Follow on Google News News By Tag Industry News News By Location Country(s) Industry News
Follow on Google News | Youth Guidance Gala Sets Record with $820,000 Raised in Support of Chicago's YouthMayor Rahm Emanuel, Exelon & Peoples Gas Receive Special Honors
By: Youth Guidance Mayor Rahm Emanuel was honored with the Kurt L. Schultz Service Award in recognition of his commitment to the Becoming a Man (BAM) and Working on Womanhood (WOW) programs. BAM and WOW will reach 6,000 and 1,500 youth respectively this fall under the Mayor's Mentoring Initiative—a 50% increase in capacity for each program next year. "I am grateful to Youth Guidance for this tremendous honor. But I am even more grateful for your partnership," NBC 5 broadcast personality Zoraida Sambolin served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the spirited program which included Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Preckwinkle applauded Youth Guidance's dedication to the city's youth. Also honored were Exelon and Peoples Gas as Corporate Partners of the Year. Both organizations have pledged significant investments in BAM over the next three years. Peoples Gas Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Rindt shared, "We are in awe of BAM, the counselors and the achievements of this amazing initiative. Peoples Gas is proud to support a program that helps develop the skills and confidence that young men need to chart a path for long-term success in life." In an acceptance speech for Exelon, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Bill Von Hoene commented, "We applaud Youth Guidance for not giving up on these students, providing practical guidance and meaningful programs for development. We believe in their potential, and in ground breaking programs like BAM that will be keys to their success." Perhaps one of the most moving moments of this year's gala came when Morgan Park BAM Senior Xavier took to the podium and began relating his experiences to the audience. "My BAM brothers and BAM Counselor Mr. A. have helped me be a better person, a better man," he reflected. "BAM is more than just a program. It's like life. I've opened up to people I never have before. Words cannot really even say all that BAM has done for me." Xavier graduates in June and plans to study software engineering. Youth Guidance meets youth where they are—within schools, socially and emotionally— The record success of the 2017 Bright Futures Gala was due to the collective efforts of volunteers, generous sponsors, in-kind donors and friends of Youth Guidance, which currently operates in more than 80 Chicago Public Schools in some of Chicago's most troubled communities. This year marks the agency's 92nd year of service. For more information, visit http://www.youth- End
Account Email Address Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse Page Updated Last on: Jun 07, 2017
|
|