Donated Funds Give Inner-City Kids an Unforgettable Week of Camp
This summer, students at LYDIA Urban Academy spent a week at Kids Across America, a camp in Missouri that emphasizes Christian values through recreation and sports. The experience was made possible through the generosity of South Park Church in Park Ridge, which covered all registration fees. Thank you, South Park Church!
The camp was fun- and life changing. Two of our students became Christians, one rededicated her life to Christ, one read his Bible more than he had in his entire life, and everyone heard the gospel of Jesus Christ presented clearly. READ MORE
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Runners, Walkers and Volunteers Needed for Team LYDIA
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2010 Team LYDIA Runner, Laurie Jaffe, with her children after completing the Half Marathon.
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There's still time to join Team LYDIA, a group of committed runners/walkers who are participating in the 15th Annual Chicago Half Marathon & 5K on behalf of LYDIA/Safe Families. The registration deadline is Aug. 26, and the big event is on Sept. 11. Click here for more details. Questions about running or walking for Team LYDIA? Contact Mary Gaskill by email or call 773-653-2214.
LYDIA also needs to provide several finish line volunteers from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (yes, we know it's early)! This is a great opportunity to cheer on our runners while supporting LYDIA. To sign up, click here, select LYDIA Home Association from the drop-down menu and then enter password lydiaha (case sensitive). Fill out the form then click on Join Group. Questions about volunteering? Contact Erica Dorantes by email or call 773-653-2249.
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Amidst Wedding Plans, Couple Hosts a Night to Remember
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Jack and Loreta with the sports items they donated.
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Jack Pytka and Loreta Jankunaite are getting married later this month, but instead of buying mints or miniature picture frames to adorn tables at their reception, the couple decided to do something special for LYDIA kids. On July 15, they hosted a pizza party at our Residential Treatment Center, where they donated sports equipment and games. "It was our wish to start our marriage with the blessing of gift giving," says Jack. "We shared in an amazing opportunity of meeting the children, playing sports together, having a meal together and living in their happiness. We had a fabulous time and hope that others will share in this tradition."
Thank you, Jack and Loreta, and best wishes!
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Great Music for a Great Cause at August 27 Event
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Join us on Aug. 27 for a benefit concert featuring Shuree Rivera.
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You're invited to a benefit concert featuring Shuree Rivera on Saturday, Aug. 27. The event will be held at Deer Path Golf Course in Lake Forest and will include music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds will benefit LYDIA. To learn more or register, click here. For a preview of Shuree's music and a free download of her single "One Girl (Can Change the World)," click here. Questions? Contact Mary Gaskill by email or call 773-653-2200.
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LYDIA's Benefit Gala
|  | | LYDIA's Benefit Gala is Monday, Nov. 14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. We hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspirational evening! Our guest speaker is James MacDonald, Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel.
Register today by contacting Erica Dorantes by email or at 773-653-2249.
P.S. We're also looking for people to host tables of 10, please let us know if you're interested in this opportunity.
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