The Johnson Family often has a fair amount on their plate. Rob is a well-known, established newscaster in Chicago, Stacy is involved with several philanthropies and boards, and their teenage son Jaden is a dedicated hockey player. Stacy says they are a full-blown “hockey family”. Both Jaden and Rob love playing the sport and they are proud season-ticket holders for the Chicago Blackhawks.
They’ve lived in Chicago for the last 20 years, and they’ve been involved with local charities, including Children’s Home & Aid, for nearly just as long. “This is home. We love giving back to the community,” Stacy says. Rob tells us they first became involved with Children’s Home & Aid after he and Nancy Ronquillo, our President and CEO, met on the Voices for Illinois Children board together. “We’ve always gotten along great… we’ve always both been very passionate about children’s issues,” he says of his and Nancy’s commitment.
Rob explained that child welfare and early learning became especially significant to him after realizing the disadvantage some children face right from the start. “I began my involvement with child advocacy work because I learned early on that if kids aren’t caught up by three to five years old, they could be playing catch up the rest of their lives. Early childhood programs are very important to me,” Rob continued.
When asked where their philanthropic spirit comes from, Stacy tells us, “It’s just something we’ve always had in our lives.” She continued to say that the work of Children’s Home & Aid is something she holds close to her heart because her mother was adopted. Additionally, they say they feel confident in the long, impressive history of Children’s Home & Aid – helping children and families for 136 years.
Both Rob and Stacy say they love to see the other person’s involvement and passion for the programs and organizations they are part of. Rob is on the Special Olympics Board, the Concussion Legacy Foundation and the Inner-City Education Program. “It’s really brought us even closer as a family,” Stacy says.
“We’re only good as a society if we’re bringing along everyone. If our most vulnerable people in society aren’t being helped, what does that say about everyone else? That’s what Children’s Home & Aid does, it brings everyone along,” Rob says.
Both Stacy and Rob have also played major roles in various Children’s Home & Aid events through the years. Stacy says she loves being part of the Children’s Home & Aid Hinsdale Auxiliary Board and first became involved about 10 years ago. She was also a co-chair for the annual Kentucky Derby Day Party this year, which raised over $116,000 to help kids and families. They reminisced on previous years at the Champions for Children Luncheon as we look forward to this year’s event on May 23. “Hearing personal stories from children and families is so touching and beautiful,” Stacy recalls. “Everyone has something really powerful to say.”
Rob is thrilled to return as Children’s Home & Aid’s emcee for the Champions for Children Luncheon for his fifth year. “I can’t wait to see the community and Children’s Home & Aid come together to create such a special day. We’re raising money for such a wonderful cause, but we’re also having fun!”
Join us and the Johnsons at this year’s Champions for Children Luncheon on May 23 at the Hilton Chicago! Click here for more information and event registration.