He is tonight's keynote speaker for Illinois Action for Children's benefit "A Night to Shine". Kevin is here to talk about the event and a bit about his inspirational story.
EVENT INFORMATION
When: Friday, October 19, 2012 Where: The Museum of Broadcast Communications Address: 360 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60654 *Evening parking rates available at 401 N. State Street.
Host: Ravi Baichwal, Co-Anchor, ABC 7 Weekend News
5:30 pm: Reception, Radio Hall of Fame Gallery 6:30 pm: Program, Penthouse Ballroom 7:30 pm: Buffet, cocktails and live entertainment
Special Guest Speaker: This year, we are honored to welcome Kevin Clash, Emmy award-winning puppeteer of Elmo, and Sesame Street's Senior Puppet Coordinator and Muppet Captain.
Get tickets at actforchildren.org
RELEASE
Kevin Clash, Star of "Being Elmo," to Speak in Chicago at Illinois Action for Children's "A Night to Shine" Annual Benefit
Chicago - Illinois Action for Children welcomes Kevin Clash as the keynote speaker for A Night to Shine, the organization's 13th Annual Benefit at The Museum of Broadcast Communications on the evening of Friday, October 19th.
Kevin Clash is the subject of the 2011 documentary "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey," winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and also released his autobiography, "My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love, and Laughing Out Loud" in 2006.
"Dream Big" is the theme of A Night to Shine this year and Kevin is the embodiment of that ideal.
"Children are all about promise and new beginnings, about moving forward and not backward," said Kevin in his autobiography. "When we feel stuck or just down, it's easy to dwell on what was and what could have been, but children remind us that we don't grow and we don't get better unless we keep looking ahead."
The son of a home-based child care provider, Kevin was raised by parents that supported his dreams at every turn. "Kevin's story is an inspiration to us all and serves as a reminder that there are thousands of children in our communities that deserve the same support and opportunities he benefited from to achieve their dreams," said Maria Whelan, President of Illinois Action for Children. "Just imagine what our world would be like if all children were given the same opportunities!"
Kevin will be interviewed on-stage by A Night to Shine host and ABC 7 Chicago anchor Ravi Baichwal about his inspiring story. Illinois Action for Children will also honor several important figures who "dream big" and make Chicago and Illinois a better place through their inspiring work on behalf of children and families. Sam Meisels, President of Erikson Institute, and Betsy Mitchell, Professional Advocate with the Illinois AEYC, will each be honored individually as part of the evening's festivities.
Illinois Action for Children is a catalyst for organizing and developing strong families and powerful communities where children matter most.
