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Dec 2009  |  By Mibs  |  Comments

Rush NeuroBehavioral Center (RNBC) Annual Awards Dinner

Nearly 400 friends and donors helped Rush NeuroBehavioral Center (RNBC) celebrate thirteen years of helping children with social-emotional learning challenges at its annual awards dinner, October 21, 2009, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Pearl H. Rieger presents the Rush NeuroBehavioral Center's "Pearl H. Rieger Award" to Susan Noyes, founder of MakeItBetter.com and Make It Better Magazine, for her philanthropic efforts on behalf of children and education.

Michael W. Ferro, Jr., was honored with the “Living Proof Award” celebrating his achievements in the business and charitable world. Make It Better founder Susan Noyes received the “Pearl H. Rieger Award” for her philanthropic efforts to help children learn and grow, and Joe Franco and his parents, Joe and Jacqui, received the “Creating the Future Award” because of the supportive environment they created so that Joe could thrive.

The evening began with a memorable presentation called “Relationships for a Lifetime,”  by world-renowned psychologist and behavioral researcher Dr. Stephen Nowicki, Jr. Dr. Nowicki, author of Teaching your Child the Language of Social Success and Starting Kids Out Right, focused on the role of friendships in childhood and beyond, discussing the necessary skills for maintaining healthy relationships. The room full of friends of RNBC was captivated by Dr. Nowicki’s explanation of the incredible impact positive relationships can have on a person’s development from childhood through adulthood.

Designed to raise awareness of RNBC’s mission – to build on the strengths of children, teens and young adults – the dinner also raises support for RNBC’s educational initiatives, scholarship programs for deserving children and families in the Chicago area, and nationally-recognized research projects that help RNBC understand, assess, and treat patients more effectively. Because of RNBC’s dedicated community of friends and donors, this year’s event exceeded its fundraising goals despite the economic downturn.

RNBC serves the medical, psychological and educational needs of children with learning and behavior problems, specializing in social-emotional learning disorders such as ADHD and autism. A section of the Rush University Medical Center Pediatrics Department, RNBC celebrates the achievements, dedication and success of the families who have benefited from their clinical, educational and research programs.