Chicago’s Common to Honor Dr. Maya Angelou, Dee Robinson Reid, Sherrie Shepherd & Keke Palmer at Gala

Hey everyone! This is Feeny Fernandez from Billy’s office! This week is just a ton of amazing stuff going on in Chicago! Thursday we’ve got President Obama’s event going on at Navy Pier (still some tickets left! more info here http://bit.ly/gNCgkW). Friday is our co-alliance fundraiser at Sunda for Japan through Direct Relief International. And Saturday, some strong women are gonna hit up Chicago…

This Saturday, hip hop artist, actor, and Chicago native Common and the Common Ground Foundation are holding an Inaugural Gala Fundraiser at the InterContinental Hotel to celebrate women in leadership. The evening’s distinguished honorees include Dr. Maya Angelou, actress and singer Keke Palmer, business leader Dee Robinson Reid, and actress and “The View” talk show host Sherri Shepherd.

“One of the things I always say to people is to ‘strive for greatness in any and everything you do,'” says Common. “The women we’re honoring have represented that and so much more! I am truly honored to have the opportunity to celebrate… the honorees.” The evening will include a silent auction, entertainment, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Common Ground Foundation’s goals and help expand their reach in local communities.

The Common Ground Foundation was created and founded in 2000 by Common as a way to give back to the community where he was raised. It aims to develop the youth in under-served communities to be contributing citizens and strong leaders through programs that offer the youth with a creative outlet. You can tell what a great guy Common is and how much he cares about his hometown from the video above – what an incredible Chicago cheerleader he’s become!

For more information on the event and the Common Ground Foundation, check out www.commongroundfoundation.org/galafundraiser2011.