Personally, and on behalf of our dedicated staff, welcome to the 26^th Annual UCAN Leadership Awards. We are excited to gather with you in a new venue for our flagship fundraiser that has been renamed to reflect a broader range of the impactful work provided by the entire organization. 

As in past years, we are honored and excited to continue UCAN’s legacy of lifting up achieving youth who have powerful stories and unlimited bright futures because of their perseverance. Through the continuum of care and opportunities provided by the UCAN team across Chicago, their resilience and growth is to be celebrated. We thank you for joining us tonight to support them and their dreams.

This year, as we expand the event’s scope, we also proudly present three honors to deserving, respected recipients:

• The 11^th Annual John D. Nichols Impact Award to Bon French for his meaningful contributions to Chicago’s youth and families.
• The Corporate Engagement Award to the McDonald’s Corporation for their philanthropic commitment to UCAN and the city’s youth.
• Our Civic Engagement Award goes to Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for her tireless dedication to equity and community advance throughout the state.

Joining us again as Presenting Sponsor is the Allstate Insurance Company for whom we have the highest appreciation for their engagement and belief in our vision to lead with transformational interventions so that families and communities can be safe and prosper.

Thank you again for being here to celebrate the impact you have helped to create. The dedicated UCAN team of nearly 700 people joins me in gratitude for your time and energy tonight, tomorrow and beyond. Together, I am certain that UCAN will remain relentless.

Enjoy your night.

Christa Hamilton
President & CEO
UCAN