For 131 years, Children’s Home & Aid has provided support for underprivileged children and their families throughout Illinois. The organization hosted its 94th gala at the Four Seasons Hotel with nearly 400 in attendance Sept. 5. More than $500,000 was raised to support programs at its Mitzi Freidheim Englewood and Marletta Darnall Schaumburg Child & Family Centers.
Emcee Rob Johnson, of WBBM-Ch. 2, introduced co-chairs Lynda Szczepanik and Dorothy “DeeDee” Myers. “Through 71 different programs, we protect, educate, counsel and advocate for children and their families. Each center is truly a home away from home, an oasis in the midst of desperate neighborhoods,” Myers said.
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Derrick Dukes, a parent with four children at the Mitzi Freidheim Center, shared his story. “It’s so loving and nurturing and has helped my kids grow and develop in so many different areas,” Dukes said.
Suzy and Gary Ahlquist were honored with the Pauline K. Palmer Award for their nearly 30 years of service and leadership. The award was named in honor of the first Women’s Board president. “Suzy and I have long believed that as societies become more complex, as time and resources become strained, it is those who cannot speak for themselves that fall through the cracks. Children’s Home & Aid looks after that group and does so with distinction,” Gary Ahlquist said.
A surprise announcement that Jerri Hoffmann, Women’s Board co-president/trustee, and her husband, David, were donating $1.2 million toward a new center under construction in Carpentersville brought cheers from the crowd. In honor of this gift, the center will be named the Jerri Hoffmann Carpentersville Child & Family Center when it opens in spring 2015.
The agency serves more than 40,000 children, youth and families yearly.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
Click here to see photos from these events.
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