Thanksgiving Brunch
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR BRUCE RAUNER AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE LASHAWN K. FORD SERVE A SAFE HAVEN FOUNDATION’S RESIDENCE THANKSGIVING DAY BRUNCH
Chicago, IL (November 23, 2017) Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, First Lady Diana Rauner and Illinois State Representative, LaShawn K. Ford, City Council Member and Hispanic and Veteran Caucus Chair, Gilbert Villegas stopped by A Safe Haven Foundation to volunteer to feed and make welcoming remarks to nearly 400 homeless men, women, families, youth and veterans on Thanksgiving Day morning. They were among over 90 volunteers including other prominent civic, business, ASH leadership, Board of Director members, and members from the top media, and year round supporters that came with their families to serve and break bread with the homeless residing at A Safe Haven.
The meal was prepared by A Safe Haven’s executive chef and the culinary team, featured Thanksgiving Turkey with all of the fixings. The brunch kicked off with a prayer from Deacon Freddie Dixon and it featured live entertainment by the Chicago Blues All Stars, Inc., SlyFie, Jan James, Lavish, and live a DJ for musical entertainment, with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sang by Lynn Orman, ASH Advisory Board Members son, Benjie Max.
“This morning we gave back. Diana and I rejoined the dedicated volunteers at A Safe Haven Foundation, serving Thanksgiving meals to displaced Illinoisans. A Safe Haven is a wonderful organization that provides food, stable and affordable housing, job readiness training, and addiction recovery services. Diana and I have been proud to support the amazing work being done here by Neli and her staff. Illinois thanks you for all that you do.” — Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner
“I have attended many Thanksgiving Day events, but I find A Safe Haven Foundation creates the most feeling of a family. It is a first class establishment and second to none for how well they treat their clients.” — State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford
“This is my fourth year attending A Safe Haven Foundation’s Thanksgiving Brunch, and I always bring my two boys with me. I like to show them how fortunate they are and the importance of volunteering for those who have less. I appreciate when Neli invites me to these occasions, so we can help those in need.” Alderman Gilbert Villegas
Thank you to all of our friends, supporters and prayer warriors for the privilege and honor to serve and ease the transition, and allow us the opportunity to pave the way to independence and self-sufficiency for our neighbors in need – Neli Vazquez Rowland, President and Co-Founder of A Safe Haven Foundation.