150th Anniversary
On November 9, 1999, Chicago Child Care Society celebrated its 150th anniversary at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Founded by Chicago's most prominent civic leaders in 1849, Chicago Child Care Society, then named the Chicago Orphan Asylum, opened its doors to children whose parents succumbed in the cholera epidemic. As the oldest child welfare agency in Illinois, CCCS has a direct link to Chicago's beginnings and a unique connection to today's city. Throughout its 150 years, CCCS has continually adapted and been true to its historic mission- to care for children in need.
In honor of this important milestone, William Osborn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Northern Trust Company, was chair of the 150 years…Changing Children's Lives Anniversary Dinner. Judith S. Block, past president and board member of Chicago Child Care Society for 30 years, was chairman of the Society's Sesquicentennial Campaign. The evening also honored the long-time board service and dedication of Natalie Heineman. A CCCS board member for 35 years, she has provided leadership to the child welfare community on the local and national fronts. Block presented her mentor, Heineman, a handsome award that recognized her service and advocacy for children.
Former First Lady, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has received the Natalie Heineman Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to Children from the Child Welfare League of America, served as Honorary Chair of the celebration. "Child welfare is an issue I have cared about for more than half my life," Senator Clinton said in a video shown at the dinner. "Chicago Child Care Society is among the real heroes of continuing efforts to ensure that children and families are given the chance to reach their God-given promise." Mayor Richard M. Daley and Governor George Ryan each issued proclamations declaring November 9, 1999, Chicago Child Care Society Day in Chicago and in the State of Illinois.
Chicago's top corporations turned out for this momentous occasion. Darrell Jackson of The Northern Trust Company welcomed the 500 guests to the Grand Ballroom and John Edwardson of Burns International thanked everyone for their support of the dinner and emphasized the importance of continued support. Jewel-Osco Corporation's Ertharin Cousin Moore was in attendance to present a scholarship on behalf of Jewel-Osco to Rae Nette Evans, a student who had graduated from the society's 4C's program. This scholarship allows Evans the chance to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
Allison Rosati of NBC5 News Chicago, as guest speaker, shared her own personal experiences as a foster child and spoke to the importance of finding homes for the city's foster children. She did not forget to acknowledge another event occurring that evening, the city's cow auction. Rosati auctioned her very own 5-inch cow, designed at Gallery 37. Mary Ellen Pistuna purchased the cow for $1,100.
