2016 Fall Awards raises nearly $50k for at-risk kids

On Oct. 25th more than 150 guests gathered at the University Club of Chicago to celebrate Bright Promises 2016 Fall Awards. The evening began with a warm welcome from Iris Krieg, co-founder of the Chicago Foundation for Women and current Executive Director of Bright Promises Foundation, who announced the launch of the countdown to Bright Promises’ 150th Anniversary in 2019. Following this announcement, Bright Promises was honored to present three awards:

• Gigi Pritzker received the Champion for Children Award for civic leadership in honor of her enduring commitment to creating opportunities for all children.
• Ron Manderschied, President of the Northwestern University Settlement House, received the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award in children’s services.
• Maria Muñoz, Academic Programs Coordinator for Erie Neighborhood House received the Ed Marciniak Bright Star Award for mid-career professionals, which was accompanied by a $5,000 honorarium co-sponsored by Bright Promises and the Marciniak Family.

Thanks to a generous Matching Gift Challenge sponsored by Rodger and Janet Owen, longtime supporters of Bright Promises, the 2016 Fall Awards successfully raised almost $50,000 on behalf of our communities’ most vulnerable children. 100% of the funds raised during this event will support high-quality programs for children throughout the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area.

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