Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award
Nomination Form

Created in 2017, the "Guiding Light Award" recognizes lighting industry companies who have demonstrated consistent and enduring efforts to support and fund basic science research to find a cure for cancer.

The Award is presented annually at the Goombay Bash to an individual or company who exemplifies the leadership qualities that will guide others towards a brighter future in which no one will suffer the hardships of this horrible disease. Honorees serve as H Foundation ambassadors within the lighting industry and continue their excellent work in the fight against cancer.

Nominee Requirements:

Must be within the lighting industry
Must demonstrate a strong past and ongoing commitment to supporting cancer research

Fill Out Nomination Form

About the Award

The Rick Weidemer Guiding Light Award is presented to each honoree at the H Foundation's Goombay Bash, one of the largest and liveliest cancer research fundraising events in Chicago. This year's Goombay Bash takes place on July 26, 2025, at Navy Pier's AON Grand Ballroom.

In 2017, The H Foundation created an opportunity to celebrate one community for its unwavering and continued support. This was not a community defined by geographic boundaries or blood relations, but no less a family and no less connected to the cause. The Lighting Industry inspired the creation of the Guiding Light Award, given annually to an individual or company who exemplifies the leadership qualities that will guide others towards a brighter future in which no one will suffer the hardships of this horrible disease that affects one in three people. It celebrates the community spirit that has used ingenuity to shine a spotlight on and raise money for basic science cancer research.

The H Foundation Guiding Light Award was renamed in 2022 to the Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award to honor Rick’s inspirational legacy within The H Foundation and the Lighting Industry. In its inaugural year, the award was presented to lighting industry companies Generation Lighting, Hinkley, Kichler, Quoizel, Satco, and WAC Lighting. Other recipients include Gregg Garofalo, President of Lighting One; Maria Mullen, CEO of Hubbardton Forge; Rick Wiedemer, former CEO of Hinkley; and Dirk & Shelley Wald, Co-CEOs of WAC Lighting.