Spirit of Youth 2007

From l to r: Roberta Shields, chair of the Ludacris Foundation; entertainer Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, and NRS Exectuive Director Maureen Blaha.

The fifth annual Spirit of Youth benefit, held November 1, 2007, at The Drake Hotel in Chicago, raised more than $130,000 for the National Runaway Switchboard!

The highlight of the event came when Roberta Shields, president of the Ludacris Foundation, and entertainer Chris “Ludacris” Bridges each accepted a 2007 Spirit of Youth Award. Their commitment to supporting NRS’ mission of keeping America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets shone through in each of their heartfelt acceptance speeches.

This year's silent and live auctions raised over $33,000,

the most ever in the five-year history of Spirit of Youth!

And the fun didn’t end there! The nearly 400 attendees bid on silent auction and live auction items, including getaways to Paris, Napa Valley, and the luxurious Canyon Ranch in Arizona.

ABC 7’s Jim Rose was the Master of Ceremonies, and entertainment was provided by Power Play.

The event couldn’t have been a success without the support of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Piaget and United Airlines and Gold Sponsors Carlton Technologies, Greyhound Lines, and Radio Flyer.

Below: Chris "Ludacris" Bridges accepts the 2007 Spirit of Youth award for his efforts to spread awareness of the National Runaway Switchboard.