James Foley Scholarship Benefit Concert - the Vic Theatre - Chicago
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 29, 2014 -- On Sunday, October 26, 2014, the New York Times ran a front page story on the brutal abuse Jim suffered at the hands of ISIS prior to his murder. The New York Times story also captured Jim’s kindness, generosity and leadership in describing how he kept fellow hostage’s hope alive and even shared his meager rations and only blanket with fellow hostages. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/world/middleeast/horror-before-the-beheadings-what-isis-hostages-endured-in-syria.html?_r=0
On Friday, October 24, 2014, the Chicago Tribune ran a story on the mural on 18th Street in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Jim lived in Pilsen from 2004 – 2011 and was very invested in the neighborhood during the years he lived there. During that time he worked as a teacher at the Cook County Jail as well as attended graduate school at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. See: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-james-foley-mural-met-20141024-story.html
Friends of slain journalist James Foley are hosting a benefit concert to raise funds for The James Foley Scholarship at Marquette University. While working as a freelance war correspondent during the Syrian conflict, Jim was abducted on Nov. 22, 2012 and murdered by Islamic State militants on Aug. 19, 2014.
The story of Jim Foley’s life continues to be a leading news story nationwide as more details emerge.
“Jim lived for others in everything he did from teaching high school classes at the Cook County Jail to helping raise funds to buy an ambulance for the people of Aleppo, Syria,” said Tom Durkin, a longtime friend and concert organizer. “We are proud of Jim and we want to make sure that his name is remembered. This scholarship will do that but equally important provide education for students in need."
Who: The Predictors, Hello Dave and a Legendary Wisconsin Rock Band*
When: Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, doors open 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Vic Theater, 3145 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, Ill., 60657
To purchase tickets visit http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1851229.
Due to a recent contribution to the fundraising efforts, for a limited time, those using the discount code “believe” can receive tickets for half off the original price. *Due to a contractual obligation, the band’s name cannot be used in the direct marketing efforts of the event since they are donating their performance. The band is a legendary Wisconsin rock band most known for their hit song “Closer to Free” and has successfully toured nationwide for decades.
All proceeds benefit the James Foley Scholarship Fund.
As an inner city teacher and an award-winning conflict journalist, Jim Foley lived a life of empathy and selflessness while dedicating himself to giving voice to the voiceless. For nearly a decade, Jim reported from war zones including Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, to shine a light on the suffering of others.
Earlier, as an educator teaching urban youth in Phoenix and incarcerated men in Chicago, Jim drew on his steadfast conviction that all deserve a quality education regardless of their race, nationality, or class. Even during his 656-day captivity in Syria, Jim was determined to serve as a source of strength for others. He remained selfless, determined, and faithful to his friends and family through his final moments. The James Foley Scholarship exists to ensure that Jim’s story and ideals live on.
The James Foley Scholarship Fund
The family and friends of slain journalist James Foley established the Marquette University James Foley Scholarship Fund to extend the ideals that inspired Jim’s life and work around conflict zone reporting and helping suffering and disadvantaged people. To support visit: marquette.edu/foleyscholarship.
Michael Keating, Free James Foley, http://www.freejamesfoley.org, +1 312-208-7702, [email protected]
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