Illinois First Couple Bruce Rauner & Diana Volunteer at A Safe Haven for Thanksgiving Day Brunch

thanksgiving-2016

 

Chicago, IL (November 24, 2016) — A Safe Haven was honored to host Illinois First Couple Governor Bruce Rauner and Diana Rauner on Thanksgiving Day.  They were among over 80 volunteers including other elected officials, ASH leadership and Advisory Board leadership and staff, community leaders, fraternities and sororities and year around supporters came with their families to serve brunch to over 400 homeless residents at A Safe Haven that included homeless women with children, youth, military veterans and people under house arrest for nonviolent offenses from Cook County jail. Media from the following major networks were in attendance, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and WGN.

 

The Thanksgiving meal included Turkey and all of the fixings. It began with welcoming remarks from A Safe Haven President, Neli Vazquez Rowland, followed by remarks from Governor Rauner, which included a special thank you to our Military Veterans, an inspiring testimonial from A Safe Haven success story and Alum Angalia Bianca and a prayer from Deacon Freddie Dixon. The morning also featured The Chicago All Star Blues and live DJ for musical entertainment, and a traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared by A Safe Haven’s Catering Team.

 

“We’re very blessed in Chicago and the State of Illinois who dedicate their lives to giving back and helping those in need. The Good Lord put us on earth to do his work, to help each other, and work together to make the world a better place, which is exactly what Neli and the staff at A Safe Haven are doing every day. Diana and I are honored to support this wonderful organization and the excellent work they do on behalf of our community.” –Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner

 

“I cannot thank everyone enough for taking the time out of their busy holiday schedules to spend time with our residents. The volunteers not only worked in the kitchen, washed dishes, bussed tables and served food, but they sent a strong message of love and support to the homeless population we serve.. I’m thankful that the Governor is engaged in our mission to end homelessness and poverty in a sustainable manner. Bringing together government, business and community leaders of all kinds, alongside the homeless showed our residents that people do care for them as a priority population—is a much needed and very powerful and important message. Thank you to Governor Rauner, and Diana and  to everyone on our own team at A Safe Haven who did their part to  make  this day a truly special way to express the meaning of the holiday.” –Neli Vazquez Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation.