East Village Youth Program (EVYP), an independent, non-profit organization serving the Belmont-Cragin and Avondale communities, celebrates 25 years of encouraging, supporting and preparing promising students to enroll and succeed in college. The program will commemorate this milestone at its annual scholarship benefit scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 15th, 2014.

Founded in 1989 by Dr. Jess Levine, East Village Youth Program was created as a solution to the serious challenges faced by low-income children Levine identified through his involvement in the Chicago Board of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program.

EVYP’s long-term and comprehensive program combines academic enrichment and tutoring, mentoring, college preparation, cultural activities, community service, parental support and scholarship assistance. Throughout the years, EVYP’s work has received funding and support for many local foundations and individuals and has been recognized. In the spring of 2000, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) awarded EVYP its Community Service Award, which honors an individual or group within the public sector that has provided outstanding leadership and service to the Latino community.

The annual benefit, celebrating the 25th anniversary of EVYP’s founding, will take place on Thursday, May 15th 2013 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St. in Chicago. Tickets are $75 per person if purchased online in advance and $95 at the door. The evening will feature food, drinks, and live and silent auctions. The public can get additional information about the fundraiser by calling 312-275-0440 or by visiting www.evyp.org.