Care for Friends Announces 2024 Power Hope Award Recipients

CHICAGO - Aug. 13, 2024 - PRLog -- Care for Friends announced 17 recipiences of the 2024 Power Hope Award. These awardees have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthen their Chicago communities, empowering others to live better lives.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Awards, which have previously recognized Chicago notables Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and 101.9 The Mix radio personality Violeta Podrumedic.

The 2024 Power Hope Award recipients are:

●      Carol Blendowski: Instrumental in developing CFF's Foot Clinic and providing meals to those in need.

●      Amity Carrubba: Co-founded Magdalene House Chicago, a residential program and social enterprise for women survivors of trafficking and addiction.

●      John Carruthers: Founded Crust Fund Pizza, which sells pizza to benefit direct service organizations in Chicago.

●      Fredrick Dennis: Founded Boss Boxing Club, which combats early childhood trauma and empowers young people.

●      Dr. Chelsea Dorsey: Teaches, advises, and mentors medical learners at all levels, working to improve representation in the medical field.

●      Matt Forte: Former Chicago Bears running back whose What's Your Forte Foundation promotes equitable economic advancement for youth and families in Chicago.

●      Ofelia Figueroa: Director of Community Engagement at Esperanza Health Centers, connecting uninsured individuals to care.

●      LaTanya Gray: Supports families at Primo Center, ensuring compassionate care for those facing trauma and homelessness.

●      Aaron Galeener: Leads the largest Medicaid health plan in Cook County and champions innovative food care programs and support for immigrant residents.

●      Ian Gerard: Founded The Curio and helped launch Chicago's first Fashion Week.

●      Luis Gutierrez: Founded Latinos Progresando, the largest Latino-led immigration legal services clinic in Illinois.

●      Imran Khan: Co-founded Embarc, an education program that has served over 10,000 students across 29 CPS high schools.

●      Morgan McLuckie: CEO of Orange Tent Project, providing essential aid to the unhoused community.

●      Tracy Rhodes: Passionate advocate for her professional and personal communities, excelling in business development and fundraising for various charities.

●      Vanessa Sanchez: Empowers youth in Chicago's Little Village through free arts programs at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

●      Dr. Mark Shields: Board Certified Internist with over 40 years of experience, organizing health care initiatives at Care for Friends for over 10 years.

●      Christopher Watts: Leads The Kindness Campaign on Chicago's South Side, helping families in need through pop-up food markets and a weekly fresh food distribution center.

These individuals will be honored at the Power Hope Benefit on September 5th. at The Arbory. The event will feature heartwarming stories, networking opportunities, a wine pull, paddle raise, and the chance to meet these exceptional individuals in person. Tickets to the event can be purchased at https://careforfriends.org/power-hope/