Managing Director of OMI Industries Honored by Charity
Philip Coffey, Managing Director of OMI Industries, is one of two individuals to receive the inaugural of the first “Ray of Light Award” from Horizons for Youth.
The program was created under the arc of the 25th anniversary of Horizons in order to pay tribute to caring, compassionate, charitable individuals whose invaluable contributions have fueled the organization’s success over the last quarter of a century. Coffey received his Ray of Light Award in a ceremony held at Chicago’s Venue Six10 on Wednesday, November 16, in the presence of more than 150 Horizons for Youth founders, employees, volunteers, and supporters. Among the audience members, about 20 staffers from OMI Industries, eager to see Coffey honored for his selfless work.
“Our work with Horizons for Youth will only continue to grow and become more wide-reaching – we haven’t even scratched the surface of what we’re capable of doing with the organization,” Coffey said in an emotional acceptance speech. “This is something I care very deeply about, and something I’m very proud to be a part of. I cannot express my gratitude enough in receiving this award.”
The Horizons for Youth Scholarship Mentoring Community started in 1991 to offer scholarships and enrichment outings for children from low-resource neighborhoods in Chicago, with the goal of growing over time. To date, 255 students from kindergarten age through high school and beyond have benefited from financial assistance, academic support, and social encouragement as part of the programs hosted by Horizons.
Along with Coffey, Fr. Thomas Hurley of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago also received a Ray of Light Award. Horizons for Youth was founded in partnership with then-pastor of Old St. Pat’s, Fr. Jack Wall, whose work Fr. Hurley has continued since he arrived at the parish in 2007.