Katharine McPhee performing at Spark! 2025
Nearly 400 guests gathered at Rockwell on the River for Spark!, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s signature annual celebration, transforming the scenic venue into a lively hub of philanthropy, music and discovery. With the Chicago River as a sparkling backdrop, attendees mingled over cocktails while the CoverGirls electrified the room with their violin-driven performances.
Ronald and Christina Gidwitz with Shirley and Pat Ryan.
As dinner began, event co-chair Pat Ryan took the stage to welcome guests, joined by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab CEO Pablo Celnik. Ryan’s announcement that the night had raised more than $4.6 million, the most in the event’s history, drew a standing ovation! Those funds will support cutting-edge research and patient recoveries, reinforcing the hospital’s role as the world’s leader in rehabilitation.
Guests dining at Spark! at Rockwell on the River.
During the evening, hospital leaders captivated the audience with an animated presentation showcasing the direct connection between research and patient progress.
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A highlight of the event was a performance by award-winning recording artist Katharine McPhee. Her soaring vocals accompanied a moving video of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patients as they worked through their recovery journeys.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, headquartered in Chicago, is recognized as the nation’s top rehabilitation hospital by U.S. News & World Report. It is the first-ever “translational” research hospital where clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work side by side to accelerate progress from discovery to patient care. Its mission is to advance human ability by helping patients regain function, independence and quality of life following illness or injury.
(All photos courtesy of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab)
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