The Center on Halsted, the Merit School of Music, and the Chicago History Museum—respected organizations committed to strengthening communities for decades—recognized William Blair as a valued partner at their annual galas held this spring.

William Blair received corporate community awards from the Center on Halsted and Merit. The Chicago History Museum presented William Blair Chairman John Ettelson with its civic leadership award.

“William Blair is humbled to be recognized by our esteemed partners, celebrating our collaboration and mission to engage in our communities,” said Laura Coy, head of philanthropy strategy for William Blair. “The Center on Halsted, the Merit School of Music, and the Chicago History Museum have worked tirelessly over the years to empower Chicago and its residents. It is an honor for our employees to work alongside them in strengthening our communities.”

From left, William Blair CEO Brent Gledhill at the Center on Halsted gala; Ryan DeVore, global head of William Blair Private Wealth Management, at Merit’s annual fundraiser; William Blair Chairman John Ettelson receives the Chicago History Museum civic leadership award from Michelle Collins, president of financial services consultancy Cambium and a former colleague of Ettelson.

The Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive LGBTQ+ center in the Midwest, offers music and dance programs, art exhibits, sports, and social services to secure the health and well-being of its members. The Merit School of Music, a nonprofit music conservatory, focuses on transforming the lives of Chicago-area youth by removing barriers to high-quality music education for over 40 years.

The Chicago History Museum, founded in 1856 and the city’s oldest cultural institution, has a mission to memorialize Chicago’s great accomplishments and leaders.

Civic and community engagement has been a part of the William Blair culture since the firm was founded 87 years ago, a tradition inspired by the firm’s leaders. As the firm grew globally, William Blair extended its philanthropic work through its employee gift matching programs, volunteer efforts, nonprofit board initiatives, and the firm’s global community grants program. William Blair Foundation’s mission is to inspire the next generation of philanthropists.

“We have a unique culture of business, civic and not-for-profit leadership, working together to solve social problems,” said Ettelson when he received the civic leadership award. “It is incumbent upon all of us to help others, be engaged and involved, and continue to move the city forward.”