All Stars Project of Chicago Director David Cherry with volunteer staffers at the most recent talent show.

One June 23rd, the All Stars Project of Chicago, Director David Cherry hosted a gathering of thirty supporters at an exclusive modern art filled, 63rd floor private residence on North Michigan Avenue.  All Stars Project President and CEO, Gabrielle L. Kurlander, ASP Senior Vice President/Development, Chris Street, ASP Vice President and Chicago fundraising director Bonny Gildin and ASP Board member, Julie Lenner were all in attendance.

Cherry hosted a brief program in which he spoke about the continuing on-the-ground success of All Stars Project’s programs and the tremendous enthusiasm with which Chicago’s poorest youth are taking on the building of the All Stars Talent Show Network.  He outlined a full schedule of talent show events for the coming months. 

Cherry concluded with the announcement that All Stars Project was taking the first steps toward launching the Development School for Youth in Chicago. Building on his remarks, Gabrielle L. Kurlander announced the launch of a three-year campaign that will raise $1 million dollars for program expansion – followed by a special announcement that the Pritzker-Pucker Family Foundation has established a $50,000 Challenge Fund.  Designed to encourage broad and deep private sector support. The fund will match every new gift on a 1:2 basis (i.e., the Foundation will give $1 for every $2 donated.)

Further evidence of growth in Chicago comes with the arrival of Julie K. Lenner, a twenty-year builder of the All Stars Project and member of the All Stars Project Board of Directors.  Lenner is relocating to Chicago in September to lead the building of a vibrant volunteer program for the All Stars Project of Chicago.  She will be contributing her considerable talents and experiences pro bono, and the volunteer initiative is being further funded by a $75,000 grant for the John D. and Catherine T. Rockefeller Foundation.  Says David Cherry, “I am looking forward to working with Julie to invite Chicagoans from all walks of life to create a volunteer community to help develop Chicago’s youth – and also improve life for all of Chicago.”

For more information about the programs of the Chicago All Stars, contact Director David Cherry at 773-624-2848 or email dcherry@allstars.org.  To make a donation, contact Chicago Fundraising Director Bonny Gildin at 973-622-5506, ext. 306, or bgildin@allstars.org.