Supported with a video message from Mayor Richard Daley and reinforced by the
presence of state, city, and local political leaders including State Senator
Matt Murphy, Little City Foundation achieved its objectives in raising
compassion and funds for the hundreds of children and adults it serves, as well
as raised awareness for thousands of others in need
PALATINE, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
Nearly 700 of Illinois` finest community and government leaders joined in Little
City Foundation`s celebration marking 50 years of groundbreaking, innovative
programs and services to hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.
"I believe a society is judged on the way it cares for its most vulnerable
people," Governor Quinn said. "Since its founding 50 years ago, Little City
Foundation has provided an example of how we should care for people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, by providing opportunities to live
safely, work productively, and learn throughout their lifetimes."
Little City Foundation not only raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for
much-needed therapeutic programming, it also raised compassion and awareness of
what individuals with disabilities can achieve throughout their lifetimes.
"Today, with Little City programs and services, hundreds of individuals and
their families live safely, work productively, explore creatively and learn
continuously throughout their lifetimes," commented Mayor Daley. "From
award-winning arts programs to a therapeutic horticultural center, individuals
with disabilities are promised countless opportunities to develop their talents
and grow to their fullest potential."
Little City also announced that evening it received two large endowments: a
$100,000 dollar endowment from the Gianaras Family in honor of Alec Gianaras, a
former longtime Little City Board President, to fund a continuous employee
scholarship for professional development and advanced training in autism and
other neurodevelopmental disorders; and a $280,000 dollar grant to fund an
advanced nurse practitioner for the next three years helping Little City to
launch its first-ever, dedicated on-site medical clinic on the Palatine campus.
"On behalf of the hundreds of children and adults with disabilities that we
serve, and the thousands still in need, I thank you from the bottom of my
heart," commented Executive Director Shawn Jeffers Saturday evening. "I invite
each of you to champion with us for the next 50 years and help us to transform
disability care!"
As part of the Golden Anniversary Dinner, Little City Foundation honored leading
humanitarian Eleni Bousis with its most prestigious award-the Sidney L. Port
Legacy of Distinction-for her tireless advocacy efforts in helping to attain
equality and dignity for children and adults with disabilities. The non-profit
organization also introduced Rob Waterhouse as the new Honorary Mayor of Little
City. Waterhouse provided strategic direction, creative vision and high-quality
leadership as a board member.
To donate, visit: www.littlecity.org/support.
For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org .
Little City Foundation
Lisa Reyes
lreyes@littlecity.org
847-221-7825
Copyright Business Wire 2009
