Goodcity Gals Honors Four Inspiring Chicagoans Who Are Dedicated to Serving Their Community

Chicago’s Goodcity organization will host its 13^th Annual “Celebrating Good In
the City” Gala on Wednesday, May 8^th at 6:30 pm at Skyline Loft (1200 W 35^th Street).  Chaired by Governor Pat Quinn, the event will honor four individuals who are making a difference in Chicago communities. NBC’s Art Norman will emcee the evening which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, live music, silent auction, and a short program.

The mission of Goodcity is to identify and then support high potential community-based entrepreneurs whose goals are to create or enhance neighborhood and faith-based programs that promote self-sufficiency, hope and a sense of purpose in the lives of individuals in under-resourced communities.

Honorees include: Pastor Mark Jobe, founder and lead pastor of New Life Community Church, will receive The William H. Leslie Memorial Urban Pastor Award for exemplifying the urban and reconciliation ministry for which Dr. Leslie was known and will receive a $2,000 unrestricted gift. Jobe is also the founder of New Life Centers, an organization focused on helping youth in under-served areas of Chicago. Jobe and his team are working to see a movement of life-giving churches that transform mega cities of the world. He has seen New Life grow from a handful of people to several thousand meeting at 19 campuses with 31 worship services each weekend. Jobe holds a master’s degree from Moody Theological Seminary and a doctorate degree from Bakke Graduate University.

Bonnie Gordon, Director of Cause Marketing for Walgreens will receive the Al Ward Angel Award for outstanding service of time and talent to Chicago communities. She has over 20 years of experience as an award-winning marketer, healthcare advocate and creative inspirer. As a 19-year, two-time
breast cancer survivor, her passion is to provide free screenings and educational programming for the under-served and underinsured across America. In her 17 years at Walgreens, Gordon has held several marketing leadership roles, including print and broadcast creative, media services and strategies.  She’s served as the public relations chair for the Chicago Chapter of the Network of Executive Women and is currently the development chair of the board of directors of Susan G. Komen Chicagoland Affiliate.  Gordon has been married to her husband Rick for 15 years and has three children.

Israel Idonije, Defensive End for the Chicago Bear and founder of the Israel Idonije Foundation will receive the Philanthropic Award for his commitment to investing in Chicago communities. As a child, Israel Idonije lay in bed at night and envisioned growing up to be “big and strong,” achieving success, and making a difference in the world. Now at 6’6” and 268 pounds, Idonije is certainly doing that both on and off the field.  He believes he has a responsibility to help and serve others because of the tremendous platform of being an NFL player so in 2007, he started The Israel Idonije Foundation to help underprivileged children in Chicago, Winnipeg, Canada and West Africa—all the places he has called home. Thousands of children have benefited from IIF’s programs.  Israel also serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Public Library. He was appointed by both
Mayor Richard Daley and current Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Erick Williams, Executive Chef at mk The Restaurant, will receive the Good Works Award for utilizing his professional success in service to Chicago communities. Williams joined the opening team at mk Restaurant in 1998 and took over leadership of the kitchen in the fall of 2008. Under his direction, the menu at mk has retained its farm-to-plate seasonal approach and has continued to receive accolades from local and national press.  Outside of the kitchen, Chef Erick devotes time to teaching and training at-risk youth and is a mentor to many; he
believes in the value of education through cooking and strives to be an example
for those in his community. He has worked with youth from Disney II Magnet
School, Perspectives Charter School, adults from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and fundraises for Sweet Water Foundation which helps bring urban gardening and aquaponics to Chicago and Milwaukee area schools.

“Goodcity is pleased to honor these exemplary Chicagoans who are making a difference,” said Sean Harden, President of Goodcity. “We look forward to an exciting and uplifting evening as we gather together to celebrate good in the city.”

Tickets are $200 for VIP and $100 for general admission and can be purchased at www.goodcitychicago.org/gala.  For more information on Goodcity, please contact Sean Harden at 312-473-4790 or visit www.goodcitychicago.org.