The H Foundation has announced that Bill Gildin, President of SATCO Products, Inc., will receive the 2024 Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award. The award presentation will take place at the Goombay Bash on July 27, an annual fundraiser held at the Aon Grand Ballroom on Chicago’s Navy Pier. The event benefits basic science cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Since its founding in 2001 by Hortons Home Lighting and other LaGrange, IL, businesses, The H Foundation and the Goombay Bash have been celebrated and supported by a deep sense of community. This grassroots spirit emphasizes the message that “Cancer is Personal,” impacting families, friends, neighbors, partners, and patrons alike.
In 2017, The H Foundation recognized the need to celebrate a unique community for its unwavering and ongoing support. Although this community was not defined by geographic boundaries or blood relations, it was no less a family, deeply connected to the cause. The Lighting Industry inspired the creation of the Guiding Light Award, which honors companies and individuals for their consistent and enduring efforts in supporting The H Foundation’s mission to fund basic science research and find a cure for cancer. SATCO, as a company, received the inaugural award, alongside Generation Lighting, Hinkley, Kichler, Quoizel, and WAC Lighting. Later recipients included Lighting One President Gregg Garofalo, Hubbardton Forge CEO Maria Mullen, and WAC Lighting Co-CEOs Dirk and Shelley Wald.
In 2022, the award was named posthumously for former Hinkley CEO Rick Wiedemer. The Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award is presented annually to an individual or company demonstrating leadership qualities that inspire others toward a future where no one suffers from this devastating disease, which affects one in three people. The lighting industry, along with H Foundation supporters, has raised $12 million to date, with many industry members actively volunteering and championing the cause.
For the first time this year, nominations for the Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award were accepted from the entire lighting industry. A committee reviewed these nominations to select the 2024 recipient.
Cancer has a personal impact on Bill Gildin and his family. Nearly 13 years ago, Bill’s wife Melissa was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Although no cure existed for this type of cancer, the couple led extraordinary lives, confronting the disease with strength, determination, and grace.
Nominations for Bill Gildin, received shortly after Melissa’s passing, highlighted his qualities of leadership, strength, determination, and resilience. Melissa’s courageous battle and the grace and support Bill provided throughout her journey reflect the Goombay spirit and commitment to the cause.
Humbly and steadfastly, Bill Gildin, in partnership with SATCO, has supported The H Foundation since its inception. SATCO has sponsored the cause, while Bill has delivered words of inspiration and encouragement at every Goombay Bash.
“Bill is truly an inspiration to The H Foundation and the Lighting Industry,” says Cortney Hausser, Executive Director of The H Foundation. “We are honored to recognize Bill Gildin as the 2024 Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award recipient.”
Tickets for the 22nd Annual Goombay Bash range from general admission ($175) to a VIP table of ten ($3,000) and are available online at https://www.goombaybash.com. For more information, please visit www.GoombayBash.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thehfoundation.