Press Release: Chicago Youth Centers’ Bronze Ball Hosts Top Bronzeville Civic Leaders, Philanthropists and Artists as Honorary Chairs, Special Guests

Media Contact:Shannon Smith Chicago Youth Centers (312) 913-1700, ext. 451 Shannon.smith@chicagoyouthcenters.org

Celebrating the 90-year legacy of CYC’s Elliott Donnelley Youth Center, formerly the South Side Boys Club

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CHICAGO (June 15, 2015)—Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), Chicago’s largest independent youth and family services organization, announced Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell, The Jesse Owens Family and The Elliott Donnelley Family as Honorary Chairs of the Bronze Ball, which will take place Friday, June 26, 5-9 p.m. Chicago artist Hebru Brantey will also attend as a special guest. The event will celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Elliot Donnelley Youth Center (EDYC) in Bronzeville, one of CYC’s seven neighborhood Centers. Funds raised will support EDYC’s work and Summer Enrichment Program, which will bring children from Chicago’s south and west neighborhoods together for academic, artistic and physical activities throughout the summer.

“This is a special opportunity to honor Bronzeville’s past, present and future with key members of the community,” said CYC Board member and event chair Amy Weiss Narea. “Investing in the neighborhoods we serve and partnering with community leaders is integral to our organization’s strategy for success, and we’re proud to celebrate Bronzeville and this Center’s legacy.”

The Honorary Chairs and special guest have deep ties to the community. Elliott Donnelley, for whom EDYC was named, was a CYC cofounder and key investor in the Center. Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens served on the Center’s board in the 1950s. The Donnelley and Owens families are invited as Honorary Chairs of the event, alongside Pat Dowell, who has served Bronzeville as alderman of the 3rd Ward since 2007. Special guest Hebru Brantley, who grew up in Bronzeville, has exhibited his impressive art collections internationally, and has sold individual pieces to businessman Matthew Pritzker and rapper Jay Z.

The evening will be a unique blend of history, art, music and culture. Live music will be provided by The Jazz Institute and Chicago Catz in the Center’s art garden. A silent auction will feature artwork by Brantley and other Chicago artists, as well as restaurant gift certificates and tickets to sporting events, theater shows and more. VIP tickets are $150 and general admission tickets are $75. To purchase tickets to this event, visit www.chicagoyouthcenters.org/the-bronze-ball/ or call (312) 913-1700, ext. 424.

About Chicago Youth Centers: CYC supports the development of successful kids in Chicago’s underserved communities by surrounding them with the social capital they need to succeed: family engagement, safe spaces and innovative curriculum. The organization includes seven neighborhood Centers in the west and south sides of the city and a camp in Dowagiac, Michigan.  Learn more at www.chicagoyouthcenters.org, follow CYC on Twitter @ChicagoCYC and like CYC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chicagoyouthcenters.