Contact:
Deborah Halpern
Deborah@dghcommunications.com
312-291-9079
For immediate release
May 23, 2011 (Chicago)—A century of serving Chicago's at-risk youth was celebrated by SGA Youth & Family Services on Saturday, May 14, 2011 in the spectacular Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Over 370 guests helped to make this the most successful fundraising event in SGA's 100 year history.
Geoffrey Canada, CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone and featured in the popular documentary, Waiting for Superman, inspired the gala guests with a passionate and personal discussion of the issues facing children and their education in Chicago and nationally. SGA kicked off their new Roseland Children's Initiative earlier that afternoon, at the SGA community rally, with Mr. Canada. The program is a cradle to career community effort inspired by Canada's successful program in New York City which will systematically coordinate and provide massive, comprehensive support for children and their families.
Benefit Co-Chairs Victoria Noonan, Chicago, and Peggy Swartchild, Winnetka, worked with the Benefit Committee and Jim Forhan, Hinsdale, the Centennial Chair, to create the centennial celebration filled with wine and roses. Master of Ceremonies, Ryan Chiaverini, co-host of ABC 7's Windy City Live, kept the evening flowing. Timothy Schwertfeger, retired CEO of Nuveen Investments was honored with SGA's prestigious Jean S. Meltzer Award for his lifelong support of Chicago's youth. Guests were entertained during the cocktail hour by the Christian Fenger Academy High School Choir from Roseland.
The elegant dinner featured a starter of pan seared diver scallops with roasted wild mushrooms and an entree of tagliata of Colorado lamb loin in seasonal herbs with broccoli, asparagus and heirloom baby carrots served with Cabrales blue cheese potatoes and semifreddo for dessert.
The evening finale was a live auction, facilitated by auctioneer Matt Goebel, with all funds earned for the benefit of SGA Youth & Family Services, a nonprofit social service agency supporting the emotional and social development of Chicago-area youth. In 2010, SGA served over 10,000 individuals in 34 communities and 42 Chicago Public Schools. For more information about SGA and the Roseland Children's Initiative call 312-447-4338.
