SKOKIE, IL - General Colin L. Powell today joined Governor Pat Quinn and more than 2,400 of Chicago’s civic, business, charitable, political and religious leaders, local Holocaust survivors and their families at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s Inaugural Gala. Expected to raise nearly $2 million in support for the new museum, the Inaugural Gala officially began the countdown to the museum’s public opening day on Sunday, April 19, 2009.

“At a time when the economy has depressed non-profit fundraising, we have been pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming response to this Inaugural Gala,” said J.B. Pritzker, capital campaign chairman for the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. “We are thrilled to have so many new faces here with us for this celebration. There is a genuine excitement about the museum, and to have General Powell here with us tonight to share in it is truly terrific.”

Held under a grand tent outside the museum, the Inaugural Gala paid tribute to the many Holocaust survivors, donors and friends that have dedicated themselves to building the world-class educational center, state-of-the-art Holocaust museum and inspirational monument to victims of the Holocaust and other contemporary genocides.

“The momentum is building and it is more than evident here tonight as we celebrate in the shadow of this outstanding new institution,” said Richard S. Hirschhaut, executive director, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. “It is a tremendous feeling knowing that in just over two weeks we will be opening our doors to the public. At at time when the International Olympic Committee is visiting our city, this new international human rights center will further demonstrate that Chicago is a world-class destination.”

Likely the last international institution of its kind to be built with the active participation of Holocaust survivors, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center will be the largest facility in the Midwest dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and to teaching current generations to fight hatred, indifference and genocide in today’s world.

The museum’s Public Grand Opening will feature a keynote speech by former President Bill Clinton, a special guest appearance by Professor Elie Wiesel, remarks by Senator Richard Durbin and Governor Pat Quinn, and more. Tickets to the public dedication ceremony are free but are required for admittance. To request tickets, visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org. Tickets are limited.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is a project of the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois. Founded by Holocaust survivors more than 25 years ago, the organization is dedicated to teaching about the Holocaust and the dangers of unchallenged hate. The organization has taught school and community groups through a small storefront museum and speakers’ bureau since 1981.