Mayor Daley Congratulates Little City Foundation for 50 Years of Leadership and Advocacy in Disability Care

Mayor Daley supports hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—Chicago’s most vulnerable citizens—with proclamation and sustained support on Little City Foundation’s Board of Advisors

PALATINE, IL, Nov. 4, 2009 – Thousands of supporters including the honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley and Governor Pat Quinn have joined Little City Foundation in its campaign to generate awareness and raise compassion for individuals with disabilities. The campaign is just one of many opportunities associated with Little City Foundation’s Golden Anniversary Celebration.

The official Golden Anniversary event takes place Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park hotel marking 50 years of dedicated, groundbreaking service to Illinois’ children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A full calendar of special events follow the black-tie gala including advocacy days in Chicago and Springfield; a gallery exhibit in Chicago; a golf invitational; the largest used book sale in the Midwest; family picnics; a Fall Festival; and more, to fundraise and garner support for children and adults in need.

“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 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.

The non-profit service provider agency will also 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: Dimitrios and Eleni Bousis & Eleni, Bobby and Taso Tzotzolis; Friends of the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre; Sage Products, Inc.: Vince and Pat Foglia; Lawson Products, Inc.; Joseph A. Power, Jr. of Power Rodgers & Smith, P.C.; Anthony & Joan Scialabba; 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; Steve & Peg Lombardo; Northwest Community Hospital; Paramount Staffing; Treasure Island Foodmart, Inc.; USG Corporation and more.

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.

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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.