National Superhero Day–a day to honor superheroes, both real and fictional–is observed annually on April 28. Batman, Superman, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, Hulk and Spiderman are just some of the superheroes whose names we recognize. Even though they are fictional, these superheroes are great role models for our children. They serve and protect while fighting evil.

This following story was first published in our Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Report, available now online.

It was collaboration at its finest.

In late December, amidst the holiday programs and parties, our kids gathered in the Spiritual Life Center chapel for a special ceremony: Bailey’s* high school graduation.

Johnco, Inc., Construction Supervisor Scott Saunders didn’t quite get the reaction he was expecting when he gave the Cunningham kitchen staff a tour of the space that will soon be the kitchen and cafeteria in the Education and Recreation Center (ERC).

“Some of them actually cried,” he said.

All those years of serving meals to Cunningham kids from an outdated and tired kitchen are coming to a close. But the tears weren’t about that; the tears were about having a facility where they can better help our kids grow and be healthy and live better lives.

It’s not every day you get to take your picture with the Governor.

“Oh my gosh,” said Erma excitedly. “It was so much fun and an amazing experience. Bruce Rauner was so friendly; I even got a really good selfie with him!”

Billy* was feeling both excited and anxious. The annual talent show has always been a highly anticipated end of the school year event at Cunningham and for the first time he had signed up to perform. He had practiced and practiced his own rendition of Lee Greenwood’s classic “God Bless the USA” and now it was time to take the stage.           

Bryce*, one of our high school spring graduates, was so excited preparing for graduation, he could hardly contain himself. And he had a right to be–Bryce has come a long way and made significant progress in his time at Cunningham.

Libby* sat on the bench with her arms folded and her head down. It was her first game as a member of Cunningham’s girls’ basketball team and while it was just the first half, she was frustrated with herself because she hadn’t scored.

“I don’t feel like I’m helping the team at all,” she told her coach.