Celebrating the Spirit of Youth

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) will bring together hundreds of supporters for its signature fundraising event, Celebrating the Spirit of Youth. Held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, the spectacular evening will include dinner, drinks, entertainment, and a celebration of individuals making a difference in youth across the country. NBC 5 Chicago reporter Natalie Martinez and NRS Youth Advisory Board member Mia Sostrin will emcee the special event.

This year’s theme, Writing the Next Chapter, will showcase the possibilities and highlight the importance of activating change for the 4.2 million young people experiencing homelessness.

NRS will present the Spirit of Youth Award to author, advocate and national poverty and child welfare expert David Ambroz. His recent memoir, A Place Called Home, is a gut-wrenching personal account of his early life of poverty and homelessness. The book is also an against-all-odds success story; David made it out, lived abroad, earned a life-changing scholarship to Vassar College, and graduated from UCLA School of Law.

NRS will also present the Spotlight Award to Rachel Lichtman, a disabled artist, writer, and member of the Dane County Youth Action Board and NRS Youth Advisory Board. Passionate and focused, Rachel helps raise awareness of youth homelessness on a local and national level to help improve the lives of their peers.