Supporter Spotlight: Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson

Legal Council is fortunate enough to have a strong network of supporters who help sustain our important work. From individual donors to volunteers and community partners, our supportive network grows our capacity and elevates our impact.

In our new Supporter Spotlight series, we are featuring a variety of individuals and groups who are part of this network. Today’s spotlight features Mike Sullivan, former board member and current co-owner of 2Bears Tavern Group with his husband, Mark Robertson.

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Mike, tell us about how and when you connected with Legal Council for Health Justice.  

I was introduced to what was then the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC) in 2010 by a colleague at Mayer Brown, where I worked at the time. He had been on the Board [of Directors] and had reached his term limit. ALCC was looking for someone from the firm to join. Before that, I only knew of ALCC in passing, but after hearing about its mission, I knew it was something I wanted to become involved with.

You then served on our Board of Directors when our organization was called AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. Besides the obvious name change to Legal Council for Health Justice, what are some other differences you see in Legal Council and in the broader community then and now? 

I was fortunate to be on the board when the opportunity arose to significantly grow the size and expand the mission of the organization. It was a chance to bring the skills and expertise that ALCC had developed serving people living with HIV and AIDS to new groups of people in need. While it was a somewhat daunting task, the entire team rose to the occasion and has done an incredible job serving children, families, and those experiencing homelessness to address their physical and emotional health needs, while continuing to work tirelessly for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Why do you give to Legal Council? How do you feel your contributions have made a difference? 

I give because a significant part of Legal Council’s mission is direct help to individuals most in need. While advocacy and impact litigation are crucial, so is the ability to meaningfully and quickly assist people when and where they need it.

When I hear a story of someone Legal Council has helped, I get to see firsthand how individual donor contributions–no matter the amount–are helping.

You and Mark also participate every year in the Tap Into Change program, which fundraises for LGBTQ+-serving nonprofits across the state. How long have you been participating in this program, and what role (if any) do you think businesses and corporations have in protecting and promoting the rights of marginalized communities?  

We’ve been participating in Tap Into Change since it first started in 2011 and now do so at all four of the bars we currently operate.

Businesses and corporations have a vital role in protecting and promoting the rights of marginalized communities. Over our history, it has sometimes been businesses and corporations that have led the way in championing the rights of these communities while the public and government lag behind. As business owners, we have an opportunity to have an outsized voice for change and should use that voice to help those not being heard or listened to.

You both own 2Bears Tavern Group, which, as you mentioned, has four bars throughout the city. Tell us more about your approach to partnership and how 2Bears supports the community.  

Supporting our communities has been a core part of the mission of my husband, Mark Robertson, and me from day one. Like Legal Council, we know we cannot help everyone, so we focus our efforts on LGBTQ+ folks, the arts and artists, and the local communities where our bars are located.

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We are so grateful, not only for Mike and Mark, but for all of the support we receive for our work—financial or otherwise. If you would like to get involved, we encourage you to review our pro bono and volunteer opportunities or support us with a donation.

If you are a current donor or supporter and are interested in sharing what giving to Legal Council means to you, please email Emily Decker.