Chicago, IL – Elementary and high school Chicago area students from Gads Hill Center participated in the agency’s Annual Back to School Picnic on Friday, August 27^th, 2010.  More than 300 kids, staff and corporate volunteers enjoyed carnival games, festivities, school supplies and prizes that garnered energy and excitement for the new school year.

The day was not only about fun and games.  The Annual Picnic’s goal is to prepare students with materials necessary for a successful school year.  More than 75 members of Baker & McKenzie’s professional staff led the charge to make the day fun and memorable for all.  They provided school supplies, filled backpacks, led games and activities and even prepared a barbecue lunch for the kids.   John Conroy, Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee, and Greg Walters, Global Chief Operating Officer, shared their enthusiasm for the mission of Gads Hill by participating in the festivities along with Adams Street Partners, through a donation of backpacks, health energy bars from General Mills, and  youth motivational interaction with Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward). 

Barbara Castellán, Gads Hill’s Chief Executive Officer, noted that “Students and volunteers alike had a wonderful time this year. These young students are confident and off to a strong start and we are anxious to watch their progress. We want to thank our generous sponsors who provided their time, energy and resources to make the event a success.”

Gads Hill Center’s Child Development Center will be hosting a Recruitment Fair on Friday, August 6th.  Come out and learn more about Gads Hill’s programs for 0-5 year olds and enjoy complimentary food, a raffle for gift certificates from local businesses, activities, games, and more!

When: Friday, August 6, 2010

Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Gads Hill Child Development Center at 2653 W. Ogden 2nd Floor

Please click on this link for more information

Gads Hill Center congratulates Virginia Martinez, long time Gads Hill Center board member, for having received the Citizen of Action Award from the League of Women Voters of Illinois at their annual State of the State luncheon that took place on June 2d. 

Ms. Martinez, a Legislative Staff Attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), has spent most of her career working in non-profit organizations and has been a strong advocate for Latinos, women and children.  

 The League of Women Voters presents the Citizen of Action Award to a member of the community who advocates for better public service, the rights of individuals and for a stronger democratic process.  Virginia Martinez exemplifies this dedication and commitment to public service through her work for MALDEF as well as through her volunteer service on the boards of Gads Hill Center, the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition.

Over 300 community leaders, corporate partners, Gads Hill alumni, current participants and supporters came together to raise over $65,000 and to celebrate the significant contributions of those who have made Gads Hill Center a thriving resource on Chicago’s southwest side. 

GHC Gala Invite 2010

This year’s honorees are:

Corporate Partner Award

Joan W. Newman, Adams Street Partners

George W. Moss Founder’s Award

Edwin Gonzalez, Gads Hill Center

Outstanding Gads Hill Center Alumni

To purchase tickets or to contribute to the event, please click on the link below:

https://id3484.securedata.net/gadshillcenter.org/merchantmanager/index.php

For more information, contact Gads Hill Center at (312)226-0963 ext. 242

or info@gadshillcenter.org

Gads Hill is proud of our 111 years of service to communities on Chicago’s southwest side and salutes our sister agencies also in long service to communities in the midwest.

A list of the agencies honored is available here.

Gads Hill is excited to be a part of sharing and building best practices with other programs to improve services provided througout the Chicago area and the nation. Read more about the conference here: tutormentorconference.org.

Find out more by clicking here.

Here are some pictures: