Governor Pat Quinn Salutes Little City Foundation for 50 Years of Dedicated Service to Illinois’ Citizens with Disabilities

Governor Quinn joins hundreds of political dignitaries, community leaders, respected board members, residents, parents and dedicated staff at Little City’s upcoming Golden Anniversary Dinner Nov. 7 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

PALATINE, IL, Oct. 26, 2009 – Hundreds of supporters will gather on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Little City Foundation’s Golden Anniversary Dinner at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park hotel to celebrate 50 years of groundbreaking, innovative service to Illinois’ children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event will also serve as a platform to generate awareness and raise compassion for Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens.

“I believe a society is judged on the way it cares for its most vulnerable people,” Governor Pat Quinn said. “Since its founding fifty 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 will welcome several of Little City’s founding members who helped break ground in 1959 and recognize employees who served the organization for more than 20 years.

“With the critical support of Governor Quinn and other community leaders, Little City can truly celebrate and make a significant impact in the hearts and minds of thousands,” commented Executive Director Shawn Jeffers. “We’re pleased to provide the stage to Governor Quinn as he helps us welcome hundreds of integral community partners.”

Little City will honor leading humanitarian Eleni Bousis with its Sidney L. Port Legacy of Distinction award for tireless advocacy efforts in helping to attain equality and dignity for children and adults with disabilities. It will also announce Rob Waterhouse as the next Honorary Mayor of Little City who has provided strategic direction, creative vision, and high-quality leadership.

Top corporate partners of the Golden Anniversary Celebration include: Cermak Produce; The Bousis Family, Friends of the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre; Sage Products, Inc.; Lawson Products, Inc.; Joseph A. Power, Jr. / Power Rodgers & Smith, P.C.; Transformer Manufacturers, Inc.; Wells Fargo Advisors; Mr. & Mrs. Alex G. Alexandrou and Family; Alexian Brothers Health Systems; AllianceBernstein LP; Nicholas J. & Anna K. Bouras Foundation, Inc.; Breakthrough Technologies, LLC; Michael Daley and John George; Thomas and Ann Derrig; Discover Financial Services; Ernst and Young; Dave Figlioli of Morici, Figlioli & Associates; GE Capital; Commercial Distribution Finance; Anna Giannoulias; Goya Foods, Inc.; The Green Family; Hawthorn Mellody; Kids First Pediatrics Partners; Northwest Community Hospital; Paramount Staffing; Treasure Island Foodmart, Inc.; and USG Corporation.

For ticket information, visit www.littlecity.org/gold.

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

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or 847-221-7825.

###

About Little City Foundation

For nearly 50 years, Little City Foundation has developed innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Little City offers a variety of residential options for children and adults, as well as vocational and employment opportunities. Programs and services include a special needs foster care and adoption program; in-home support to families raising a child with developmental disabilities; a full complement of recreational activities, including Special Olympics competition; a Resale Shop that provides employment for people with disabilities; and an award-winning Center for the Arts program that features visual, performance, media and fabric arts. The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit www.littlecity.org.