Three area youth shelters received checks Sept. 16 at the Center on Halsted with funds raised from "We Are Halsted," a variety show led by Adam Guerino that was held Aug. 31 at the Center.
The event raised about $1,800 as comedians, dancers, musicians and more performed, while Guerino served as the host.
"This is wonderfulreally, really great," said Jeri Linas, executive director for Teen Living Programs in Bronzeville. "This was an example of how the community can support youth who are homeless. We are proud to be a part of this."
"We Are Halsted" also provided financial support to The Night Ministry and La Casa Norte.
"This was awesome, a great event. We were excited to be included," said Barbara Bolsen, a vice president for The Night Ministry.
As Windy City Times reported last month, the Night Ministry announced that "The Crib," a 20-bed homeless youth shelter, has reopened.
Sol Flores, the executive director for La Casa Norte, said the August event, "showed the type of organization that must be done to serve homeless youth."
Modesto "Tico" Valle, the CEO at the Center, said "We Are Halsted" was one of the positive to come out of the summer and that it certainly brought to light the struggles facing homeless teens.
Guerino, who was joined at the check presentation by writer/performer Patrick Gill, said presenting the donations was "empowering."
"It was really nice to see who our efforts [in August] went to," Guerino said.