Annual Reach For Excellence Awards Dinner
MEF's 23rd Reach for Excellence Awards Dinner on October 27 raised more than $750,000 toward programs for Chicago's at-risk youth!
Midtown Educational Foundation awarded Paul E. Purcell, Chairman & CEO of Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., with the 2014 Reach for Excellence Award at the 23rd Annual Awards Dinner.
Dinner Co-chairs included V. George Maliekel of Hollister Incorporated, Wendy Mastropaolo of Unilever, Frank Moroni of Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., John O'Rourke of PepsiCo, Michael B. Roche of Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C., Michael J. Sacks of GCM Grosvenor, Kristi Savacool of Aon, Diane Wallace of Coca-Cola and Gregory D. Wasson of Walgreens.
Nearly 500 guests enjoyed a skit starring two MEF students themed around "The Little Engine that Could," one of Mr. Purcell's favorite analogies to use for persevering in business. Guests raced to help the character in the play complete his math homework. Two recent MEF graduates reflected on their time at Midtown & Metro before presenting Mr. Purcell the Reach for Excellence Award. Everyone received a "Little Engine that Could" MEF puzzle on their way out, designed by an MEF staff member and generously donated by My Personal Puzzle.
