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From American Red Cross of Greater Chicago:

Lester McKeever Jr. is paying it forward. Every day, through his work with the United Way and with young men in his community, Lester is giving back the support he received as a young man. His work helps young men become more confident and independent. A gentle man with a knack for juggling business and community service, Lester will be honored with the Citizenship Award at the 2008 Heroes Breakfast on April 1.

Find out more about the Heroes Breakfast and Lester McKeever by visiting the Red Cross website.

From Crain’s (March 7, 2008):

Some of Chicago’s most notable stars shined at the Adler Planetarium last night. United Way Chicago hosted a grand dinner Thursday for its Tocqueville Society members—donors who have given $10,000 or more. The event was purely a thank-you—no fundraising, raffles or auctions at this soirée.

Guests and honorees, including McDonald’s Chairman Andrew McKenna Sr., Commonwealth Edison Co. CEO Frank Clark, Health Care Service Corp. Chairman Ray McCaskey and accounting executive Lester McKeever, enjoyed Chicagotinis (like a cosmopolitan) while taking glimpses of the museum’s exhibits.

For the entire article, please visit Crain’s.

From Crain’s:

“Charities across the Chicago area are caught in a holiday-season squeeze as surging demand for their services outstrips their funding growth.

A parade of misfortunes — including higher prices for food, utilities, gasoline and rent — are forcing more Chicagoans to seek help this year. Several large local charities say donations aren’t keeping pace with the rising need for food, shelter and other services.

Calls for help are up 60% in the fourth quarter at the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, which provides money and support services to area charities. Requests for aid climbed about 20% to 10,500 in the past year at Metropolitan Family Services, which offers needy families a range of social programs.”

Read the full article online at ChicagoBusiness.com.