Commissioner Shaw, Alderman O'Conner and Pastor Henderson Receive Awards from South Side Community Organization
Organization gives out first ever "Man of the Year Award" to Chicago honoree, along with Aderman of the Year and an award for Outstanding Services to the Community.
(PRWEB) July 16, 2004 -- The Home of Life Church and Community Development Corporation hosted an awards ceremony for the South Side Community Organization tonight. An overflow crowd of nearly 1,000 people watched as Commissioner Robert Shaw, Alderman Patrick J. OConner and Pastor Johnny Henderson received awards for their contributions to the community.
Less than 500 hundred people were expected to show up for the event, which was scheduled to take place in the conference hall of the Home of Life Church. The surprising turnout forced the event to take place downstairs in the Sanctuary. The first award was given to Pastor Johnny Henderson for Man of the Year, who is credited with founding the Home of Life organization that now offers childcare and head start, job programs and training for ex-offenders, in addition to assistance with affordable housing for low-income families. In his speech, the Pastor noted he was looking forward to opening a grocery store, a separate school, and a gymnasium over the next year. He also gave credit to Cano Publishing Company and it's CEO, Dr. Anthony Zamora, which was chosen to partner with the community organization to enable their goals. Dr. Zamora, caught unaware, gave an impromptu speech on behalf of his company, seconding the drastic yet positive changes he hopes to foster in this impoverished community.
Alderman Patrick J. O'Conner was given the Alderman of the Year Award for his work with the Chicago City Committees on Education and Finance, as well as his contributions to the American Cancer Division. The Alderman said "he was very excited to receive the award and it brings him happiness to receive such an honor."
The final honoree was Commissioner Robert Shaw, who received an award for Outstanding Services to the Community. Commissioner Shaw thanked the attendees and his staff.
After the awards were handed out the invited guests adjourned to the conference hall, where the event was scheduled to take place, for drinks and hors doeuvres. The overflow crowd was jovial and upbeat, mimicking the undercurrents happening in Chicagos South and West Sides. Although two of the most impoverished, gang-ridden and crime-infested areas of the city, groups like the South Side Organization and Home of Life, with help from officials like Alderman OConner and Commissioner Shaw, have stepped up their involvement with the problem areas of the communities. Pastor Henderson explained, We need to bring change and offer options in this neighborhood. Weve talked long enough, now we need to do it."
Contact Information:
Michael Beyer
212-918-1496
azamora@canopublishingcompany.com
CANO NEWS ROOM
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