Honoring Changemakers Dedicated to Children and Youth
About Bright Promises' Annual Awards
For 20 years, Bright Promises presents awards to individuals in our communities who deeply embody our mission and vision for every young person in Chicagoland and beyond to reach their full promise and potential. These awards are presented each year during a community celebration hosted by the Bright Promises Foundation. This is a fun and casual event, celebrating distinguished individuals and organizations who deserve special recognition for their dedication to children and youth. More than just a great party with great people, the funds raised at the annual Awards celebration provides critically important support to over 10,000 young people.
From Emerging Leaders to Inspirational Local Icons
Champion for Children Award
The Champion for Children Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a civic or community leader who demonstrates exceptional dedication to helping at-risk children and youth in Metropolitan Chicago in a volunteer capacity, especially by supporting innovative programs and practices that are ahead of the curve, and whose commitment and belief in building a better future for Chicago kids is exemplary.
Past honorees include Jessica Yavitz (2023), Andrea Palmer (2022), Xavier McElrath-Bey (2021), Debbie Frisch (2020), Judith Block (2019), Doug Mabie (2018), Thomas Hale (2017) and Gigi Pritzker (2016).
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a professional in children's services who has made 15+ years of outstanding professional and personal contributions to the welfare of children and youth and to advancing forward-thinking and innovative programs benefiting Chicagoland children and families.
Past honorees include Maria Woltjen (2023), Cathy Krieger (2022), Brenda Myers-Powell (2021), Nancy Aardema (2020), Dr. Dorene Wiese (2019), Nancy Ronquillo (2018), Dr. Linda Gilkerson (2017), Ron Manderschied (2016), Alex Kotlowitz (2015), Bryan Samuels (2014), Marjorie Craig Benton (2013), Prudence Beidler (2012), Dr. Katherine Kaufer Christoffel (2011), Dr. Barbara Bowman (2010), Bernice Weissbourd (2009), Jerome Stermer (2008), Dr. Joseph DiCara (2007), Mark Duhon (2006), John Horan (2005)
Elevating Youth Voices Award
The Elevating Youth Voices Award (formerly the Bright Star Award) is presented to an early or mid-career professional in children's services with less than 10 years of experience who is dedicated to empowering children and youth and amplifying youth voices in Metropolitan Chicago. This award is accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000 to be used to further the recipient’s knowledge about and work on behalf of children and youth.
Past honorees include Destinee Phillips and Denzel Burke (2023), Devon VanHouten-Maldonado (2022), Berto Aguayo (2021), Jahmal Cole (2020), Marco Dodd (2018), Anthony Vincent Clark (2017), Maria Munoz (2016), Dominica McBride (2015), Scheherazade Tillet (2014), Eduardo Bocanegra (2013), Mariame Kaba (2013), Sarah Elizabeth Ippel (2012), Casey Holtschneider (2011), Angela Devore (2009), and Khalila Worley (2009).
About Bright Promises' Annual Awards
For 20 years, Bright Promises presents awards to individuals in our communities who deeply embody our mission and vision for every young person in Chicagoland and beyond to reach their full promise and potential. These awards are presented each year during a community celebration hosted by the Bright Promises Foundation. This is a fun and casual event, celebrating distinguished individuals and organizations who deserve special recognition for their dedication to children and youth. More than just a great party with great people, the funds raised at the annual Awards celebration provides critically important support to over 10,000 young people.
From Emerging Leaders to Inspirational Local Icons
Champion for Children Award
The Champion for Children Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a civic or community leader who demonstrates exceptional dedication to helping at-risk children and youth in Metropolitan Chicago in a volunteer capacity, especially by supporting innovative programs and practices that are ahead of the curve, and whose commitment and belief in building a better future for Chicago kids is exemplary.
Past honorees include Jessica Yavitz (2023), Andrea Palmer (2022), Xavier McElrath-Bey (2021), Debbie Frisch (2020), Judith Block (2019), Doug Mabie (2018), Thomas Hale (2017) and Gigi Pritzker (2016).
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a professional in children's services who has made 15+ years of outstanding professional and personal contributions to the welfare of children and youth and to advancing forward-thinking and innovative programs benefiting Chicagoland children and families.
Past honorees include Maria Woltjen (2023), Cathy Krieger (2022), Brenda Myers-Powell (2021), Nancy Aardema (2020), Dr. Dorene Wiese (2019), Nancy Ronquillo (2018), Dr. Linda Gilkerson (2017), Ron Manderschied (2016), Alex Kotlowitz (2015), Bryan Samuels (2014), Marjorie Craig Benton (2013), Prudence Beidler (2012), Dr. Katherine Kaufer Christoffel (2011), Dr. Barbara Bowman (2010), Bernice Weissbourd (2009), Jerome Stermer (2008), Dr. Joseph DiCara (2007), Mark Duhon (2006), John Horan (2005)
Elevating Youth Voices Award
The Elevating Youth Voices Award (formerly the Bright Star Award) is presented to an early or mid-career professional in children's services with less than 10 years of experience who is dedicated to empowering children and youth and amplifying youth voices in Metropolitan Chicago. This award is accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000 to be used to further the recipient’s knowledge about and work on behalf of children and youth.
Past honorees include Destinee Phillips and Denzel Burke (2023), Devon VanHouten-Maldonado (2022), Berto Aguayo (2021), Jahmal Cole (2020), Marco Dodd (2018), Anthony Vincent Clark (2017), Maria Munoz (2016), Dominica McBride (2015), Scheherazade Tillet (2014), Eduardo Bocanegra (2013), Mariame Kaba (2013), Sarah Elizabeth Ippel (2012), Casey Holtschneider (2011), Angela Devore (2009), and Khalila Worley (2009).
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