Chef Charlie Trotter Awarded 2009 'Spirit of Youth' Award From National Runaway Switchboard

CHICAGO, Nov 13, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- World-renowned Chef Charlie Trotter was presented with the 2009 "Spirit of Youth" award this evening from the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) recognizing his work and dedication for helping to keep America's runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. The ceremony took place at NRS' annual "Spirit of Youth" benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091019/NRSLOGO) Last year, Chef Trotter helped raise both awareness of the 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline and more than $18,000 for NRS. Additionally, Trotter has been supporting youth, including youth volunteers at NRS, through his Culinary Education Foundation and other philanthropic endeavors throughout his career.

"Chef Trotter exemplifies what it means to be a socially responsible steward in our community," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "His positive impact on youth and dedication to helping young people is truly making a difference." Past Spirit of Youth award recipients have included award winning actor and musician Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, the Chicago Cubs, actors Tim Matheson and Sharon Lawrence, and Greyhound Bus Lines, Inc.

Tonight's event raised funds for NRS programs and services that benefit runaway and at-risk youth and their families throughout the country. Jim Williams, reporter and weekend anchor for WBBM-TV in Chicago, served as master of ceremonies. The Platinum Sponsor was United Airlines, and the Gold Sponsors were Greyhound Lines, Inc., and Radio Flyer.

The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually - more than 3 million calls since the organization's inception. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 13,000 youth have been reunited with their families through the NRS Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit http://www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

SOURCE National Runaway Switchboard URL: http://www.1800runaway.org/ www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved -0- KEYWORD: Illinois INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOD SUBJECT CODE: POL

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