On December 7, 2016, we gathered at Drinker Biddle & Reath to reflect on our accomplishments and celebrate our community at our 2016 Annual Meeting.
2016 Honorees (front row, left to right) Mark Huntley; Veronica Smith; Zaidy Cardenas; and Tracy Morse pictured with CEO Tim McCormick (back left) and Board of Directors President Don Biernacki (back right).
In the company of our Board of Directors, staff, corporate partners, and supporters, we gather together each year to celebrate the work we’ve done and the people who make all of our accomplishments and progress possible.
A few of those impactful individuals were recognized as our 2016 Annual Meeting honorees: Veronica Smith, Casa Tepeyac, received the 2016 Distinguished Staff Leadership Award; Tracy Morse, Images, Inc. received the 2016 Making a Difference Award; Mark Huntley, Swissôtel Chicago, was awarded the 2016 Distinguished Corporate Leadership Award; and Maestro Cares Foundation received the Caring for Children Award. We were also honored to welcome the evening’s keynote speaker Eddie T. Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
2016 accomplishments celebrated, included: providing 234 children a safe and secure home; an additional 261 children receiving care through our family strengthening program at Casa Tepeyac; and the reunion of 58 siblings groups living as a family either in our Villages or in the community.
In addition to reflecting on the positive outcomes of 2016, it was also an occasion to celebrate a number of heartwarming stories about the light and happy moments witnessed throughout the year—made possible by the support of our community.
One Family Illinois Board President Don Biernacki had this to say about how these stories illuminate the true power of the data and numbers we report on each year.
These stories bring life to the data. And I stress the importance of this because at the end of the day, although quality data is key to the growth and sustainability of our organization, these numbers represent actual lives that are transformed and changed as we live out our mission.
Our appreciation to all those in attendance at this year’s annual meeting, and each and every one of our supporters who contributed to our mission in 2016. We look forward to all that lies ahead for us as a community and organization in 2017.