Little City Foundation Hosts Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, State Treasurer Alex Giannoulias and Hundreds More to Celebrate 50 Years of Dedicated Service to Individuals with Disab

November 11, 2009 12:31 PM EST

Supported with a video message from Mayor Richard Daley and reinforced by the presence of state, city, and local political leaders including State Senator Matt Murphy, Little City Foundation achieved its objectives in raising compassion and funds for the hundreds of children and adults it serves, as well as raised awareness for thousands of others in need

PALATINE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nearly 700 of Illinois' finest community and government leaders joined in Little City Foundation's celebration marking 50 years of groundbreaking, innovative programs and services to hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"I believe a society is judged on the way it cares for its most vulnerable people," Governor Quinn said. "Since its founding 50 years ago, Little City Foundation has provided an example of how we should care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, by providing opportunities to live safely, work productively, and learn throughout their lifetimes."

Little City Foundation not only raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for much-needed therapeutic programming, it also raised compassion and awareness of what individuals with disabilities can achieve throughout their lifetimes.

"Today, with Little City programs and services, hundreds of individuals and their families live safely, work productively, explore creatively and learn continuously throughout their lifetimes," commented Mayor Daley. "From award-winning arts programs to a therapeutic horticultural center, individuals with disabilities are promised countless opportunities to develop their talents and grow to their fullest potential."

Little City also announced that evening it received two large endowments: a $100,000 dollar endowment from the Gianaras Family in honor of Alec Gianaras, a former longtime Little City Board President, to fund a continuous employee scholarship for professional development and advanced training in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders; and a $280,000 dollar grant to fund an advanced nurse practitioner for the next three years helping Little City to launch its first-ever, dedicated on-site medical clinic on the Palatine campus.

"On behalf of the hundreds of children and adults with disabilities that we serve, and the thousands still in need, I thank you from the bottom of my heart," commented Executive Director Shawn Jeffers Saturday evening. "I invite each of you to champion with us for the next 50 years and help us to transform disability care!"

As part of the Golden Anniversary Dinner, Little City Foundation honored leading humanitarian Eleni Bousis with its most prestigious award--the Sidney L. Port Legacy of Distinction--for her tireless advocacy efforts in helping to attain equality and dignity for children and adults with disabilities. The non-profit organization also introduced Rob Waterhouse as the new Honorary Mayor of Little City. Waterhouse provided strategic direction, creative vision and high-quality leadership as a board member.

To donate, visit: www.littlecity.org/support.

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org .

    Source: Little City Foundation

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