On Thursday, June 4th, supporters, community leaders, and friends of the Third Ward gathered at the renowned Culaccino, 2134 S. Indiana Avenue in Chicago, for a fundraiser in support of Alderman Pat Dowell’s re-election bid. As Chairman of the Committee on Finance and 3rd Ward Alderman for the City of Chicago, Dowell came to the evening with a clear message: the work is not done.
The fundraiser was hosted by a broad coalition of supporters including Larry Huggins, William Kates, Mike Tadin, Rick Simon, Sue Williams, Patty Howse, John Harrell, and Muhamad Abdullah — a group whose diversity reflected the spirit of the evening itself.
“Today’s event reflects Alderman Pat Dowell’s hard work. She is a great asset to Chicago. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this requires a lot of effort. We will always support you, without a doubt,” stated Patty Howse.
Alderman Dowell arrived energized and eager to share her vision for what the next term could accomplish.
“I am excited and energized about the upcoming election,” she said. “I’ve done a great deal for the Third Ward in my years as Alderman, but my work is not finished. I have some things I want to see done over the next term — bringing a high school into the community, building more affordable for-sale homes, continuing and improving our schools, and strengthening the infrastructure in the community.”
When asked about the new housing development near Pastor EJ Brown’s church on 45th and State, Alderman Dowell spoke proudly about what intentional community investment can trigger.
“Pastor Brown has done a great job renovating and getting in with the times,” she said. “If you look at the investment he put in, you can see other investments coming up around him — and that’s important.” She pointed to entrepreneur Nicole Wheatley bringing new business just south of the church, and across the street, the latest example of CHA’s Plan for Transformation Housing — Abbott Square.
It is the kind of ripple effect that Alderman Dowell has worked to cultivate throughout the Third Ward: one anchor investment drawing the next, block by block.
A Reflection of Chicago at Its Best
The evening left an impression on all who attended. ShaVonda Fields summed up the room perfectly.
“This event was truly a reflection of the diversity of the best of Chicago and the people that support leadership and the city council of Chicago,” Fields said.
Alderman Pat Dowell is running for re-election — and if Thursday night was any indication, her community is ready to see what she does next.
