CGF was recognized by CNN Heroes (2011) and BET Hip Hop Awards (2010) as a philanthropic organization doing great work in urban communities.
LIGHTHOUSE YOUTH CENTER
In 2010, CGF helped establish the Lighthouse Youth Center located at 4339 S. Priaire in Chicago IL. The Lighthouse provides after school tutoring, ACT/SAT preparation, character development, life skills education, referral to counseling services, artistic activities, positive adult mentors, nutritious meals and GED classes.
CGF currently underwrites the Healthy Choices program within the Lighthouse Youth Center. This initiative provides youth with alternatives for healthy food choices, including hands-on instruction in grocery shopping, food preparation, and complimentary physical and mental fitness.
Visit www.lighthouseyouthcenter.org
COMMON’S SUMMER YOUTH CAMP
August 19 – 24, 2012 CGF will launch the annual Common’s Summer Youth Camp at Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, WI. This program is for 8th and 9th grade students from inner city Chicago. The educational curriculum focuses on life development skills and career opportunities behind the music.
- Hosted by Common
- 5 day program, led by subject-area experts
- 30 students
- No cost to students
- Applications will be available online January 3, 2012
- Students will be paired with volunteer mentors for on-going support after the camp
2010-2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Partnered with the Chicago Public Schools for a “Just Wright” Field Trip which bussed 300 CPS Students and 100 Graduating Seniors from Urban Prep to the ICON Theaters in Chicago for a pre-release viewing of “Just Wright” starring Common and Queen Latifah. Sponsored by City Colleges, Aventa Learning Partners and ICON Theatre. City of Colleges presented a student with a $6,000 college grant at the event.
Launched the Lighthouse Youth Center program with more than 125 students, ages 10-17, participating in workshops and activities on Chicago’s South Side, spearheaded by CGF Executive Director Rhea Williams and Lighthouse program staff. Curriculum included life skills, nutrition, fitness, creative writing, social responsibility and more. The summer program concluded with a showcase and awards presentation hosted by Common, with special guest Dwayne Wade.
Facilitated a $100k donation to the Lighthouse Youth Center from Wade’s World Foundation, which allowed the Lighthouse to hire a Director and continue programs into the Fall. The program now serves more than 100 students year-round.
Invited by the Grammy Museum, CGF sponsored 15 youth to travel (for the first time) from the Lighthouse Youth Center in Chicago to the White House for an event hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Launched the 1st Annual CGF Fundraising Gala. Celebrating Excellence In Leadership, the gala honored Maya Angelou, Sherry Shepard, KeKe Palmer, and Dee Robinson-Reid, and recognized the partnership with CGF and Lighthouse Youth Center. Sponsors included Ford Motor Company Fund, Hennessy, Heineken, William Morris Endeavor, Hard Rock Hotel, and Akira.