Naperville residents attended Union League Boys & Girls Clubs annual gala in support of more than 11,500 Chicago youth, helping to ensure the young people reach their full potential.
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs raised more than $200,000 at the 36th Annual Gala held on November 2 at the Union League Club of Chicago. The annual fundraiser spotlighted key program partners and heralded the significance of the innovative and enriching programs and activities these partners provide for the over 11,500 inner-city Clubs members.
This year’s Gala Committee led by Gail Kiss presented an evening of dinner and dancing around the theme “Together.”
Mike Sullivan, president of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, spoke at the event, thanking 280 guests for their continued support.
Union League Boys & Girls Clubs members kicked off the evening by sharing with benefactors a glimpse of some of the organization’s programs; including the First Tee golf program and Merit Music Program. Each of the partner programs help to inspire the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs youth as they reap the benefits of learning new skills, building confidence and engaging in ways to open new doors to their futures.
Noting the history of 36 gala events, Sullivan said the fundraiser has raised more than $3 million in proceeds to benefit approximately 250,000 of Chicago’s youth.
“We greatly appreciate the generosity of our partners and supporters, as, together with their help, we continue to inspire and encourage positive development and bright futures,” added Sullivan.
Proceeds of the Gala help change lives and strengthen the core program areas of Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles offered at the six Union League Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Pilsen, West Town and Humboldt Park communities in Chicago and overnight Camp in Salem, Wisconsin.
“Together with our partners, sponsors and all of our benefactors, we are able to provide positive alternatives and help thousands of Chicago’s young people become responsible citizens by opening doors to their future,” said Mary Ann Huels, executive director of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. “Together, we serve 60,000 meals annually and provide programming for almost 12,000 Chicago kids where they can explore and engage in after school academics, arts and athletic activities at all of our Clubs, ” added Huels.
Did you know? The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs are credited by law enforcement, educators and community leaders with reducing crime rates, increasing reading scores and scholarship funds, and improving quality of life for these young people. Nationally, the Union League Club is rated #1 amongst Boys & Girls Clubs for the number of youths served per dollar of operating budget.
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs provides positive alternatives to help young people become responsible citizens by opening the doors to the future. For 93 years, the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs have served thousands of children in six well equipped, professional staffed, inner city Chicago Clubs in Pilsen, West Town and Humboldt Park communities. The organization also staffs and manages its own 250-acre summer camp in southern Wisconsin where youth from Chicago’s inner city spend time in an environment free from drugs, gangs and violence.
Photos by Amy Fox Photography / Story submitted by Caruso PR.
