The Cradle Associates is the next generation of civic leaders in the Chicagoland area. These prominent young professionals use their talents and connections to spread the positive message about adoption through community relations and fundraisers.

The Mission
The purpose of the Cradle Associates is to support The Cradle’s mission to benefit children and serve as a partner in creating and sustaining nurturing families. Through initiatives designed to promote adoption outreach, awareness and education, the Associates will ensure The Cradle’s long-term viability and visibility within the greater Chicago community.

Membership Requirements
Prospective members should have a keen interest in the mission and objectives of The Cradle and have time to fulfill the responsibilities of membership. Membership is restricted to individuals who are between the ages of 25-45 when joining the Associates. If you are interested in joining this exciting group, or require further information, please contact Maureen Kelly at mkelly@cradle.org.

The Activities
The Associates’ signature fundraising event, A Day at the Races at Arlington Park, is a day for the entire family filled with fun, food, drink, a silent auction and of course… the horses!

Join The Cradle Associates on November 20, 2008 for a holiday shopping party at the new Crate and Barrel store in Old Orchard. Click here for details.

The "A is for Adoption" Educator Brochure
The Cradle Associates have created a simple brochure for teachers and educators to raise awareness about adoption sensitive issues in the classroom. Click here to download the brochure, or email Maureen Kelly at mkelly@cradle.org, if you would like to request copies of the brochure.

The 2008 Silver Cradle Award
For the past six years, The Cradle and The Cradle Associates have been proud to present the Silver Cradle Award to Chicago-area companies that provide their employees with innovative and generous adoption-related benefits, programs and resources. Adoption benefits help support employees’ efforts to build a family through adoption, and enable more children to find loving families.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2008 Silver Cradle Award. This award honors Chicago area companies that provide exceptional adoption benefits for their employees. The awards will be presented at the 2008 Cradle Ball.

The 2008 Silver Cradle Awards will be presented at the Cradle Ball, a black-tie event, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Chicago.