Stephanie Comer

General Chair

Stephanie Comer is the President of The Comer Foundation. The Comer Foundation provides support to cultural institutions and other not-for-profit organizations in the areas of education, environment, health and social services with a geographical focus in the city of Chicago.

Ms. Comer is also President of the Board of Trustees of the Medical Home Network, an organization she helped to start. In addition, she serves on the Chicago Climate Action Plan’s Green Ribbon Committee, Board of Trustees of the University of Chicago Medical Center and the Gary Comer Youth Center. Additionally, she is the author of two books on photography.

Merri Dee

General Chair

For 37 years, Dee has held a number of high profile positions at WGN-TV, from newscaster, talk-show host, staff announcer and editorial spokesperson. She is a recipient of many awards honoring her broadcasting experience, including the Silver Circle "Lifetime Achievement Award" presented by the Chicago Academy of TV Arts and Sciences.

Her passion and drive to make a difference has served her role as manager of WGN-TV Children's Charities, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation well, where she raised over $30 million dollars for various children's organizations in Chicago. She even made the welfare of children waiting to be adopted in Illinois her personal project. This adoption advocacy led her to receive many awards, including the national "Gracie Allen Award" by the National Assoc. of American Women in Radio and TV and the "Adoption Excellence Award" by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

A strong believer in education, Dee has also hosted the United Negro College Fund's "Evening of Stars" for 30 years, serving two years as the volunteer general chairman of the nationally televised event raising millions of dollars for college scholarships. Additionally, Dee was the co-founder of Athletes For Better Education (AFBE), an academic, athletic program, where graduates i.e. Player/Coaches Terry Cummings, Doc Rivers, Tony Brown and others received academic support, guidance and motivation toward reaching their goals as professional athletes. As a result of these accolades and accomplishments, Dee is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, constantly in demand to also serve as a keynote speaker, panelist, moderator, and fundraising strategist.

Merri Dee was recently appointed through the Pentagon as an official U S Army Ambassador, appointed to the Mayor's Council on Women’s issues and is State President of AARP' 1.8 million members. In addition, Illinois' Governor has appointed Ms. Dee to The Serve Illinois Commission. A book on her life's history is in production.

Frona Daskal

Event Chair

Frona C. Daskal enjoys being a grandmother so much she wanted to share that experience with others, particularly those in need. In 2005 she created Grandmother's House at Sinai Community Institute (SCI) to provide an experience that would be more valuable for families and children by providing education and cultural enrichment activities to children ages 2 to 5 in WIC waiting area and children's playroom. Mrs. Daskal's generous donation of time, dedication and commitment has impacted hundreds of children and their families. She recruited numerous volunteers to read to the children as well as secured more books, new clothing, toys and computers. Grandmother’s House became a popular hangout for the children and a more pleasant experience when visiting SCI.

Prior to her creation of Grandmother's House, Mrs. Daskal was the ethics program coordinator at Oak Forest Hospital of Cook County and a faculty member of the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethnics at the University of Chicago. In addition, she is a former attorney and mediator. Mrs. Daskal serves on several boards, including Sinai Health System and is a member of several organizations.