La Casa Norte Groundbreaking Ceremony

Today marked the groundbreaking ceremony for "The Foundation Project" of the premier Chicago area not-for-profit, La Casa Norte, supporting youth confronting homelessness and their families.

This is the organization of which the More Than Ever Education Fund is part of as announced at its inaugural annual luncheon last May.

The old offices building and several buildings next door have been purchased by LCN, will be torn down, and a community center, offices, drop in center, medical and dental offices, and housing will take its place. (See photos that follow)

It was an honor to be part of the celebration, to have Gregory and me acknowledged by Sol in her general comments for our part in the educational work of the organization, and to celebrate the wonderful work done by so many to make this new center possible.

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On arrival, the old office and next door buildings were decorated and cheerfully greeted the ceremony attendees.

Breakfast was served including bagels, scones, and various sweets.

Also served were cheeses, salamis, fruit ...

and orange juice, coffee, tea, and water.

Every guest received a "Foundation Project" T-Shirt.

The old office is second from the right. The newly purchased buildings are to the left.

Artist rendition of new center.

Artist model of new center.

Sound crew, photographers, film crews, and news stations prepare for Mayor Emanuel's arrival as the festivities are about to begin.

The area is secured, front and back, in anticipation of the Mayor's arrival.

On arrival, before Mayor Emanuel sat down he said hello to the aldermen present, several of the Mayor's office people in attendance, and then offered his hand to me with a shake. After the presentation, he thanked me for my role in the MTE EdFund. I was honored.

Usually ground breaking ceremonies use shovels, since there was nothing to shovel but instead several buildings to be town down, the ceremony included sledge hammers!

All the dignitaries received a hammer for the photo shoot.

Part of the wall was actually brought down!

Afterwards, the party retired to the offices of Alderman Morneo, further east on North Avenue, for a luncheon on the roof deck.

The temperature was comfortable, the view terrific, the food delicious, and the camaraderie noisy and celebratory.

The event was covered on the WGN, Channel 9 five o'clock news.

Cynthia, one of the youth for whom Casa Norte has been there with support, told her story. It was one of despair, difficult times, being "lost," but then filled with hope and love and determination to succeed, raise her two sons in a loving environment, and to be a role model to others who now walk in her shoes.

Sol Flores, Executive Director of La Casa Norte, in her always enthusiastic, dynamic way, crated an exciting, celebratory, fun event in which all could acknowledge their part in this exciting new era of LCN.

 Rahm was eloquent in his support of the work of La Casa Norte.

Even I had my "moment" of "fame" in the events of the day!