FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Candice Warltier
773-991-1210
[email protected]
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR QUINN PROCLAIMS “JAY LENO DAY” IN HONOR OF OMNI YOUTH
SERVICES 40TH ANNIVERSARY
LEGENDAY COMEDIAN PERFORMS AT OMNI’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
BUFFALO GROVE, IL (April 28, 2012) – OMNI Youth Services celebrates its 40th anniversary celebration
featuring Jay Leno and Second City on April 28, 2012 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. In honor
of OMNI’s 40th anniversary, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will proclaim it “Jay Leno Day.” He will issue the
proclamation at 7 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
OMNI’s “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno” presented by Allstate benefits OMNI Youth Services and
highlights the organization’s 40th anniversary providing services for youth in crisis.
This marks a rare appearance by Jay Leno in Chicago. 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” helps
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 and NBC5 as the official media partner for OMNI’s 40th anniversary gala.
OMNI’s 40th anniversary Gala includes an invitation to the pre- and post-party events at the Cadillac Palace
Theatre featuring hors d'oeuvres and complimentary cocktails.
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:
https://www.facebook.com/OMNIyouth.
Jay Leno has been the host of “The Tonight Show” since 1992 and has been America’s late night leader for
two decades. Leno remains active on the comedy circuit with more than 150 shows a year, has authored
two New York Times best-selling children’s books, as well as four versions of “Headlines,” the book “Police
Blotter” and “Leading with My Chin.” Leno also brought his car expertise to the web via
www.jaylenosgarage.com
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