THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ Protecting the Health and Economic Future of Older Americans ~

August 13, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

Evanston Seniors Celebrate Social Security's 75th Anniversary

Congresswoman Schakowsky, Mayor Tisdahl among special guests at ceremony

(Evanston, Illinois ) - More than 100 seniors and their advocates attended a celebration at North Shore Retirement Hotel on August 13, 2010 to celebrate the 75 th anniversary of the Social Security, America 's most successful and popular government program. The event, cosponsored by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the Alliance for Retired Americans, was part of a month-long commemoration of the program and the people it serves. Attendees were treated to a huge cake cutting ceremony following the presentations by the speakers.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky attended the event and told the audience that one out of every four American families receives Social Security. In Illinois nearly 2 million people get benefits and 772,000 of them would be living in poverty without them. "Retired workers and their spouses, disabled workers and children - including two of my grandchildren who lost their mother - are helped by this essential benefit."

"We must make sure that the promise of this national treasure remains intact," said Schakowsky. "We must not go back to the days before August 14, 1935 when getting old or injured or losing a parent could result in hardship, poverty or bankruptcy.  In the face of renewed calls for privatization, I will continue the fight to beat back this push and instead, to protect, preserve and strengthen Social Security for the generations to come."

97-year-old Evanston resident, Helen Crawford, reflected on the role Social Security played in her life. Crawford was a young woman when President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. She earned benefits working as a nurse.

"With more than 50 million people receiving Social Security benefits today, the program touches virtually every American family," Nan Anderson, a National Committee volunteer said. "So, beyond the candles and the cake, we have a more serious message - that Social Security is vital to the economic well-being of this community and communities across the nation."

After eating a piece of Social Security birthday cake, attendees filled out postcards asking their representatives in Congress to protect the program against cuts.

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org