The Spirit of Youth silent auction had many items for guests to bid on.

The sixth annual Spirit of Youth Benefit was held on Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Drake Hotel. This year's event which included a live and silent auction, dinner, and entertainment by Power Play set a record by raising over $150,000 for the National Runaway Switchboard!

The 2008 Spirit of Youth award was presented to the Chicago Cubs for their continious support to NRS in helping to keep America's runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. The award was accepted on behalf of the Cubs by Cory Provus, one of the team’s radio announcers and host of Cubs Central Pregame on WGN Radio.

This year's event could not have been a huge success without the support of NRS' sponsors: Platinum Sponsors Michele and Gary Lehman, and United Airlines, and Gold Sponsors Greyhound Lines, Inc., Hugh M. Hefner Foundation, and Radio Flyer.

NRS Excutive Director, Maureen Blaha, and WGN Announcer Cory Provus

NRS Excutive Director, Maureen Blaha and WGN-TV News Sports Anchor, Pat Tomasulo

2008 Spirit of Youth Co-chairs, Jim Criner and Michelle Lehman with Honorary chair, Rick Barkan