Shelter's gala to raise funds for abused, neglected youth

Shelter Inc. will host its 29th Anniversary Charity Ball on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago, the home of the Charity Ball throughout its history. Regina Waldroup, NBC5 Chicago reporter will return for her third year as host. This year's Honorary Chair is Mike Pitcher, president and CEO of LeasePlan. LeasePlan has been a generous and loyal supporter of Shelter for many years.

This year's theme is "From Our Heart To Your Home" and guests can expect warm and inviting décor, exquisite dining and live music to dance the evening away. In addition, there will be a live and silent auction and a raffle to raise funds for the programs and services provided to the abused and neglected youth in our care and for our Healthy Families Program for first-time parents.

It's never been more important to bring the community together to raise funds for Shelter Inc. The Illinois Budget impasse has created major financial issues for the agency, nearly causing them to close their Healthy Families program. The 2016 Charity Ball is a chance to give back and keep these services available in our communities, because all children deserve a carefree childhood and a loving family.

Shelter Inc. is a nonprofit child welfare agency that protects abused and neglected children and adolescents by providing foster care, emergency and longer-term group home services in a safe and caring environment. Healthy Families Program provides home visits to first-time parents emphasizing children's well-being and positive parenting. Increased public awareness concerning child abuse, neglect and other social problems directly impacting children and their families is accomplished through Shelter's Community Education program.

For information or to register for the event, visit our website at www.shelter-inc.org or contact Shelter, Inc.'s special events coordinator at (847) 590-6188, ext. 21.