The 8th Annual Virtual Fall Fête Celebrates Staff and Toasts to Youth Empowerment

FOX 32’s Corey McPherrin headlines as emcee; long-time Auxiliary Board member Rita Wilkinson honored with the Champion for Children Award

CHICAGO, IL – Lawrence Hall—who for 155 years has delivered high quality care and education to youth who have experienced abuse and neglect and their families throughout the Chicagoland area—virtually celebrated their 8th Annual Fall Fête Fundraiser with a dynamic, TV-show format that included performances from the talented Lawrence Hall youth and staff and guest appearances from Peter Sagal, host of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!; former Chicago Bears Chris Zorich, Otis Wilson, Tom Waddle, and Gary Fencik; former Chicago Bull Will Perdue; former NFL player Anthony Herron; and Eric Ferguson, host of the Eric in the Morning show.

“Youth empowerment is really at the core of all of our programs at Lawrence Hall. Every day we work to empower our youth to heal from their traumatic pasts, develop social skills, reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, and provide opportunities to just become a thriving adult. But we can’t do this important work alone, especially during an ongoing pandemic. Your support is more needed and more appreciated than ever,” said Kara Teeple, CEO of Lawrence Hall.

Lawrence Hall is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. The agency’s unique continuum of care, which promotes overall well-being led by an expert staff, has positioned Lawrence Hall to meet the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community-based but by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago’s communities.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has proved as challenging for Lawrence Hall as it has for the world. The safety of Lawrence Hall’s youth and staff members is paramount, and costs for cleaning and safety precautions have increased to meet those needs.

“Your support and your donations mean that Lawrence Hall can continue serving youth and their families when they need it the most. And if you cannot contribute with a donation, there’s many other ways you can help get involved. We urge you to reach out to us and volunteer your time, become a foster parent, teach youth a skill, or much more,” said Kara Teeple.

The event also honored the legacy of long-time Lawrence Hall Auxiliary Board member Rita Wilkinson, who passed away earlier this year. Rita was an extremely involved volunteer and advocate for Lawrence Hall, helping with back-to-school drives, fulfilling holiday wish lists of residential youth, attending fundraisers, and recruiting friends and family to support the agency’s mission. Watch the presentation of this award and the rest of the virtual Fall Fête program at lawrencehall.org/FallFete2020.

Each year Lawrence Hall serves approximately 1,400 youth and families who have suffered severe trauma in their lives. For them, Lawrence Hall is a pathway to success and a better tomorrow. You can learn more on how to get involved and donate at lawrencehall.org/get-involved.