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Excitement is in the air at LYDIA, thanks to the generosity of donors who gave extreme makeovers of our cafeteria and basketball court!
We're grateful to IKEA and OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), who helped transform the LYDIA cafeteria into a welcoming eaterie for our kids (click here to see the before and after video). Special thanks to South Park Church, who covered the cost of rejuvenating the basketball court used by children and teens in many of our programs. Goodbye, uneven asphalt and makeshift hoops, hello level surface, painted lines and mounted baskets!
There's one more item on our "wish list" this summer, and we're hoping a few generous donors will be part of making it come true. We'd like to purchase 30 laptop computers for LUA students. Laptops would help students immensely, allowing them to complete assignments, do research online and much more while at school. We are able to purchase good quality, refurbished laptops for $300 each. To learn more or make a donation, please contact Erica Dorantes, Associate Director of Development, by email or call 773-653-2249.
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| The 2012 Benefit Gala Needs You! |
 LYDIA's Benefit Gala is coming up on Thursday, Nov. 15, and we hope you will join us for what promises to be an inspirational evening. Our guest speaker is renowned author and pastor Stuart Briscoe. The event will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. You can register for the Benefit Gala online or by contacting Sylvia Ortiz by email or at 773-653-2223. We also are looking for people to host tables of 10 and donate silent auction items. Please let Sylvia know if you can be involved in the event in these ways.
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| projectMUSIC Lights up the Night |
 | | Crystal Bowersox performing with her husband, Brian Walker, at projectMUSIC. |
projectMUSIC was a huge hit! The June 16 event, which featured a special performance by American Idol 2010 Finalist Crystal Bowersox, raised $46,000-our most successful projectMUSIC ever. These funds will allow all the children who live at LYDIA's Residential Center to attend two sessions of camp at Lake Geneva Youth & Conference Center in Wisconsin.
Many thanks to Dan & Kim Michelson (projectMUSIC founders), our projectMUSIC board and all those who supported or attended the event. We'd also like to thank our amazing sponsors: Catalyst Ranch in Chicago (which provided its venue at no charge), SXC Healthcare Solutions, Bandit Wines, Citibank, Catered by Design, EDL Consulting, Added Incentives, Ovation Events, Lee Ross Photography and The Grand Food Center.
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| Running for Team LYDIA? Sign up Soon! | |
Team LYDIA is a group of dedicated people who raise money for LYDIA Urban Academy and Safe Families. The team's fundraising efforts include participating in the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K and other Chicago area races throughout the year. You can be part of the team in many ways!
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