Street to be named in honor of Chicago icons Ed and Betty Gardner during a dedication ceremony, July 12, 2012
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“Celebrating the Gardner Legacyâ€
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Entrepreneurs Ed and Betty Gardner, Chicago and worldwide icons, will be honored during the unveiling of a street sign Thursday, July 12, Â named in their honor.
The street sign event will take placeThursday, July 12, 2012, at 8830 S. Dobson (Five blocks East of Cottage Grove and six blocks West of Stony Island), in Chicago, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Â
The Gardners, founders of Soft Sheen Products, who started a hair care business in their garage, and subsequently grew to a $100 million business, with operations worldwide, including Africa. The firm hired thousands of employees and became an economic engine wherever they had operations.
Ed and Betty Gardner touched Chicagoans in many ways. They are heralded as:
Entrepreneurs – Founders of Soft Sheen Products
Political Activists – Played a Lead Role in Electing Harold Washington Chicago’s First Black Mayor
Anti-Crime Fighters – Founded Black on Black Love – Launched anti-crime movement
Cultural Saviors – Restored and refurbished the former Regal Theater
Role Models – They are the symbols of how love can lead to a happy family, prosperous business and wholesome life
Other notable mention:Â With their success, the Gardners could have retreated to the suburbs and to a gated enclave. However, always true to their roots, they remained vibrant and active in their South Side community.
The event will be attended by members of the political, religious, business, health and beauty aids, civic and grassroots communities to celebrate the Gardners’ various contributions to Chicago and other places, national and abroad.
Speakers include Alderman Michelle Harris – 8th Ward, Father Michael Pfleger, the Honorable Roland Burris and Television Personality Merri Dee, and many more.
The 30-minute program will feature songs, tributes, and essay readings by schoolchildren – culminating with the street naming ceremony.
The tribute was conceived by Frances Wright, President/CEO of Black on Black Love
For more information, contact: Melody M. McDowell – 773-660-2001 or 312-371-8917 – Cell, or MelodyPR@aol.com
