Illinois Jump$tart Coalition Hosts Financial Literacy Award Reception & Benefit

CHICAGO - Nov. 5, 2014 - PRLog -- Illinois Jump$tart Coalition (ILJC), an affiliate of the nation’s leading advocate for youth financial education, the National Jump$tart Coalition, is hosting their second annual holiday award reception and benefit to celebrate the students, teachers and advocates who are advancing the cause of youth financial education in Illinois. The event will take place on Monday, November 17 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Wishbone Restaurant, 1001 W. Washington St., Chicago. Reservations are required.

ILJC will be presenting Maria Ramos, Vice President of Operations for Junior Achievement (JA) of Chicago, with the prestigious 2014 “Terry Savage Award” for her contributions to the advancement of financial education.

Maria Ramos has been an outstanding leader at Junior Achievement of Chicago for over 17 years.  She has dedicated her life to empowering young people to own their economic success. This past school year, over 484,000 students throughout the Chicagoland area received JA programs on Financial Literacy, Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship.  Maria manages all of the City of Chicago programs and is directly responsible for over 211,000 students.  Maria has a Master of Arts, Sociology from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s of Arts in American Culture concentrating on Latino Studies & Sociology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

The program will also include the presentation of several student scholarships and financial education library grants, as well as a preview of ILJC initiatives for 2015.

In addition, there will be a “town hall” style conversation with Gail MarksJarvis, an award-winning, nationally syndicated financial columnist based at the Chicago Tribune. A TV commentator and the author of the best-selling and EIFLE award-winning book, "Saving for Retirement (Without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery)," MarksJarvis’ columns on the financial markets, economy and personal finance strategy reach millions of readers in leading newspapers throughout the country.  Northwestern University's journalism school has named her the "Best Financial Columnist" and she has won over a dozen other awards for her journalism including a National Clarion Award for human rights reporting.

Admission to the event is free, but tax-deductible donations towards ILJC’s student scholarship program are welcome and appreciated.  Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.  Valet parking will be available, as well as street parking. You may RSVP online at iljumpstart.org through November 10.

ILJC sponsors include Allstate Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc., HSBC Bank, U.S., CEANNATE Corp., First Merit Bank, Rotary of Winnetka-Northfield, Mesirow Financial, Guaranty Bank, Great Lakes Credit Union, First Eagle Bank, Money Savvy Generation, Stone Management, Illinois Credit Union League and Open Communities.

The Mission of the Illinois Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is to be a catalyst for enhancing the financial capability of young people through advocacy, collaboration and communication among key stakeholders. For more information or to become a member or sponsor, visit iljumpstart.org or contact Brian Israel, ILJC Coalition President at 800-237-4958.