Family of Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson
Family of Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson

Friends of Prentice celebrated four decades of advancing women’s healthcare recently, raising a record-breaking $1.6 million and counting at its 40th Anniversary Celebration. The sold-out evening at The Drake Hotel marked both a philanthropic milestone and the generosity of a community committed to supporting women’s health research. The unprecedented achievement belongs to every board member, supporter, donor, attendee, sponsor, researcher, volunteer, and Friend who believes women’s health deserves more.

Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson and husband Craig Henderson
Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson and husband Craig Henderson

The anniversary also offered an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s beginnings. Co-Founder and event honoree, Patty Henderson spoke on the beginnings of Friends of Prentice, following her and Co-Founder Carol Burnick's difficult health journeys in conceiving. They didn't have the answers 40 years ago, but they were determined to find them and help women in the future. That commitment started Friends of Prentice and its enduring partnership with Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital.

Board members, Seema Patel and Nicole Blank
Board members, Seema Patel and Nicole Blank
Board member and Past President, Mike Borders
Board member and Past President, Mike Borders

Alex Jacobson serves as Board President and Kristen E. Field is Executive Director. The Fundraising and Event Committee led by Co-Chairs: Shannon Flavin and Chris Newton.

Board Members Nicole Blank and Shannon Flavin and Kevin Flavin
Board Members Nicole Blank and Shannon Flavin and Kevin Flavin
Director of Operations & Events: Gina LeBike, President: Alex Jacobson, Executive Director: Kristen E. Field, Development Assistant: Ella Cate Hungeling, Photography & Brand Strategist: Mel Quaiyoom
Director of Operations & Events: Gina LeBike, President: Alex Jacobson, Executive Director: Kristen E. Field, Development Assistant: Ella Cate Hungeling, Photography & Brand Strategist: Mel Quaiyoom

Over the past four decades, Friends of Prentice has raised more than $25 million to support research and clinical programs spanning the full spectrum of a woman’s life, including fertility, maternal health, menopause, gynecologic cancer and pelvic floor disorders.

Stephanie Newton, Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson and Board Member Chris Newton
Stephanie Newton, Event Honoree and Friends of Prentice Co-Founder, Patty Henderson and Board Member Chris Newton
Board Member, Shannon Flavin & Executive Director, Kristen E. Field
Board Member, Shannon Flavin & Executive Director, Kristen E. Field
Board Members & Fundraising Committee Co-chairs: Shannon Flavin & Chris Newton
Board Members & Fundraising Committee Co-chairs: Shannon Flavin & Chris Newton

Its funding helps researchers pursue promising ideas in their earliest stages. By providing the initial investment needed to test those ideas and gather preliminary data, Friends of Prentice helps researchers build evidence and compete for larger grants.

Executive Director: Kristen E. Field
Executive Director: Kristen E. Field
Board Member, Rocky Lopez and Craig Henderson
Board Member, Rocky Lopez and Craig Henderson
Board Member Cecil Booth, Danny Sharp and Board Member Trina McCallister
Board Member Cecil Booth, Danny Sharp and Board Member Trina McCallister

With anniversary contributions still coming in, the celebration’s impact continues to grow. The record-breaking result will help carry forward a mission rooted in personal gratitude and shared hope for better care for women everywhere.

Photo Credit: Mel Q Creative

For more information or to support its work, visit friendsofprentice.org.