la rabida children's hospital

Lacing Up for 10,500 Reasons

Tuesday April 21st, 2009

2nd Annual Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois State Walk to Benefit La Rabida Children's Advocacy Center
In mid-May,  walkers from across the state of Illinois will lace up for a statewide walk in support of The La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois (CACI).  The La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center is a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have experienced psychological trauma and for alleged victims of sexual abuse or other violent crimes.  It provides investigative, therapeutic and support services free of charge to children and their families throughout south suburban Cook County. To increase awareness, knowledge, and education, the La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center is proud to be participating in the second annual Champions for Children Walk.

“Each walker - each supporter - is a true Champion for Children,” explained Billie Larkin, Executive Director of CACI.  The 2nd Annual Champions for Children Walk, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, will be held on May 14-17, 2009 and will bring awareness to child abuse issues. Additionally, Champions for Children Walk will increase knowledge about the services of local Children’s Advocacy Centers and the difference these services make in a child’s life.  The walk will help raise funds through pledges and sponsorship for the 38 Children’s Advocacy Centers in Illinois that serve 85 of the state’s 102 counties.  
Walkers are encouraged to lace up and make a difference for our children! In the past year alone, Illinois’ Children’s Advocacy Centers provided support and service to over 10,500 children. 

The Champions for Children Walk begins on May 14, 2009 and will conclude on May 17, 2009, in Chicago.  With six different walk sites over four days, there is an opportunity for everyone to lace up for children!  Numerous walkers are planning on attending each day of the walk as they navigate across the state in support of the La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center, CACI and the children of Illinois.
Governor Pat Quinn will serve as Grand Marshall of the 4-Day Walk and Erwin McEwen, director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, is the honorary chair for the Champions for Children Walk.

To register online, go to the Champions for Children's Walk.

For more details about the La Rabida Children's Advocacy Center.