OMNI Youth Services has just announced that tickets are now available for its 40th anniversary celebration featuring Jay Leno and Second City on April 28, 2012 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. OMNI’s “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno” presented by Allstate will benefit OMNI Youth Services and highlight the organization’s 40th anniversary providing services for youth in crisis. Tickets for the gala event are $350 and $400 and performance-only tickets will be available for $150 and $135. Tickets are available for purchase at www.omniyouth.org.
This will mark a rare appearance by Jay Leno in Chicago. In addition to Leno’s act, Second City, the world’s premier comedy club, will perform as the opening act of the event. Eric Ferguson, WTMX radio “Eric and Kathy” morning show co-host, will serve as emcee.
The performance by the legendary comedian and host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will help recognize OMNI’s contributions over the past 40 years in providing counseling, services and programming needs for children, teens and their families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. In 2012, OMNI will surpass the milestone of serving 500,000 youth and remains the largest, most comprehensive youth development organization in the area, serving over 20 local communities. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Girls After School Program (GAP) which provides a safe haven after school, teaches life skills and promotes positive self-image for teen girls, REALITY Theatre, a teen troupe dedicated to promoting positive, healthy lifestyle choices through original theatre and the Outdoor Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Program, utilizing outdoor expeditions to overcome presenting challenges, develop life skills and the motivation to pursue a more promising productive future.
“We are thrilled to have one of the country’s best comedians — the king of late-night comedy — perform in Chicago to help us raise funds and awareness of OMNI Youth Services, in honor of our 40th year of providing critical services to youth and families,” said Jay Krames, president of OMNI Youth Services board of directors, and Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. “OMNI believes all youth deserve a fighting chance to display their areas of brilliance while working through individual circumstances and situations.”
Additionally, OMNI named Allstate as the official presenting sponsor of “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno” and WTMX as the official media partner for OMNI’s 40th anniversary gala.
Tickets for OMNI’s 40th anniversary Gala include an invitation to the pre- and post-party events at the Cadillac Palace Theatre featuring hors d’oeuvres and complimentary cocktails. Additionally, OMNI will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a Harley Davidson. The winner will be announced at the event.
Background
Started in 1972 by a group of mental health professionals, elected officials and concerned citizens, OMNI was established to provide a comprehensive youth service system that would respond more effectively to the needs of young people. In an of era dwindling resources for mental health and youth services, OMNI serves thousands of youth and their families, many with limited alternatives. Programs include: counseling services, mentoring programs, substance abuse and treatment programs, services to juvenile offenders, community service projects, youth development programs, work with neglected and abused children, multicultural resource programs and the internationally-recognized Outdoor Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Program. OMNI Youth Services holds its headquarters and a program office in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, with additional program offices in Ela Township in Lake Zurich and Wheeling Township in Arlington Heights. Additionally, OMNI has a Multicultural Community Center in Wheeling and Prospect Heights. For more information visit www.omniyouth.org and join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OMNIyouth.