JCYS Renames Lakeview Family Center in Memory of Michael R. Lutz

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Jason Malkin

312-726-8891 x116

jmalkin@jcys.org

JCYS Renames Lakeview Family Center in Memory of Michael R. Lutz

Generous Family Donation Initiates New Capital Campaign

CHICAGO, December 21, 2011 – Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS) will rename its Lakeview Family Center as the JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center, thanks to a generous donation from The Michael and Karyn Lutz Family Foundation.  The gift not only recognizes Michael Lutz’s outstanding contributions to the agency, but serves as the lead gift for the Chicago-based family center’s new capital campaign that will officially launch in 2012.

The new capital campaign is designed to build and strengthen the JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center. 

This is based on a long-term strategic plan to expand the Center’s offerings both in building size and program scope.  From building enhancements to staff development opportunities and programming activities, the JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center will be able to continue to grow and meet the organization’s mission of providing educational and recreational programs that nurture individual growth and promote responsibility to others.

“Renaming our JCYS Lakeview Family Center is a fitting tribute to Michael’s commitment to the organization and his tireless efforts to ensure that children throughout the Chicago area have educational, recreational and leadership opportunities that grow along with them,” said Martin Oliff, PhD, Executive Director, JCYS.  “We are incredibly grateful to the entire Lutz family for their support in honoring Michael’s legacy.  They have planted seeds that will allow the Center to flourish for years to come.”

For more than 40 years, Michael Lutz was an active member of JCYS, serving as President of the organization from 1977-1978.  His involvement with the organization did not end at that time, and together with his wife Karyn, the Lutz family has been instrumental in establishing the agency’s North Shore presence with their generous contributions to the JCYS George W. Lutz Family Center  (Lutz Highland Park) and the JCYS Lillian L. Lutz Recreation Center (The Lil’) in Highland Park, Ill.

“For many years our families have recognized the Lutz ‘brand’ as a well-respected childcare facility and program serving the North Shore.  It is now our pleasure to associate the top-notch JCYS city programs with the Lutz family name as well.”  said Jean Losek, Director, JCYS Chicago Operations. 

Located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood, the JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center (Lutz Chicago) will continue to offer a range of programs, including early childhood education, school-age and after-school programs, day camps, and TEAMcorps, a unique experiential and adventure education program for at-risk high school students.

About JCYS

Jewish Council for Youth Services ("JCYS") is an independent, not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving both Chicagoland's Jewish and greater communities and developing leaders who continue its tradition of volunteer service. The organization’s programs are designed to deliver a dynamic developmental curriculum that incorporates Jewish tradition and culture. For more information, please visit www.jcys.org.

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