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 Disabilities

Supported with a video message from Mayor Richard Daley on Saturday, Nov. 7, 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, IL, NOV. 10, 2009 – Little City Foundation today announced that nearly 700 of Illinois’ finest community and government leaders joined in its 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 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 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 that it received two large endowments: $100,000 dollar endowment from the Gianaras Family in honor of Alec Gianaras to fund a continuous employee scholarship ensuring professional development and advanced training in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and a $280,000 to fund an advanced practice nurse for the next three years launching 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 let those in 2059 at our Centennial Anniversary admire our resolve and what we are about to do to transform disability care!”

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 Honorary Mayor of Little City who 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 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.