The Big Shoulders Fund was founded in 1986 by a group of civic leaders to assist schools that support disadvantaged students in Chicago. Funds are used for scholarships, special education programs, instructional equipment and operating grants to 93 Catholic schools serving more than 25,000 students. On Thursday, the group's Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award will be presented to Rita and John Canning, who provide scholarships to more than 100 students in 15 Big Shoulders Fund elementary and secondary schools. Crain's spoke with Mr. Canning, chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners LLC, about the couple's involvement with the Big Shoulders Fund.

CRAIN'S: How did you and your wife become involved with this cause?

MR. CANNING: Indirectly. In 1994, when 5-year-old Eric Morse was thrown from a top floor at the Ida B. Wells Homes by gang members because he would not steal for them, my wife said we should do something for his family. We met with the nuns at Holy Angels School to see how we could help. Later, the nuns told us there were seven kids who wanted to study at Holy Angels and asked if we could pay the tuition, and we did. We set up a program at Holy Angels and began working with Big Shoulders, and I joined its board in 1996.

Why do you think the Big Shoulders Fund is important to children in Chicago?

I'm not a Catholic — my wife is — and when I got involved, I realized that the structure, the values taught and the safety is why the Catholic education system works. There are no metal detectors at Catholic schools, and the fact that someone at home cares enough to sacrifice to send them is important. Our graduation rates are over 90%.

What can you tell us about the party?

It will be held at the Hilton Chicago with 600 guests in attendance. Guests will be in business attire — formalwear is not required — and there will be cocktails, dinner, the award presentation and a performance by the Holy Angels School Youth Choir.

What are your personal views on philanthropy?

I think I have a unique view. To me, engaging in philanthropy on an ongoing basis is almost selfish, because I get such a big kick out of interacting with the kids. We interview all who apply for scholarships and tell them the only requirement for a four-year scholarship is that they make an effort. If they don't make an effort, they can lose their scholarship, and only about 5% of them fail. Most are very grateful, and their success makes us feel good.

Big Shoulders Fund 2008 Humanitarian Awards Dinner

When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
How much: $500 and up
Who'll be there: 600 leaders of the corporate community, scholarship recipients and friends of the honorees
For more info: (312) 553-2000
Next Monday: Check out our photo slide show of the party at ChicagoBusiness.com/society.