CHICAGO (April 16, 2010) — Larry Richman, president and chief executive officer of The PrivateBank, was presented the Spirit of Erikson Institute Award at the Prism Ball, Erikson’s annual gala. Approximately 370 of the city’s leaders in philanthropy, finance, education, and health care turned out for the April 16 event at Hilton Chicago, recognizing Mr. Richman and raising almost $800,000 to support Erikson’s work in the service of children and families and provide scholarships for its students.

Erikson Institute, the nation’s leading graduate school in child development, honored Mr. Richman for his commitment to improving educational and cultural opportunities and health services for children in the greater Chicago area. Presenting the award was Dick Kiphart, Erikson board chair and head of private client advisers at William Blair and Co.

“Larry Richman excels as a businessman because he finds talented and dedicated people doing important work, and he invests in them. He excels as a philanthropist because he seeks the same qualities when investing in his community,” said Mr. Kiphart.

Past recipients of the award include Irving B. Harris; Marjorie Craig Benton; Gery J. Chico; Martin J. Koldyke; John W. Rogers, Jr.; Sandra P. Guthman; Barbara T. Bowman; Michael J. and Shirley R. Madigan; Michael P. Krasny and CDW; Harrison I. Steans; James C. Tyree; John W. Rowe; J.B. Pritzker; After School Matters; and Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra.

Chairing the ball were James and Ellen Roche and Patty and Dan Walsh. James is an Erikson trustee and both he and Ellen are attorneys. Patty Walsh is also an Erikson trustee and a social worker at St. Vincent de Paul Center. Her husband, Dan, is president of Walsh Construction Company.

The evening began with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Guests bid on packages that included a tour of the set of ABC’s drama “Private Practice,” a luxury vacation package in St. Thomas, and lunch with Chicago Bears great Kevin Butler.

At dinner guests enjoyed filet mignon marinated in tamarind adobo, grilled salmon with red pepper coulis, and chocolate pot de creme paired with strawberry shortcake. The Ken Arlen Orchestra kept people dancing until late in the evening.

Photographs of the event are available upon request.