Auburn-Gresham flocks to Community Day
Robert Wheatly
Published: October 12, 2005
More than 1,000 residents attended the Community Day celebration on Aug. 25 in Auburn Gresham. This collaborative effort helps community members become aware of businesses, organizations, and social service agencies while participating in arts-related and other fun activities.
Children were anxiously waiting in line for a free face painting.
Photo: Robert Wheatly
The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corp., Inner City Entertainment, Inc. (ICE Theaters) and 6th District C.A.P.S. hosted the event at the Chatham 14 Theatres, which featured local politicians such as Alderman Howard Brookins (21st Ward) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.). GADC provided bus service for seniors to ensure their inclusion.
Residents took part in a host of activities and entertainment: free homeownership seminars, a job fair, fire safety instruction, HIV testing, and Child Identity Tracking, a new program that provides children with an identification card, fingerprints and blood samples so they can be easily identified if something happens to them.
Soul 106 FM broadcast live from the event.
Photo: Robert Wheatly
Radio station Soul 106 (WSRB) had a live remote, children had their faces painted, and ICE Theaters showed movies for $1.
"For the past two years this event has been exceptional," said resident Florence Wheatly. "My children are excited to view movies for $1 and attend all of the booths to learn about the different services and programs for youths."
A Business Forum led by the Department of Planning and Development provided tips for existing businesses and for prospective entrepreneurs looking to do business in the city of Chicago.
Participating organizations included: Bally Total Fitness, Neighborhood Housing Services, Sam's Club, Curves, Shore Bank, Highland Community Bank, St. Sabina Employment Resource Center and American Heart Association. The attendance and enthusiasm for the event has GADC looking forward to planning its third annual Community Day celebration in 2006.