CHICAGO, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National City (NYSE: NCC) announced today that it has selected Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County in Chicago, Ill., as winner of the fifth-annual National City Children's Champion Award. This prestigious statewide recognition, which comes with a $10,000 contribution from National City, was presented to the charity by Joseph A. Gregoire, president of National City -- Illinois Banking, during the Annual Kids Count Awards Dinner on Nov. 6 at the Four Seasons in Chicago.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030428/NATIONALCITYLOGO )

The National City Children's Champion Award honors organizations that contribute in an exemplary way to children being healthy, happy, safe, loved and well-educated. It is granted in partnership with Voices for Illinois Children, an organization that champions the full development and well-being of every child in the state.

More than 385 award nominations were submitted at National City branches throughout Illinois. CASA of Cook County was chosen from among 16 finalist organizations.

"There are hundreds of organizations within our communities that provide the children of Illinois with safe homes and healthy lives," said Gregoire. "National City is pleased to partner with Voices for Illinois Children again this year to honor this good work."

"CASA of Cook County ensures that well-trained and educated advocates are fighting to diminish the challenges faced by children in foster care. Each and every year, the organization touches the lives of 640 children," said Jerry Stermer, president of Voices for Illinois Children. "We honor the organization's dedication to protecting children and recognize its progress to expand valuable initiatives that truly help children. Those children helped by CASA of Cook County now have the chance to live successful and healthy lives."

CASA of Cook County represents abused and neglected children in court, ensuring they live in safe, permanent homes. The organization's trained volunteers investigate cases and provide valuable information to the courts through written and oral testimony. Judges rely on this insight to make the best decisions about a child's future. Within the Child Advocacy program, CASA of Cook County also operates the Medically At Risk Kids (MARK) initiative, which advocates for medically fragile children involved with the Child Protection Division of Juvenile Court. The program ensures that children receive appropriate medical care, minimizing the potential for re-abuse.

"We serve as the voice for our children, helping their needs to be heard," said Vanessa Reese, director of development for CASA of Cook County. "This award will help us find and train advocates so we can better support and protect the children of Cook County."

In addition to its $10,000 contribution to the statewide winner, National City also donated $1,000 to each of 16 finalist organizations, which include:



    1.  Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Chicago
    2.  Camp Care-A-Lot, Springfield
    3.  Camp Quality Illinois, Lansing
    4.  Court Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County, Chicago
    5.  Crisis Nursery, Urbana
    6.  Franklin Neighborhood Community Association, Belleville
    7.  GiGi's Playhouse, Inc. -- McHenry Office, McHenry
    8.  Illinois Gold Track Club, Kankakee
    9.  Junior Achievement of East Central Illinois, Decatur
    10. Make Your Mark Foundation, Shorewood
    11. marcfirst, Normal
    12. Palatine Opportunity Center, Palatine
    13. Santa's Gift, Inc., Naperville
    14. Tazewell County Resource Centers, Inc., Tremont
    15. The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan
    16. The Park PLAYers -- A Program of Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries,
        Rockford

About National City

National City Corporation (NYSE: NCC), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is one of the nation's largest financial holding companies. The company operates through an extensive banking network primarily in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and also serves customers in selected markets nationally. Its core businesses include commercial and retail banking, mortgage financing and servicing, consumer finance and asset management. For more information about National City, visit the company's Web site at NationalCity.com .

About Voices for Illinois Children

Voices for Illinois Children builds better lives in our state by working across all issue areas to improve the lives of children of all ages so they grow up healthy, happy, safe, loved and well educated. The Voices network weaves through the state, involving community leaders and people who care passionately about children. Since 1987, Voices has worked to make sure policymakers understand the issues facing children and families.

About the Children's Champion Award

National City's Children's Champion award honors charitable organizations throughout Illinois for their excellence in programs and services for children. Nominations were submitted through www.nationalcity.com and at all Illinois branch locations. The award is presented annually in partnership with Voices for Illinois Children.

SOURCE National City Corporation