Marking 60 Years

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by David Hiller, President and CEO 

In 2015, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation is marking 60 years of fostering communities of educated, informed and engaged citizens.

To honor the legacy of our benefactor and continue our commitment to individuals and families in the Chicagoland area, the Foundation is taking on a number of activities that help our grantee organizations deliver on their own mission of service. Our goal is to recognize and incorporate the work of our grantee organizations, building support for their causes in a forward-thinking manner.

Honoring WTTW’s 60th Year

Chicago’s public broadcasting leader, WTTW/Channel 11, is also marking 60 years in 2015, prompting the Foundation to offer a grant to the station to support their efforts to educate and inform their viewers. Through sponsorship of Chicago Tonight, WTTW’s 60th Anniversary Gala, McCormick Community Screenings and support during upcoming pledge nights, the Foundation is able to actively illustrate our commitment to station programming and events during their year of celebration.

Dedication of the McCormick Theater at the Chicago History Museum

Spend your July 4 with festivities at the Chicago History Museum at the south end of Lincoln Park, and step into the new Robert R. McCormick Theater, the new state-of-the-art cinema within the museum. The celebration is a family affair with plenty of activities including face painting, crafts, musical performances and parade. The celebration is free to the public. After the event, Chicago History Museum admission is free for Illinois residents.

McCormick Day Celebration at Cantigny

While the Foundation invites everyone to visit Cantigny Park throughout the year, the events on McCormick Day – Thursday, July 30 – will be most memorable. Annually celebrated as the birthday of Col. Robert R. McCormick, McCormick Day 2015 will offer guests extra special experiences including behind-the-scenes tours, and a free early-evening concert by the legendary Chicago Sinfonietta. Mark your calendars for July 30 at Cantigny!

Strengthening the Donors Forum

In 2015, the McCormick Foundation is initiating a special partnership with the Donors Forum, the premier resource for networking and education, information and knowledge, and leadership and advocacy on behalf of philanthropy and nonprofits in Illinois. This year-long initiative will address the growing need to help children, adults and families in Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods, flourish and prosper.

Later this spring and summer, the Donors Forum will share the work of local agencies delivering cradle-to-career programs that are allowing residents to become more resilient. Representatives from Thrive Chicago will showcase how local coalition building can build bridges to better lives for individuals and families.

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