The Roth&Co Harmony of Hope Benefit Concert, held Sunday, September 8, was an overwhelming success, with more than 1,800 members of the greater Chicago community coming together to support Chai Lifeline Midwest. The sold-out event at the Copernicus Center featured heartwarming performances, moving tributes, and a powerful show of solidarity for local children and families facing illness and crisis.
Levi Israel, a dedicated community leader and longtime supporter of Chai Lifeline Midwest, emceed the event and set the stage for an afternoon filled with joy, hope, and unity. “Today we gather not only for an unforgettable day of music and entertainment, but also to support the incredible work of Chai Lifeline Midwest. Your presence here today means so much to us and the children and families that Chai Lifeline serves right here in Chicago and across the Midwest.”
The program featured electric performances by Mordechai Shapiro, Benny Friedman and Aryeh Kunstler. One of the most touching moments came when the children of Chai Lifeline Midwest joined the performers on stage, delivering an emotional and inspiring musical performance that had the entire audience on their feet.
The event also paid tribute to the late Ralla Klepak, a”h, whose vision and generosity through the Ralla Klepak Foundation for the Education in the Performing Arts has made a profound impact on Chai Lifeline and the greater Chicago community. Her legacy was highlighted through a moving video tribute, followed by remarks from Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline, who spoke about how Ralla’s contributions will continue to support Chai Lifeline’s mission for years to come.
“At Chai Lifeline, we have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Ralla’s vision and the unwavering support of the Klepak Foundation,” said Rabbi Scholar. “The foundation’s contributions have enabled us to expand our services and reach more children and families facing serious illness and crisis. We are honored to carry forward Ralla’s legacy in everything we do, ensuring that her spirit of kindness and caring continues to uplift our community.”
A special thank you was extended to Roth&Co for their generous lead sponsorship, as well as to all the event’s sponsors whose dedication to Chai Lifeline’s mission was instrumental in making the concert a success.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and supported this special evening,” said Rabbi Shlomo Crandall, Director of Chai Lifeline Midwest. “The energy and love in the room were palpable. The funds raised will enable us to continue providing critical support to the children and families in our community who need it most.”
To learn more about Chai Lifeline Midwest or to support their work, visit www.chailifeline.org/midwest.
