On Saturday, March 23^rd, COMMON, Grammy Award Winning Artist and Founder of the Common Ground Foundation, hosted the 3^rd Annual Gala and Fundraiser presented by Coca-Cola at the Four Seasons in Chicago; an elegant event which raised funds for the organization and honored those who have climbed the ladder of success in their respected industry all the while, extending their hand to make a positive mark in the community.

A devout welcome was provided by COMMON who expressed his gratitude to the supporters of his organization. He also shared a heartfelt story of his recent surprise visit to one of the schools he visited in the urban community of Chicago and how one of the students stated a request, “pray for us”. COMMON shared his affirmation to the young man, “I promise, I will, not just today, but every day,” a pure articulation of his efforts to empower youth in front of the scene and behind the scene.

This Year’s Annual Event Honored the Following:

Earvin “Magic” Johnson – Magic Johnson Enterprises

Gabby Douglas – 2012 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist

Quintin and Diane Primo – Primo Center for Women & Children

Tim Rand and Everett Rand – Chicago Football Classic

An evening serving a cause while celebrating those impacting communities made this event a night to remember. Every honoree contributed greatness to not only the community, but also to the organization. Magic Johnson, known as the “Magic Man,” even wanted to continue to make some “magic” after accepting his award, by offering a “Deluxe Magical Package” for those who wanted to bid on exclusive courtside Lakers tickets and a chance to have dinner with the “Magic Man” himself in Los Angeles. In less than three minutes, $100,000 was raised for the organization with Johnson’s offer. All to raise funds for a cause, the Gala included a silent auction, reception, live band, dinner and dancing.

During the event, the youth had an opportunity to share their stories on how the organization has helped them; led by Dr. Mahalia Hines, Board President of the Common Ground Foundation, here’s what one youth shared with the attendees about the foundation as well as a camp experience:

“This foundation really means a lot to me and it now really shows me that there are other doors to my future, but that there’s more than just one part of me as I learn more about myself. When we went to camp, I learned that I should trust more and it’s not really me against the world. This foundation really introduced me to another family in the world and I’m really thankful and blessed to be in this foundation and knowing that I am soon going to be about the change.”

The organization’s primary focus is to educate and impact youth in the areas of character development, creative expression, and healthy living. The event was an evening to remember which lived its purpose to empower and assist in closing the gap on the unfavorable times surrounding at risk youth in the Chicago area. 

Concluding the evening was an after party hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel to celebrate the honorees and those who have supported the Common Ground Foundation.

“It takes a village to raise a child” – Unknown

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