Three firms that work extensively in commercial real estate—O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, McShane Construction and Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.—were among the honorees at a recent gala hosted by Christ the King Jesuit College Prep (CTK). In a special pre-event celebration to the 10th annual King of Hearts Gala , the current and founding presidents honored the 11 original founding job sponsors of CTK’s Corporate Work Study Program.
More than 700 people attended the celebration honoring the founding partners, which took place at the Fairmont Hotel Millennium Park on Friday, January 26. The other Founding Job Partners honored were ABC Bank, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., CME Group, Community Investment Corporation, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, MB Financial Bank and Reyes Holdings. Representatives of those organizations were presented with an award in appreciation for their sustained contributions.
“The students of Christ the King, and their parents, along with the administration and staff, are forever grateful to our 11 Founding Job Partners for their ongoing support and commitment,” said CTK president Clement V. Martin. “Their investment in our students helps them to gain valuable work experience and self-confidence that will help prepare them for college, while connecting the businesses to an enthusiastic, talented, and more diverse workforce.”
Since the first King of Hearts gala was held in 2009, the event has raised approximately $5 million. In those 10 years, over $15 million in tuition awards have been earned by students through the Corporate Work Study Program, a shared program of CTK and CristoRey Jesuit in Pilsen with over 200 Chicago-area businesses currently employing students. Today, more than 100 civically engaged businesses of all sizes and industries throughout the Chicago region have joined the 11 founding partners and hire CTK’s talented students, who serve as reliable, productive and cost-effective employees.
