67th Annual Community Service Awards Benefit GALA
You're invited to join us for the 67th Annual Chessmen Club Community Service Gala at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore This prestigious event supports the Chessmen Club of the North Shore, Inc. an organization dedicated to providing scholarships for local youth and addressing food insecurities for families in need. Each year, our gala celebrates those who share these noble ideals, and this year, we are proud to honor Bennett Johnson, civil rights leader and publisher, and Jim McHolland, educator and Principal of Chute Middle School.
The evening will begin with a lively silent auction and an open bar, followed by a seated dinner with wine. After dinner and the awards presentation, the excitement continues with a live auction and paddle raise, giving guests the chance to contribute to this impactful cause. The night will conclude with dancing, making for a memorable celebration.
We encourage black-tie or formal attire to match the elegance of this special occasion. We look forward to celebrating together and supporting the Chessmen Club's important work in our community!
Community Service Honorees
Bennett Johnson, II
Bennett Johnson II was born on May 15, 1929, and moved to Evanston as a child. He attended Foster, Noyes, Haven, and Evanston Township High School, where he played football but faced racial exclusion from the varsity team. He briefly attended Paine College before transferring to Roosevelt College, where he befriended Gus Savage and Harold Washington. His studies were interrupted by tuberculosis, but he later earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCLA, where he led the NAACP chapter and worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Returning to Chicago in 1957, he married Carnella Johnson and taught English at Farragut High School. He co-founded Path Press, the first Black-owned book publishing company, and played a key role in Chicago’s independent Black political movement. He also facilitated a meeting between Elijah Muhammad and Dr. King.
Johnson held leadership roles, including Regional Director of the Defense Contract Administration and CEO of the Talent Assistance Program, which supported Black businesses. He co-founded the first Black real estate investment trust and helped publish Covenant with Black America, the first Black-published book on the New York Times bestsellers list.
In the late 1990s, he traveled with Muhammad Ali on diplomatic trips to Iran and Iraq. A lifelong NAACP member, he served as President of the Evanston chapter and remained dedicated to civil rights and Black empowerment.
Jim “Mr. Mac” McHolland
Jim McHolland “ Mr. Mac” , is a dedicated educator and administrator with over 33 years of experience in District 65, Evanston. Born and raised in Evanston, Jim’s lifelong commitment to his community and its youth began early in his life, when he worked at Robert Crown Summer Camp under the mentorship of Mr. George Dotson at the age of 14. This experience sparked his passion for working with children and guided him toward a career in education.
Jim played basketball in the FAAM (Fellowship of Athletes and Ministers) League and at Evanston Township High School, where he began to develop his leadership skills and understanding of teamwork. After high school, he continued his athletic journey in college, but it was his return to coaching at Haven Middle School that solidified his path into education.
For 26 years, Jim has been an administrator at Chute Middle School, where he worked to foster an environment of growth, support, and learning for all students in The Chute Family. His leadership philosophy has always centered on the idea that every student deserves the opportunity to grow both academically and personally. Over the years, Jim has dedicated himself to helping the youth of Evanston navigate their education, nurture their potential, and become well-rounded individuals.
Throughout his career, Jim has demonstrated a profound commitment to his community and to making Evanston a better place for its children. His hope is that his legacy of The Chute Family will always be one of caring, support, and unwavering dedication to the success of students, both inside and outside the classroom.
Can’t make the Gala? You still contribute to the cause.
Thank You for Your Past Support
