn more about the Foundation at giftofhope.org/give

Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is the nonprofit organ procurement organization (OPO) that coordinates organ and tissue donation and provides public education on donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana. As one of 55 OPOs that make up the nation’s organ donation system, Gift of Hope works with 180 hospitals and serves 12 million people in its donation service area. Since 1986, its work has saved the lives of more than 29,000 organ transplant recipients and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of tissue transplant recipients. For more information, visit giftofhope.org.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.