Sacred Ground's 7th Annual Light Outshines Violence Everyday (L.O.V.E) Gala

Welcome to the 7th Annual Light Outshines Violence Everyday (L.O.V.E.) Gala! Join us for a night of celebration and support at 8560 S Cottage Grove Ave. Let's come together to spread love and positivity in our community. This in-person event promises to be a memorable evening filled with inspiring stories, live entertainment, and delicious food. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and show that light always triumphs over darkness. Tickets are $50.

The gala will feature keynote speaker Shawn Dalcour.

Sacred Ground Ministries is an 501c3 anti-violence organization founded by Mary Long. Sacred Ground works with at-risk youth and young adults in and around Chicago’s Grand Crossing community through educational, recreational, and employment opportunities. The L.O.V.E. Gala will be raising funds for Sacred Ground's entire ministry, from scholarships to our high school graduates, to Teen Town Halls, to mentorship, and our after-school and summer programming.

Sacred Ground is also raising funds for our Culinary Arts Program. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in commercial kitchens. Our curriculum includes in-depth coverage of nutrition, sanitation, and proper food handling practices; ensuring that students maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety in a kitchen environment and fostering healthy eating habits and nutrition monitoring. Motivated students undergo rigorous training that sharpens their hand-eye coordination, hones manual dexterity, and fosters creativity--essential attributes in a commercial kitchen setting and enhance their employability. All participants will receive their Illinois State Food Handling Certification, a valuable credential that opens doors to employment opportunities in the food service sector. This certification is a testament to their competence and commitment to food safety. Our mission is to empower students with the skills necessary to secure and retain entry-level positions within the food service industry

Sacred Ground Ministries was founded in 2012 as an anti-violence organization that promotes peace, social consciousness, and community awareness. Sacred Ground was foudned one day after Mary Long's only son, Eric Williams, was killed due to gun violence just blocks away from Hirsch Metropolitan High School in Greater Grand Crossing. Eric trained at Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, becoming a Carpenter’s Apprentice and working toward joining the Carpenters' Union. A dedicated father who was engaged before passing away, Sacred Ground is dedicated to Eric's memory and spirit.

For the third straight year, the L.O.V.E. Gala is pleased to return to Discover’s Shine Bright Community Center (the old Target building) at 8560 South Cottage Grove.

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