The National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) hosted its ninth annual Spirit of Youth event at the Merchandise Mart Nov. 18.
United Airlines was one of the many donors for a raffle for two tickets to fly in the surrounding areas. Silent and live auctions give bidders a chance to everything from an autographed U2 guitar to a Cyndi Lauper Barbie. The 2011 Spirit of Youth Award was presented to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund for work with the homeless. True Colors Fund Executive Director Gregory Lewis accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Tables of participating restaurants, from Nacional 27 to Sushi Wabi, brought out amazing samples for guests. Wine from Fortino Winery and Half Acre offered choices of red or white.
The NRS study for 2011 showed that one in seven gay youth run away from home. For more information on NRS, visit www.1800runaway.org . Photos and text by Jerry Nunn