Little City celebrates 50 years with star-studded gala
Little City Foundation today announced that nearly 700 of Illinois' finest community and government leaders joined in its 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," Gov. Patrick 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," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. 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 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 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," said Executive Director Shawn Jeffers. "I invite each of you to champion with us for the next 50 years and let those in 2059 at our Centennial Anniversary admire our resolve and what we are about to do to transform disability care!"
As part of the Golden Anniversary Dinner, Little City Foundation honored leading humanitarian Eleni Bousis of Northbrook with its most prestigious award - the Sidney L. Port Legacy of Distinction - for her advocacy efforts in helping to attain equality and dignity for children and adults with disabilities. The nonprofit organization also introduced Rob Waterhouse as the new Honorary Mayor of Little City. Waterhouse, of Deerfield, provided strategic direction, creative vision and high-quality leadership as a board member.
To donate, visit littlecity.org/support. For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or (847) 221-7825.