One of the most community-oriented businesses in the Chicago area is preparing for its annual “Celebration of Giving” Benefit Gala. Calahan Funeral Home, the esteemed family-owned mortuary establishment located in the Englewood community, created the Calahan Foundation in 2009 to support youth preparing to attend college and to provide them with contemporary role models. As a 501©3 non-profit organization, the Calahan Foundation raises funds that are used to underwrite its charitable giving programs.
Headlining this year’s “Celebration of Giving” Benefit Gala will be R&B vocalist and soul singer-songwriter AVERY SUNSHINE; also on the show will be neo-soul artist ERIC ROBERSON and Chicago-based artist BJ the Chicago Kid. The gala and performance will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the UIC Forum located at 725 West Roosevelt Road in Chicago. The evening will begin with a Gala reception from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The program & concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Gala After party starting at 10:30 p.m.
The benefit gala will also present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rev. Clay Evans, founder of Chicago’s historic church Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, and the Give A Hand Up to Give A Hand Out Award to Rev. Wayne L. Gordon, founding partner of Lawndale Community Church.
A giving and caring family, Calahan family members participate in every aspect of the Calahan Foundation’s fundraising and charitable giving. As a family, they believe in giving back to the community. Husband and wife team Edward and Shirley Calahan serve on the Board of Directors along with their children Edric and Valerie. Working together, their mission is to create ways of “Giving a Hand Out to Give a Hand Up.”
Since 2011, through the Edward and Shirley Calahan Scholarship Fund, the Foundation has donated thousands of dollars to deserving low income students to assist in paying for their college expenses. Through a partnership with the Chicago Public Schools, The Calahan Foundation posts the scholarship opportunities at various locations and on its website. Four scholarships are offered annually.
The Calahan Foundation’s coat and toy drive assists families living in 10 Chicago area shelters. Over the past seven years the Foundation has provided thousands of warm coats and toys to children and families in need. Donation boxes are distributed at various locations throughout the city and are collected and sorted by volunteers. The gifts are personalized for the families with age appropriate, non-violent toys provided to the children and warm, new or nearly new coats provided to all family members. Food items are also included in the gift packages.
The Calahan family is excited about the opportunity to provide a helping hand to families in need. “It is a calling to support one another by reaching back, giving back, and pulling forward,” said son Edric Calahan. “Our pledge is that no child with a work ethic and desire to succeed should fail,” he added.
For benefit tickets visit www. ticketmaster.com or to make a donation and more information contact www.calahanfoundation.org or call (773) 723-3079.
