Safer Foundation Will Honor Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Celebrity Culinary Artist Jeff Henderson

Hosted by WGN-TV’s Bob Jordan

CHICAGO, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Safer Foundation will host its “Spirit of Safer” Luncheon on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The event will celebrate the mission of the 38-year-old Safer Foundation, which provides comprehensive employment, educational, and supportive services to people with criminal records as they return to society.

Safer Foundation will honor Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and celebrity culinary artist Jeff Henderson, who will receive the Spirit of Safer Award and the Safer Achievement Award, respectively.

Since 1989, Mayor Daley has encouraged the hiring of appropriately screened and qualified individuals for job openings within the City, has promoted special employment and training opportunities for Safer’s clients, and has convened a panel of experts to study and publish cutting-edge information on what works in reentry.

The Spirit of Safer Award is a special accolade bestowed on a select few individuals who have been invaluable to the organization’s success. Others who have received the Spirit of Safer Award include Reps. Danny K. Davis and Jesse Jackson, Jr., Jeremy Travis — President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice — and State Rep. Adeline Geo Karis.

The Safer Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding individual with a criminal record who has turned his or her life around and given back to the community in ways that highlight the importance of reentry opportunities.

Known by many as Chef Jeff, Henderson hosts “The Chef Jeff Project” on Food Network; a show that helps at-risk youth turn their lives around through the culinary arts. Prior to becoming a renowned chef at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Henderson spent 10 years in prison for running a large-scale drug operation in Los Angeles.

James Reynolds, Jr., Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital Markets will serve as chairman of the event. Robert H. Jordan, Jr. from WGN-TV will serve as emcee of the Spirit of Safer Luncheon, which will take place October 15, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Crystal Ballroom and Foyer of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. For tickets, please contact Joy Dawson at 312-922-8029, or Kenneth Clarke at 312-922-8491.

PRESS CONTACT: Kenneth Clarke, +1-312-922-8491 / kenneth.clarke@saferfoundation.org

Web site: http://www.saferfoundation.org/

SOURCE Safer Foundation