MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, INC., SERVING AS MAIN SPONSOR

‘SLEEPOUT for SHELTER’ TO HELP END HOMELESSNESS IN LAKE COUNTY;

MAY 11-12
 

CARMEL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD

 

NORTH CHICAGO – “SleepOut for Shelter,” an awareness event and fund raiser that’s part of an ongoing effort by PADS Lake County to end homelessness in the area, is being held on Saturday, May 11, at Carmel Catholic High School’s Baker Football Stadium in Mundelein.

Sponsored by Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, the county-wide event will give people a snapshot of what life might be like if they lost the most basic of necessities - a safe place to live and sleep. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the programs and services PADS Lake County provides to the scores of families with children, women, and men experiencing homelessness in Lake County.

“Event participants will bring attention to the issue of homelessness and raise awareness by collecting pledges to spend one night sleeping outside their homes - in boxes, tents, or sleeping bags - on the football field at Carmel Catholic High School,” said Sari Rubin, Director of Development of PADS Lake County.  “SleepOut for Shelter provides an opportunity for people of all ages to make a meaningful difference in the lives the most vulnerable in our community.”

On Saturday, May 11, participants will come together for an experience of learning and service. Event night programming kicks off with a one-hour inspirational rally featuring guest speakers, community leaders, and formerly homeless clients, who will share their moving stories of hope and courage. There also will be an Awards Presentation for the individuals and teams that raise the most money for PADS.

Following the rally, participants will spend the night taking action and making a change by visiting the “It Takes a Community” Activity Area and participating in dynamic learning activities and hands-on service projects to help Lake County’s homeless.  The many activities include:

• Shelter Building Competition for prizes
• Real-time Text-to-Give campaign
• Bag lunch, Street Outreach care package, and infant tie-blanket assembly
• Writing and art projects to help give clients hope for a brighter future
• Social action opportunities to ask government to increase funding for homeless services
• The chance to speak with advocates and others who are on the front lines of the issue

In addition, there will be music, live entertainment, food, and a designated “Kid Zone” with fun games and activities for families with young children.

State Sen. Melinda Bush (31st District); State Rep. Carole Sente (59th District), State Rep. Sam Yingling (62nd District), Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, and Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran will all speak at the opening rally.

Co-hosted by 102.3 WXLC-FM’s popular morning duo, Jimmy and Lisa, the rally also will feature moving stories of hope and courage from individuals who have faced homelessness, facts about homelessness in Lake County from United Way of Lake County and the Lake County Community Foundation, and a performance by the Barrington Children’s Choir.

In launching this event, said Rubin, PADS Lake County hopes to engage the entire community – individuals, families, schools, places of worship, community organizations, youth and adult clubs, and local and area-based businesses large and small – in combating poverty and homelessness in Lake County.  Although each PADS operates independently, this year, PADS Lake County and McHenry County PADS are joining forces by holding both SleepOut for Shelter events on May 11 in their respective counties.

On April 22, Rubin was presented with a proclamation supporting PADS Lake County and the PADS SleepOut for Shelter 2013 from the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mundelein.

Supported by their Title Sponsors Medline (Lake County) and Sage Products (McHenry County), they hope to send a clear, unified message about the unrelenting rise and devastating impact that homelessness has in their communities – and the crucial role each PADS plays in providing immediate assistance to the vulnerable and voiceless, while at the same time strategically combating the overarching issue of homelessness.

“Though the median annual household income in Lake County is nearly $30,000 greater than the national average, the rate of poverty and homelessness is startling,” said Rubin.  “Approximately 58,000 Lake County residents, including 25,000 children, live below the poverty line.  In fact, the average homeless person in Lake County is a 12-year old child.

Since 2009, PADS has seen a staggering 96 per cent increase in the number of people seeking homeless services.  The face of homelessness has dramatically shifted, too, as the number of families with children needing help has increased 98 per cent in the last three years.”

In the last year alone, PADS has seen a 51 per cent increase in veterans, 68 per cent increase in seniors, 15 per cent increase in Hispanics, and 137 per cent increase in individuals suffering from a mental illness, Rubin added.

The demand for PADS’ services continues to rise and the need for support is greater now more than ever, she said.

“We’re proud to sponsor the first PADS Lake County ‘SleepOut for Shelter’ event,” said Jim Abrams, Medline’s chief operating officer.  “Homelessness impacts more families than most people are aware and this event will help to bring attention to the plight of these individuals in need and to raise funds for PADS essential programs and resources.”   

Medline is the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products. Medline manufactures and distributes more than 350,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices, and home care agencies and providers.

Recently named one of the one of the country’s "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” Medline Industries is headquartered in Mundelein, and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

PADS Lake County is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter and supportive services to homeless families with children, and individuals residing in Lake County. PADS is the only emergency shelter system for the homeless in the county and serves as the gateway to all other community social service agencies that provide assistance to the homeless.

PADS Lake County is seeking “Change-Makers” to join in the fight to end homelessness in Lake County.  For full details on how to donate, register, volunteer, or sponsor SleepOut for Shelter 2013, visit www.sleepoutlakecounty.org, or contact Sari Rubin, Director of Development, at (847) 689-0548, or srubin@padslakecounty.org.