On Saturday, October 22, 128 supporters of Childcare Network of Evanston (CNE) gathered at the Woman’s Club of Wilmette to raise funds to provide early childhood education scholarships and support to other CNE and Early Head Start programs. CNE’s 13th annual benefit featured a Block Party theme, and by the end of the evening, $39,000 was raised – including $6,000 specifically earmarked for scholarships – to help build solid foundations for children in Evanston and its surrounding communities.

The Block Party Benefit was chaired by CNE Board Member Sue Canter. The evening featured live entertainment from Acts Of Kindness Cabaret and the video premiere of “CNE,” which followed a day in the life of CNE Early Head Start client Shanika McIntosh and her son Jalin. CNE’s annual Hand-in-Hand Award was presented to The Woman’s Club of Evanston honoring the group’s commitment to and recognition of the importance of early childhood education and quality care in the community.

For over 40 years, CNE has been the community resource building strong foundations for young children through access to high quality early education and family support. In December of 2009, CNE received $1.7 million through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and CNE’s “block” began to grow bigger. While “Evanston” is part of the original name of the organization, CNE has grown beyond its Evanston boundaries to serve 202 eligible infants, toddlers, and pregnant women on the North Shore through its Early Head Start program.