“I don’t think anybody has come up with answer to the balancing act, and I think every woman struggles with it,” said Elizabeth Brackett in a recent interview.  However if anyone has come close, it would be the award-winning journalist who is correspondent and substitute host for WTTW 11’s nightly affairs program Chicago Tonight and also a three-time world champion triathlete. Come hear about the challenges and opportunities of her remarkable life at a fundraising luncheon hosted by The Summit of Uptown on Thursday, May 10, at noon. 

Proceeds of the luncheon will benefit WTTW Channel 11 Public Television.  Tickets for the event are $20; $10 for seniors 65 and older. Reservations—which are required by May 7—may be made by calling 847-825-1161, ext.129.  Those who attend are eligible for the Summit Guest Rewards Program which offers opportunities to earn rewards and prizes such as lunch or brunch for two at Summit, or VISA gift cards.

Now 70, Brackett, who did her first triathalon when she was 50, has three world championship triathlon titles under her belt.  She will compete for the fourth one in New Zealand in October.  Facing the obstacles of a triathlon is nothing to Brackett who didn’t get into journalism until she was 34.  With a master’s degree in social work, she began her journalism career as a researcher on the assignment desk at WBBM-TV in Chicago when she talked her way into the position.  She later worked at WGN-TV and WLS-TV joining the forerunner to PBS’ The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, based in Chicago, in 1984.   Her awards include a 1987 national Emmy for her reporting on the U.S. farm crisis and a 1988 national Peabody Award for her coverage of the 1988 presidential election.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for the luncheon or stay late for tours of the newly renovated retirement community.  Parking is available in the City garage across the street. For a list of other entertaining events at Summit, visit www.summitofuptown.com .