Shriver Center Awards Dinner Honors those “Who Care”

Thanks to numerous committed volunteers, generous sponsors, and longtime friends, the Shriver Center’s 2007 Awards Dinner, on November 29, raised well over $350,000, reaching close to the year-end goal of $400,000. Proceeds from the event—whose theme was “Who Cares?”—will support the Shriver Center’s mission to take action through policy development, communications, and diverse advocacy strategies to end poverty.

Every year since 2000 the Shriver Center has bestowed the Sargent Shriver Award for Equal Justice on individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to social justice and economic equality. The Honorable George McGovern, who has worked for five decades to alleviate hunger, was this year’s honoree and keynote speaker. McGovern was the first director of Pres. John F. Kennedy’s Food for Peace program. In the U.S. Senate he led in bringing about such lifelines as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school lunch, and food stamps. In 2001 the United Nations World Food Program appointed him as its first Global Ambassador on Hunger.

“I just want to say that I’m very proud of this organization here in Chicago,” McGovern said, after receiving his award. “I know that it was close to Sarge’s heart. He can see the network of law firms tied together clearing their ideas and their work at a central clearinghouse like this, which we call the Shriver Center today.”

More than 600 guests joined the Shriver Center in honoring McGovern. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Shriver Center, and McGovern’s presence and speech offered inspiration as well as a compelling call to action for all in attendance. The event’s host was actor Sam Waterston, a longtime supporter of antipoverty organizations.

Information on event sponsors, plus photos and more available online.

Thanks again to all who contributed and attended. The event could not have been a success without you!