On Wednesday, May 1, One Family Illinois gathered its 2019 Luminaries, Dining & Conversation sponsor Sodexo, and other local business leaders at 210 Design House (Snaidero Chicago) for a Leadership Reception as a precursor event to its spring gala – Dining & Conversation, which supports the children it serves at its four Chicagoland locations.
Entering into the 210 Design House showroom, guests were greeted by staff and mingled amidst a collection of some of the world’s most premier kitchen and home furnishing brands under one roof. Tim McCormick, CEO of One Family Illinois introduced this year’s celebrity supporters in attendance at the reception included Christian Bale, Lou Canellis, David Eigenberg, Star Jones, Zach Filkins, and Dr. Stuart Strahl. They joined 40 business leaders from industries across Illinois to support the mission of One Family Illinois to strengthen families and transform lives.
Reception Host, Rama Dandamudi, Snaidero Chicago President, welcomed everyone to the luncheon and thanked everyone for taking this time together in support of One Family Illinois. Michael Landers, Vice President, North America Schools at Sodexo, sponsor of Dining & Conversation, furthered the sentiment, “Our work here in Chicago and across the country, focusing on the quality of life really contributing into the communities we serve, and that approach ties well with what we’re all about here at One Family Illinois.”
The Leadership Reception kicked off the day’s events, including a tour at Cinespace Studio and Dining & Conversation, and #Voices4FosterCare month-long campaign to bring awareness to children in foster care.
Tevin Marbeth, an One Family Illinois Alumni and aspiring actor who grew up at the Lockport Village with his seven siblings, said, “By sharing my story, I’m helping to raise awareness for children in foster care. I’m proud to lend my voice to ensuring other brothers and sisters have the same opportunity I did to grow up with their siblings with the support of One Family Illinois.” Tevin continued addressing the business leaders in the room, “Most important to me today, is your presence here, which shows you’re committed to lending your voice to children in foster care.”
Jim Wolfe, One Family Illinois Board President, took a moment to thank Sodexo and the committed business leaders who have support the work of One Family Illinois as it serves over 500 children each year.
Following remarks, reception attendees reconvened on the second floor of the showroom, where TWO Restaurant and Bar had three food stations for guests. The lunch menu focused on wholesome, seasonal ingredients that can be found at a local butchers, farms, markets or fisheries.
The Luncheon Reception was an amazing start to wonderful day of events to help spread awareness of One Family Illinois and children in foster care. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Chicago Business Community, which is helping us strengthen families and transform lives. With their support, we are building the future of foster care.
During Foster Care Awareness month, and throughout the year, One Family Illinois encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Illinois a better place for children in foster care. By acknowledging Foster Parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections; we change the narrative of the child welfare system. One Family Illinois is proud to celebrate all those who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in care.