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Health & Fitness

Pat Quinn, Toni Preckwinkle, Richard Daley and Bill Kurtis Applaud Chicagoans for Supporting Little City

More than 500 community, civic and business leaders gathered Nov. 12, 2011 at the John G. Shedd Aquarium to generate much-needed funds and awareness for Little City.

Drawing hundreds of humanitarians and philanthropists to learn about the importance of quality of life for individuals with disabilities, Little City Foundation  grossed more than $250,000 at its annual dinner gala.  

Boasting an honorary committee led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Little City Foundation  generated much-needed awareness and support for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens.

“I was first introduced to Little City at the start of my career as Mayor and I’ve always been a strong supporter,” commented Former Mayor Richard M. Daley.  “I served on the board for more than 20 years and witnessed how Little City made big advancements in the field of disability care.”

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Mr. Daley received Little City’s most prestigious honor, the Sidney L. Port Legacy of Distinction Award, for outstanding service and support to the Little City mission. 

Little City also received a gift from RAM RACING of $20,000—proceeds generated from the recent “Hot Chocolate Walk for Little City” that RAM RACING hosted on Nov. 5 at Grant Park.

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“In this moment, we have a chance to contribute to something special.  We don’t have to wait, we can do it now,” proclaimed Executive Director Shawn E. Jeffers.  “A disability is lifelong; it’s not episodic.  A disability does not have a temporary pill.  It’s real and it’s alive.  And we don’t have the luxury of waiting.” 

Mr. Bill Kurtis also commented, “With cutting-edge programs and services, Little City has led the way in transforming the field of disability care for more than 50 years…I am honored to serve as this evening’s master of ceremonies.”

For more than 50 years, Little City has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.  With a commitment to attaining a greater quality of life for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens, Little City actively promotes choice, person-centered planning and a holistic approach to health and wellness. 

Sponsors included: Friends of Kevin Desmond (Gold); Eleni & Jimmy Bousis, Merle & Verne Carson, Foglia Family Foundation, the Hockfield & Rose Families, Lawson Products, Paramount Staffing, Power Family Foundation, Sage Products, Walgreens (Silver); and Breakthrough Technologies, Daley and George, Gianaras Family Foundation, Kovitz Investments, Linda LaPorte & Robert Shears, Daniel N. Luber & Karen M. Wickman, Mesirow Financial, Midway Moving & Storage, Northwest Community Hospital, Show Sage LLC, Tristan & Cervantes, US Cellular, and Wells Fargo Advisors (Bronze).

To support individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, visit www.littlecity.org/support.

 

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Hoffmann at lhoffmann@littlecity.org or 847-221-7825. 

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