ABOVE PHOTO: Left to Right, Barbara and Warren Gnau, Leader Lee A. Daniels, Sgt. Marc DeLise, Oakbrook F.O.P., Donald R. Katz, Director of Development

RIGHT PHOTO: Kids In Need Foundation Award

This past July 27, KIN was proud to honor and recognize a true friend to kids in need and to the KIN Foundation. At the fourth annual fundraising dinner, Lee A. Daniels, the Illinois House Republican Leader, was presented the charity's highest award by the founder Warren Gnau and his wife Barbara. The crystal award was inscribed with the following words: "...for his support and commitment to our program. Your lifetime of achievement and devotion to children in need is an inspiration to us all."

Throughout his many years of service in state government, Leader Daniels has always been an advocate for children and supported family-oriented initiatives, including tax credits for businesses that provide employee day care services. He led the movement to reform Illinois' child welfare and day care benefits for people who leave the welfare rolls to take jobs, and he also sponsored a law that creates early intervention to help address the growing phenomenon of cocaine addicted babies and infants.

Nothing that this award is the very first one to be given, Mr. Gnau stated, "Lee has been behind the kids In Need Foundation since it was started. It's my sincere honor to be able to present him with the KIN highest honor."

It was only fitting that Leader Daniels received a standing ovation from all the guests at the dinner. Congratulations to a true friend of Kids In Need.