2008 Youth Advocacy Awards Dinner
Presented by
UCAN WELCOMED
CHRIS GARDNER
AS ITS HONORED SPEAKER ON TUESDAY, JULY 8TH AT THE 9TH ANNUAL YOUTH ADVOCACY AWARDS DINNER
AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CHICAGO
9th Annual Youth Advocacy Awards a Great Success
On July 8th 2008, UCAN and US Cellular hosted the 9th Annual Youth Advocacy Awards Dinner at the Four Seasons Chicago Hotel. At the event, UCAN young adults Shanice Cowens, Stephan Crunk, Ramire Drake and Jessica Ortiz were given Youth Advocacy Award Scholarships, and Rodrigue Polycarp received the John E. Rooney Dynamic Scholar Award.
Represented by Executive VP of Community Affairs, Yasmin Bates-Brown, Harris Bank, was recognized for their neighborhood lending program which has been at the forefront of revitalizing inner city Chicago neighborhoods.
State Senator Terry Link of Lake County, was honored for his tireless advocacy for youth and children in the Illinois General Assembly And, in recognition of her years of care for nine separate children, Sylvia Jones was presented with the UCAN Foster Parent of the Year Award.
NBC 5's LeeAnn Trotter served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. And, Chris Gardner, world renowned author of "The Pursuit of Happyness" was the evening's inspiring Guest Speaker. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees and corporate sponsors, the 9th Annual Youth Advocacy Awards Dinner raised a record $500,000 to help UCAN continue building strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education and empowerment.
