Episode 457: #363 - The Goombay Bash

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

We’re a little off-topic here, but it’s for a good cause. Instead of the usual black tie event to raise money to fight cancer, founders of the H Foundation decided to create an uplifting event with The Goombay Bash. So grab your Hawaiian shirt and get yourself to the Navy Pier in Chicago on July 27th and help fight cancer (https://www.goombaybash.com/). While you’re there, order yourself a Goombay Smash, just like the one Michael is drinking in this episode. Cortney Hausser has dedicated her career to the nonprofit industry holding numerous positions over the years in this sector. She began her career in 2010 as the Partnership Builder for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will & Grundy Counties. After leaving her position to pursue a more corporate setting, Cortney took the role as Development Associate for the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation where she advanced the fundraising efforts to support the healing mission of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. Through this role, Cortney reinvigorated the Employee Charitable Giving Program nearly doubling the amount raised year over year. In October of 2015, Cortney made the decision to pursue a new role within the cancer nonprofit sector. Cortney began her position as Executive Director of The H Foundation in December of 2015. As Executive Director of The H Foundation, Cortney sits on the Advisory Board for the Friends of the Lurie Cancer Center. She was the recipient of the 2019 West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry 30 Under 40 Award, graduate of the 2014 Adventist Hospital Emerging Leader Program, a prior member of the Exchange Club of Joliet and the recipient of the 2012 Exchange Club of Joliet William H. Lipsey "Rookie of the Year" Award. John Rot is a proven community and charitable leader. He started his career doing business valuations as a part of the appraisal group for Arthur Anderson. After leaving this position, John managed Hortons of La Grange, Inc., a pillar in La Grange since 1896. After two years in a management position, John purchased the company and created the business we know today as Hortons Home Lighting. This business propelled John’s track record as an experienced businessman. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to opportunities of investment and ownership in the La Grange Theater, Q-BBQ, and The Hot Dog & Burger Co. His advocacy to the La Grange community drove him to invest in a $2 million renovation of the historic La Grange Theater in order to maintain this community asset. Through his business ventures, John has served as an Advisory Board member for the largest co-op in the lighting industry and as an Advisory Board member for the Friends of the Lurie Cancer Center. He was the recipient of the 2016 Business Person of the Year for the Rotary Club of La Grange, 2005 La Grange Business Association Person of the year, and served as the 2004 La Grange Business Association President. John is a Founding Father and the current President of The H Foundation.