CHICAGO, July 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On July 15th, people from all over the Chicagoland area will come together in an effort to help others break the cycle of homelessness in Chicago. A Safe Haven Foundation - one of the nation's leading non-profit organizations dedicated to transforming the lives of the homeless towards a sustainable future - hosts its 2nd annual 5K "RUN! To End Homelessness" at historic Douglas Park. The day's event kicks off at 8:00AM and will also include a Live Aid Concert featuring noted Chicagoland musicians and entertainers, as well as a Kids' Dash for the children.
The RUN! To End Homelessness weekend officially starts Friday, July 13th at 5PM, with am invite only Mocktail Reception & Garden Event held at 2750 W. Roosevelt. The garden event will be attended by special guests, retired NFL players, Chicago VIPs and dignitaries, military and veteran leaders, and the host committee and Board of Directors for A Safe Haven; in an effort to raise money and awareness for the homeless in Chicago. Mark Ruffin, Emmy Award winning broadcaster and Music/Programming Director of SiriusXM Radio's Jazz station, will serve as the VIP event's emcee. Mark also hosts 'Real Jazz' daily from Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. The evening will be accompanied by live entertainment, a silent auction, raffle, and followed with refreshments and Mocktails. The VIP event will be hosted by Congressman Danny K. Davis, Alderman Joe Moore and Alderman Jason Ervin. The event will also feature catering by A Safe Haven's renowned culinary program.
"We are so thankful for all of the support and generosity for A Safe Haven Foundation from around the country. We are honored to have both our foundation and social business enterprises in the minds and hearts of so many. We are making a big impact, and events like the RUN! To End Homelessness support the lives of veterans, mothers with children and future leaders, if given the chance," commented A Safe Haven co-founder and Chicagoan of the Year, Neli Vazquez-Rowland.
The 2nd Annual 5K RUN/WALK, Live Aid Concert and Kids' Dash provide Chicagoans a fun and positive environment to experience the benefits of helping others overcome homelessness, crime and poverty and life struggles through fitness and music. Hosted by ABC7's John Garcia and supported by over 30 elected officials across the State of Illinois, this year's RUN! is expecting a large turnout and even larger statement for the capabilities of social services in our country. The morning pre-run stretch will be led by "Healthy Initiative" founder and Chicago's favorite mom, Shea Vaughn. The event will feature a chip-timed 5K RUN/WALK with space for competitive and recreational runners alike. Those unable to participate in the run/walk can find links to donate to the "RUN! To End Homelessness" at www.RuntoEndHomelessness.com.
Runners and supporters for the event can enjoy the outdoor LIVE Aid Concert in Douglas Park also starting at 8AM on the 15th and featuring Chicago's next generation of breakout artists. This year's lineup includes the latest musical sensations Nelia, Rachel McClusky, the windy-city rapper Phive10, Gracie Dahne, Xochi, jazz-influenced hip-hop artist and songwriter Phero, and hip-hop group Stadium Status.
A Safe Haven organization provides the tools each individual needs to overcome the root causes of homelessness. Through an all-encompassing approach, scalable model, and serving more than 4,000 individuals annually, A Safe Haven provides housing, substance abuse and mental health disorder treatment, career training, employment readiness, placement services, educational and life-skills training for those in need.
"If it wasn't for organizations like A Safe Haven Foundation, I would never be who I am today," said A Safe Haven's Associate Board President Christopher Foltz. "I struggled with addiction in my past and I love working with an organization that doesn't just put a band-aid on the problem, but fixes it." Foltz himself faced both addiction and incarcerated drug rehab and now owns one of the top communication strategy firms in the country.
Since its establishment in 1994, A Safe Haven Foundation has established a partnership with a portfolio of for profit social business enterprises that provide employment and housing to residents with significant employment barriers like re-entry or lack of employment or credit history. A Safe Haven's visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities.
For more information about A Safe Haven Foundation and ways to get involved, visit http://www.ASafeHaven.org.
The logo for A Safe Haven Foundation is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13572.