December 22, 2015
We proudly regard our corporate partners, sponsors, and supporters not just as our friends, but as extended family. It is thanks to your generous contributions that we continue on the path to better serve the children and youth in our care. Your support helps ensure that our educational and activity programming can provide supplementary academic support at every level of learning so that each child can become a contributing member of society.
PROGRAMS
College Bound and Beyond
Our College Bound and Beyond program involves a care team of Foster Parents, educators, and community members, who work in unison to ensure each child successfully matriculates to the next grade. The goal is to empower youth to figure out where they are going after high school – be it college, trade school, an apprenticeship, or employment.
One Family Illinois emphasizes education throughout its programming and services. This indoctrination results in a 100% high school graduation rate year after year. Its design ensures that foster youth in grades 7-12 have the skills and support to graduate from high school and be on the road to self-sufficiency. Our 100% high school graduation rate far exceeds the national average of 50% for children in foster care. Our Foster Parents, volunteers, and employees also receive training so they can create an environment that helps youth succeed.
We are grateful for the major support received in 2014 and 2015 for the College Bound and Beyond program from: Christian and Sibi Bale; the Caterpillar Foundation; the Chicago Blackhawks Community Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund; HSBC; the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation; and U.S. Bank.
EVENTS
Evening of Hope
This year’s Evening of Hope was the 5th annual fall fundraising event benefitting One Family Illinois. The Cirque Soiree-themed event took place at Venue One on October 15 and raised over $260,000. At the main event, Illinois’ Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti delivered remarks and congratulated the Evening of Hope Honorees, children from our Villages who have shown progress and success in their educational goals.
The evening began with a VIP Backstage Reception attended by special guests including: Thomas Powers – Commissioner – Chicago Dept. Of Water Management; Paul Kovacs – Chief of Engineering – IL State Tollway Authority; Mike Stone – Chief of Staff – IL State Tollway Authority; Gustavo Giraldo – Chief of Diversity and Strategic Development – IL State Tollway Authority; and select guests of $5,000-and-above level event sponsors.
The evening’s in-kind donors included: food and beverage from: Lagunitas Brewing Company; Garret Popcorn; Eli’s Cheesecake; Edrington – Macallan; Hershey’s Chicago; Solemn Oath Brewery; Southern Wine & Spirits; and Argus Brewery. Professional services were provided by: Images, Inc.; Zzazz Productions; and Cushing.
This year’s presenting sponsor was WSP – Parsons Brinckerhoff. Other top sponsors included CivCon Engineering; HNTB; Images, Inc.; and TranSystems.
Related Lend Lease Annual Charity Golf Classic
Our valued extended family members at Related Midwest and Lend Lease sponsored their Annual Charity Golf Classic at Harborside International Golf Course on September 17. This year’s event, presented by Snaidero, was once again sold out with over 300 golfers. Proceeds benefitted One Family Illinois and two other child welfare organizations. One Family Illinois received over $165,000. This year’s Golf Classic also marked $2 million raised throughout the history of the annual event.
OUR GRATITUDE
With the gracious support of our extended family, the organization continues to improve its ability to strengthen the lives of the children in our care. Words will have to suffice to express our appreciation, as well as the gratitude from the hundreds of youth who have and will continue to benefit from the generosity of our partners.
And with your support, we proudly announce that One Family Illinois was recognized as one of twenty “Best Charities in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine in its November 2015 issue.
