Jazz Great Ramsey Lewis to Receive “Joie de Vivre” Award

“Ramsey Lewis is an inspiration to us all. His commitment to Chicago and music, particularly through his work with the Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Mentor Program, Merit School of Music and The Chicago High School for the Arts, has brought great joy to many in our city and even more around the world,” said Michel Desjardins, executive director, of The Clare at Water Tower. “Our residents felt it was incredibly important to recognize the vibrancy of mature adults and the contributions they make to the communities they live and work in. And as such, the Joie de Vivre award program was born.”

“I am honored to be acknowledged by my peers in this way and grateful to the residents of The Clare for this award,” said Ramsey Lewis. “My passion for music has fueled my ability to reach out to Chicago youth, along with young people from many countries, and teach them about how music can be such a powerful, positive force in life – just as it has been for mine.”  

Lewis, a native Chicagoan, is known as “The Great Performer,” a title reflecting his performance style and musical selections which display early gospel and classical training along with a love of jazz and other musical forms. Bringing musical joy to millions, Lewis has recorded more than 80 albums, seven of which went gold, and is the recipient of three Grammy Awards. He also received the National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Masters Award in 2007, as well as holds five honorary doctorate degrees and is the beneficiary of numerous accolades. Additionally, Lewis has enjoyed a long career in radio and television.

In 1995, Lewis helped organize the Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Mentor Program. He currently serves as the Artistic Director for the festival’s jazz series. An active proponent of the Merit School of Music, an inner city music program in downtown Chicago, and The Chicago School for the Arts, the city’s first public high school for the performing arts, Lewis serves on the schools’ Boards of Trustees. He also is a member of the Loyola University Chicago Council of Regents.

About Joie de Vivre Award and The Clare Community

Today, seniors are more active within their communities than ever. Residents of The Clare have long contributed to the Chicago community, and are involved in many of the city’s many philanthropic and cause-related organizations. Residents serve on boards of local business, health, civic and education institutions, as well as participate in various common interest clubs and groups. The Joie de Vivre award recognizes the hardworking, talented and charitable contributions of seniors throughout the greater Chicago-land area.  

“This award allows us to show appreciation for senior civic leaders and the dynamism of this community in Chicago,” said Kathryn Miller, resident co-chair for the event, member of the Resident Council and member of The Clare Resident Marketing Committee.

Award nominees were selected by The Clare’s Joie de Vivre award sub-committee, which consisted of The Clare residents and executive leadership, and representatives from the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago. The sub-committee researched Chicago seniors from the fields of business, communication, culture, education, health sciences, law, social services and religion for its inaugural program. A total of 19 Chicago seniors were nominated for this year’s award.  

“All of the nominees shared talents and educational contributions that have greatly advanced the joy of living for people all over the globe,” said Betty Bergstrom, resident co-chair for the event and President of The Clare’s Resident Council. “Each and every one of them truly reflects The Clare’s Franciscan values. We are so pleased to honor our city’s remarkable seniors in this way.”

The crystal etched Joie de Vivre award was designed by The Clare’s residents, Jim Stack and Katherine Keebler.

About The Clare at Water Tower

The Clare is a vibrant continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in the heart of downtown Chicago. It is home to a diverse group of senior residents who lead very social and active lives and moved to The Clare to experience the variety and rich culture, entertainment and activities that urban living has to offer. Residents are involved in Chicago’s many philanthropic and cause related organizations, serve on boards of local business, health, civic and education institutions, as well as participate in various common interest clubs and groups. For more information on The Clare at Water Tower, visit www.theclareatwatertower.com/ .