Search Trailblazers 2018 Honors Alan Nadolna and Janet Stover
Please join us on Thursday, May 17th for SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018: Celebrating 50 Years of Service at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago. This exciting evening will celebrate Search, Inc.’s 50th anniversary of providing essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and will honor our champions in this work.
Guests will enjoy cocktails, fun foods, delicious desserts, awards, and a silent auction. A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Galleria Marchetti blends European charm and magnificent spaces for a truly distinguished experience. All proceeds from SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS 2018 will support the essential services of Search, Inc.
We are thrilled to honor Alan Nadolna, CEO of The Associates Group and Janet Stover, Retiring President and CEO of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF), with the 2018 Trailblazer Award!
Alan Nadolna, CEO of The Associates Group, has spent over 20 years championing the interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as Chair of the Board of Directors of Search, Inc. His exceptional leadership has impacted every aspect of the organization, from fundraising, to board development and governance. His important contributions have guided Search on a continuous path of growth and stability.
Alan’s dedication and singular strategic vision have been instrumental in Search’s efforts to continually expand and enhance its programs and services for people with disabilities. Throughout his tenure as Board Chair, he has also been a tireless advocate in support increased wages for our incredible team of direct support staff.
John Lipscomb, CEO of Search, says "Capturing the enormity of Alan's contributions to Search over these past 20 years is a virtual impossibility. He has been an integral part of meeting each and every challenge we have faced and achieving every success we have enjoyed. More than all of that, every smile we see in our organization each and every day has a little piece of Alan in it!"
In her role as President and CEO of IARF, Janet has overseen the growth and development of the Association into Illinois’ most influential and effective statewide advocacy organization on behalf of agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities.
Janet has a solid and sustained track record of service and success on behalf of the IARF membership and the communities and individuals from across Illinois they have the privilege of serving. It is our pleasure to honor Janet in her year of retirement, after 42 years of service to IARF.
Among Janet’s signature accomplishments is leading a committed and talented team that has prioritized policy and legislative initiatives and shown the “grit” necessary to get the job done in spite of the extreme challenges presented by Illinois’ political and economic landscape.
Above all, her steady, principled leadership has ensured that individuals with disabilities, their families and the organizations that serve them have a seat at the table with elected officials and policy makers.
Beth Valukas, Executive Director of Search, states, “In a state that ranks 47th in spending for people with disabilities, Janet has been at the forefront of focused advocacy efforts with policy-makers and legislators to effect important change on behalf of thousands of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the agencies that serve them, throughout Illinois. We are tremendously grateful for her leadership and are excited to recognize her at our milestone anniversary celebration!”
As a stakeholder, you are instrumental in the success of Search Trailblazers. We respectfully ask your help in order to make this event a success!
How can you help?
There are many ways to get involved
Sponsor the event…
Sponsors make a valuable investment in supporting Search’s services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sponsorships start at $500 and include event tickets and recognition. Click here to view all Sponsorships Opportunities and Benefits or click here to sponsor now!
Attend the event!
Join us on the evening of Thursday, May 17th for an elegant and fun reception at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago! Individual tickets are $150. Invitations with full event details will be mailed in April.
Donate items to the silent auction…
We are in need of auction and raffle prizes to ensure a successful and fun evening. Here are just a few examples of items needed for the auction:
- Travel: hotel or condo/rental home stays, airline tickets, rental cars
- Experiences: tickets to sporting events, concert tickets, theater tickets, lessons, food or wine tastings, golf outings, etc…
- Physical items: bottles of wine or alcohol, new electronics, high-end apparel, accessories, or home goods, etc…
- Gift cards to restaurants, shopping destinations, movie theaters, etc…
Volunteer...
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Volunteer opportunities include helping with mailings and assisting on the evening of May 17th with check-in, silent auction, and more. Please contact Audrey Landale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-305-5000 x55 to volunteer.
Make a donation…
Gifts to Search Trailblazers support direct services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your investment will help ensure a bright future for the individuals we serve.
To make a charitable contribution in support of Search's services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, please click here and select "Would You Like To Make An Additional Donation?", then choose your desired donation amount.
Invite family, friends, and colleagues…
Word of mouth is an invaluable resource. Please share information about SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS with your network of family, friends, colleagues, and community groups. Let us know if there is anyone you would like to add to the invitation mailing!
Please click here to visit our SEARCH TRAILBLAZERS webpage and to find out more about the event! Or contact Audrey Landale at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-305-5000 x55 to find out more about any of the opportunities listed above.
Thank you so much for your support and we hope to celebrate with you on May 17th!