For Immediate Release August 23, 2005 Contact: Kenneth Johnson Chief Development Officer 312-385-2040 kjohnson@adasmckinley.org ADA S. MCKINLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES HOSTS ITS 15TH ANNUAL GALA “CARNIVAL!” The Benefit Committee of Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. has finalized plans for the 15th Annual Gala, which is themed: CARNIVAL! on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel, Chicago.  Funds raised at this event will benefit programs that promote and ensure independence and self-sufficiency for the 12,000 individuals that the agency serves annually. This year, Costa Construction, Inc., Harris Bank, and ComEd, an Exelon Company join McKinley as primary sponsors.    According to Board Secretary and Gala Co-Chairperson, Ross H. Carlson of Associated Bank, “The needs of those less fortunate are so urgent in today’s difficult economic climate. This fundraiser is one effort in meeting this challenge, and we encourage others to join us in supporting this very worthwhile cause.”    It is anticipated that more than four hundred guests will be in attendance at this festive evening of fun and fantasy. The sparkling Rio motif will be accentuated by such carnival events as clowns, fortune tellers, a wheel of chance and many others. The evening begins at 7:00 PM with cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction. Entertainment will be provided by the musical group The Business.   Tickets are $200 per individual, with tables accommodating ten guests ($2000).    For information on how you or your company can become a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Table Sponsor, please call Brenda Fashola at (312) 385-2030.   Spanning eighty-six years, Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc. has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the 10 largest charities in the metropolitan Chicago area.  The agency continues to fulfill its mission by providing child welfare services, educating special needs students, providing day and after school care for children and youth, housing adults with disabilities, training and employing economically disadvantaged individuals and those with disabilities, providing mental health services for children and families, protecting children from abuse and neglect, providing anti-gang alternatives, enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, and guiding students through successful college experiences.