LOOK WHO’S COMING TO LUNCH ON JANUARY 10TH, 2025
Lester Munson, retired journalist & legal analyst for Sports Illustrated and ESPN, will join us on Friday, January 10th to discuss The Menace of Sports Gambling in collegiate and professional sports.
Tickets are available for sale and can be purchased by clicking on the blue button below. Hurry! Online sales close Tuesday, January 7th at 5pm.
A Message From Fr. John Cusick
As the board and I enter into the “dance” of securing speakers for the 2024-2025 season, I’m often asked how long First Friday has been around. The answer: the first speaker luncheon was back in June of 1986. A long time ago!
With all those years behind us, First Friday has added a number of feathers to its cap with some incredible speakers. But let it be said, bringing speakers to the podium can be a long and difficult task. Finding and making connections with a speaker requires lots persistence, patience, calls and more calls or emails. And yes, at times, this “courting” seems a bit like a dance until we get an answer!
The abundance of wisdom past speakers have shared from the podium is a treasure that I will carry with me forever. I hope you feel the same way! Connecting with a speaker’s message and breaking bread with friends and strangers is a priceless gift to be cherished.
The pandemic was a big challenge to First Friday’s luncheon model and initially, seemed like a tall order to fill. But as I’ve noted before, we learned how to adapt and stay connected to everyone. First Friday survived Covid with flying colors, never missing an opportunity with the help of live-streaming via computers and phones and critical technical assistance from a wonderful past board member!
Increasing costs will always be a challenge for the First Friday Club of Chicago, a nonprofit organization. But as you’ve shown us over the years, your support has been timely and integral in allowing this organization to move forward.
And here we are: kicking off First Friday’s 39th season on October 4th with Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension. What a privilege to welcome you to our 2024-25 luncheon series.
Thank you for your support through attendance and donations. As always, it is greatly appreciated!
Stay well and God Bless!
Fr. John Cusick, Chaplain
First Friday Club of Chicago