FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shelter Celebrates 50 Years of Service with “A Half-Century of Hope” Event
Arlington Heights, IL– April 4, 2025 — Shelter Youth & Family Services is proud to announce its 50th Anniversary Celebration, A Half-Century of Hope, will take place at 6:00 p.m. on April 26 at Loft21 in Lincolnshire. This special evening will honor five decades of dedicated service to helping children and families in crisis, bringing together community members for an unforgettable night of entertainment, fundraising, and recognition. Tickets are currently on sale.
Shelter’s 50th anniversary marks not only an historical milestone but also a pivotal transformation, as Shelter, Inc. becomes Shelter Youth & Family Services. This new name reflects Shelter’s commitment to providing not only a safe place for children, but comprehensive support for youth and families in need.
Guests will enjoy a lively performance by Second City Works, creative cuisine by Paramount Events, a women-owned and green-certified catering service, and music from Chicago DJ, JL Deleon. Attendees can participate in both silent and live auctions, with exciting items up for bid to support Shelter’s vital programs. NBC 5 Chicago’s Regina Waldroup returns to serve as the emcee for the celebration.
A highlight of the evening will be the recognition of Denise and Gerry Fitzgerald of Chicago, IL, recipients of the Buckholz Award, for their remarkable contributions to the community and unwavering commitment to Shelter’s mission. The Fitzgeralds have been instrumental in fostering hope and positive change for families in need.
Proceeds from A Half-Century of Hope will directly support Shelter’s ongoing efforts to provide critical resources to children and families in crisis, ensuring they have the tools and support needed for a brighter future.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the incredible legacy of those who have shaped our mission and recommit ourselves to ensuring that every child has a safe, nurturing place to call home,” says Executive Director, Carina H. Santa Maria. “The work we do today builds the foundation for a stronger, more compassionate future.”
Shelter’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is made possible by the support of Cornerstone Bank, Wintrust, Studio North, Webit, Wheels, Fifth Third Bank, and Mirar Media.
“Shelter’s reimagined gala promises to be a fun-filled trip down memory lane and a celebration of all that has been achieved in our community,” says Director of Development Simone Wheeler. “Our supporters have changed the trajectory of many lives, and we look forward to partnering with them to launch us into the next half-century.”
Visit shelter-inc.org/50th for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
About Shelter Youth & Family Services
Shelter Youth & Family services, founded in 1975, is a leader in Chicagoland for providing emotional and physical care, programs, and services that children need to build safer, healthier, and brighter futures. Shelter is the only agency in Illinois to provide comprehensive and community-based services for children and families at risk and in need. Programs include emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, and clinical support services. www.shelter-inc.org.
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Media Contact:
Christine Roerig
Director, Marketing & Communications
croerig@shelter-inc.org
847.595.0131
