12 Annual SOS Gala

Champion Celebration at the 12th Annual SOS Gala  

With festive standards lining the ballroom entry and colorful table decorations highlighting the of flags of the world, the Four Season Hotel was an elegant setting to celebrate the 12th Annual SOS Gala and the theme SOS: Villages of Champions.  The black-tie crowd attending this year’s Gala was especially pleased to welcome the evening’s guests of honor, Chicago Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley.   More than 300 guests were in attendance for this special event honoring all who champion the SOS mission of making a difference in children’s lives.  Once again the Women’s Board of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois presented a truly exciting evening in a beautiful venue. Guests enjoyed cocktails while being entertained by the talented performances of the SOS Children’s Choir and Praise Dancers. The evening included music, awards, and a live action hosted by NBC news co-anchor Ana Devlantes. The live auction included such tempting items as a getaway to Park City Utah, a exploration of

Chicago by land,sea and air and a golf package at the Rich Harvest Farms. Throughout the evening Michael Lerich and his Orchestra provided the musical entertainment with the Four Season’s Hotel offering up its superb international menu with elegance and style.

 The evening’s festivities culminated in the presentation of awards to special champions of SOS Children’s Villages.  Mayor Richard M. Daley was honored with the Gold Medal Champion for Kids Award for his tireless support of SOS in championing the cause of neglected and abused children and providing safe and secure home for hundreds of children. Mrs. Maggie Daley was also recognized for her passionate leadership and commitment to offering

Chicago teens vital programs to gain career skills and educational experience. The Women’s Board of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois was honored to present Cheryl and Joe Skender of Skender Construction the 2008 Lynn M. Kiley Distinguished Leadership Award. Cheryl and Joe were recognized for their years of community and business leadership in support of the enrichment of SOS Children’s Villages. In addition, four young members from the Lockport and

Chicago

Villages were presented with the 12th Annual Gala Achievement Awards. Nathanial, Rosa, Salome, and Diane were each recognized with a $1,000 continuing education award for their outstanding achievement in Leadership, Arts and Sports, or Academics. The 2008 scholarships were generously donated by Jewel/Osco and the Northridge Group.  This year’s SOS Gala was a fabulous success because of the dedication and effort of the Women’s Board, SOS staff and volunteers, and our faithful donors and supporters each of whom are the true champions of SOS children.  

Guests of Honor

Mayor Richard M. and Maggie Daley

 

Benefactors 

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Gold                                                               Silver
DeGeus & Klafter                                          Jewel Osco
Marta and Bill Krug                                       Northridge Group
Magellan Development Group
Metal Metrix
Skender Construction
Studio Gang Architects
UBS 

Donors
Four Seasons                                                 Mr. Steve Lombardo + Gibsons
Lynn and Jim Kiley                                         Shelbourne Development GroupJasculaca/Terman & Associates     Urban Real Estate Research
Michael Lehrich and his Orchestra             Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois
Mr. Terry Athas                                                Chef John Coletta of Quartino
Arlington Park Race Track                            Mr. and Mrs. Paul Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Cortez Carter