WHAT:  More than 400 Astellas employees will descend on Dunning Read Conservation Area in Chicago in celebration of Astellas 5th annual Changing Tomorrow Day. The volunteers will build a therapeutic walking trail, remove invasive weeds and beautify the area to benefit patients at the nearby Chicago-Read Mental Health Center, as well as the surrounding community.

WHEN:  Friday, Sept. 12, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Speeches start at 9 a.m. and volunteer activities start at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 4200 N. Oak Park Ave. in Chicago (North of Irving Park on Oak Park)

Map to Parking Lot - http://bit.ly/YAxtVy

WHO:    The following distinguished officials are planning to attend the event.

• Masao Yoshida, President & CEO at Astellas US
• Jeff Winton, Chief Communications Officer at Astellas US
• Michael Gelder, Senior Health Care Policy Advisor to Governor Pat Quinn
• Robert Martwick, IL State Representative of Illinois District 19
• Daniel Biss, IL State Senator of the 9th District
• Elaine Nekritz, IL State Representative of the 57th district
• Robyn Gabel, IL State Representative of the 18th District
• Tim Cullerton, Alderman of the 38th Ward
• Cassandra Francis, President of Friends of the Parks

WHY: Astellas’ Changing Tomorrow Day is dedicated to improving health and wellness in the community, through employee volunteerism. Studies show that exercising in nature rather than in an urban environment, improve mental health, decreases stress, lowers blood pressure and decreases heart rate.