Grammy Award Winning Artist, COMMON, Hosted Impressive Common Ground Foundation Annual Gala and Fundraiser

    CHICAGO, IL, April 17, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This past Saturday in the classic Ritz Carlton hotel, world renowned hip-hop artist and actor Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., famously known as COMMON, hosted the Common Ground Foundation Annual Gala and Fundraiser, presented by Ford Motor Company Fund. The black tie optional event benefitted his nonprofit organization, the Common Ground Foundation and honored "men of excellence" who have made a difference in their respective communities and careers.

As guests entered the ballroom, they were privy to a photo exhibit of COMMON's momentous visit to Haiti and treated to opera singer, Catalina Cuervo singing over the rapper's ingenious song, "The People." A live band played throughout the evening and guests enjoyed a five star dinner made by the Ritz Carlton's Executive Chef, Mark Payne.

In order to pay homage to people of color that have achieved success all the while impacting their communities in a significant way, the Common Ground Foundation began hosting the Gala in an effort to highlight the accomplishments of African Americans and help fund COMMON's Summer Youth Camp.

This year, CGF honored living legend, Harry Belafonte as well as Executive Vice President of the Boeing Corporation, James A. Bell, Chicago Bear, Israel Idonije, and CEO and founder of MillionDollar$cholar, Derrius Quarles. All honorees are nationally and internationally acclaimed notables in entertainment, business, professional sports and community service.

"The Common Ground Foundation was created to empower youth by using creative arts. We are enthusiastic to honor these great men who are involved in the arts, business, and other fields that use their influence to uplift their communities," says COMMON.

To help assist in raising funds for the organization, a silent auction was held and guests bid on items such as a historical Ebony Magazine cover featuring COMMON and Harry Belafonte, an autographed jersey from Chicago Bulls point guard, Derrick Rose, a luxurious spa package from the Dana Hotel, an autographed football from honoree and Chicago Bear, Israel Idonije, exclusive vinyl COMMON album, One Day it'll All Make Sense, autographed basketball from Chicago Bulls Forward, Leol Deng, original artwork by Chadwick, and an opportunity to visit Common on AMC's series, Hell on Wheels.

Attendees included, Chicago Mayor and former White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, producer Twilight Tone, and a plethora of philanthropists, influencers, and business leaders. As a token of thanks for their continued support, guests received gift bags filled with special items. The evening concluded with a red-carpet after party at Chicago Illuminating Company.

The Mission of the Common Ground Foundation is to use creative arts to expose youth to new opportunities. The organization's primary focus is to teach and impact youth, ages 13-15, in the areas of character development, creative expression, and healthy living. Because of its great influence on today's children, the Common Ground Foundation was recognized by CNN Heroes in 2011 and the BET Hip Hop Awards as a philanthropic organization doing great work in urban communities in 2010.

The Annual Gala and Fundraiser proved to be an upscale, fun, and successful event that effectively brought celebrities, sports figures, and philanthropists together to raise funds in support of the Common Ground Foundation's mission. The foundation is confident that the Annual Gala and Fundraiser will continue to be a success and raise awareness surrounding at risk youth.

COMMON and the Common Ground Foundation are fervent about improving the lives and educational opportunities of adolescents. The Annual Gala and Fundraiser certainly helped to continue this cause. Sponsors for the Annual Gala and Fundraiser included, Ford Motor Company Fund, The Boeing Co, AON, Williams Morris Endeavor (WME), Profit Investments and Michigan Avenue Magazine.

About Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. (COMMON): COMMON first came on the scene in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 1990s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major-label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and tremendous commercial success. COMMON received his first Grammy award in 2003 for Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" with Erykah Badu. Its popularity was matched by May 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. COMMON was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West), from his July 2007 album Finding Forever. His best-of album, Thisisme Then: The Best of Common, was released on November 27, 2007. Aside from being a pioneer in Hip Hop, COMMON has also initiated a burgeoning acting career, starring in significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, Wanted, Terminator Salvation, Date Night, Just Wright, Happy Feet Two, and New Year's Eve. He also narrated the award-winning documentary Bouncing Cats, about one man's efforts to improve the lives of children in Uganda through hip-hop/b-boy culture. COMMON currently appears in Hell on Wheels, a dramatic television series on AMC that debuted in November 2011. He is known for being socially conscious and is passionate about impacting the lives of today's youth.

About the Common Ground Foundation: The Common Ground Foundation is an organization dedicated to developing youth in underserved communities into upstanding citizens and outstanding community leaders. Created by respected Hip-Hop artist, Children's author, and Actor, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, also known as COMMON, the Common Ground Foundation has made waves in the city of Chicago through its unique outreach programs and unwavering dedication to ignite the desire of knowledge in Chicago's youth. Through three programs, BE Empowered, CGF/Lighthouse Youth Leadership Program, and the Readers ARE Leaders Program, the Common Ground Foundation has been able to achieve its goals. In 2012, the Foundation launched COMMON's Summer Youth Camp. In August, 30 students from the Chicago Public School System will participate in a week-long camp experience at Anokijig Campground in Plymouth, WI. These Programs provide today's youth with life, career and educational mentoring, holistic leadership and educational principles, and promote literacy and reading. The Common Ground foundation has put on numerous events in the city of Chicago to aid its fundraising opportunities.

For additional information, and the latest, on the Common Ground Foundation please visit: www.commongroundfoundation.org or email [email protected].

For media inquires and photos please contact Chanele Newton at [email protected]

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