A Safe Haven Hosted Its 5th Annual 5k RUN! To End Homelessness, Music Revolution, and Stand Down in Douglas Park Chicago

Chicago, IL July 16, 2015 Thousands of runners, walkers, veterans and supporters attended A Safe Haven Foundation’s 5th Annual 5k RUN! To End Homelessness, Music Revolution to End Homelessness, and Homeless Veteran Stand Down at Chicago’s Douglas Park in North Lawndale on Sunday, July 12, 2015. The event’s presenting sponsors were Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and Cazares Resorts. An Honorary Host Committee, Chaired by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, and over 90 elected officials from throughout the State of Illinois lend their support behind the event; which featured performances from top emerging local artists, including: Vocalist Laura Bretan; Gospel Singer Jessica Love, Michele McGuire, and Mary Ann Acevedo, Singer, Songwriter and Actress from Puerto Rico; and performances by Lavesh, Forever Undefined, and Xazz. All of the major network television stations and media outlets covered the event.

Over 500 Homeless Veterans attended the military Stand Down, and nearly One Million Dollars of in-kind contributions were made. Key sponsors included: Operation Hope of the U.S. Department of Defense; The McCormick Foundation, Get Covered Illinois, Mission Continues, Rotary One, Loyola University, and the Foundation for American Veterans.

‘I couldn’t be more honored or grateful to have such an incredible outpouring of support for the 5K RUN! to End Homelessness, Music Revolution, and Stand Down. We are making serious strides to ending homelessness here in Chicago—work that couldn’t be accomplished without the ongoing support of so many individuals, officials, and corporate sponsors. It’s been said that all it takes to change the world is a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens; and that’s exactly what’s happening here in North Lawndale. When I started this event 5 years ago, we had just a few loyal supporters willing to come out, but in just five short years, I’ve seen the event explode in popularity. That shows me that we have the right people involved; people and organizations who are just as committed as we are at ASHF to doing everything they can to spread awareness about homelessness and ending poverty. Thank you again to everyone who contributed their time, money, and resources to making the day a resounding success!’ Neli Vazquez Rowland, A Safe Haven Foundation CoFounder and President.