Alex Pissios to chair A Safe Haven anniversary

Guest of Honor Alex Pissios

Cinespace President
joins film, media, and
arts leaders at event
to benefit ASH’s
‘award-winning model
to solving homelessness’

Cinespace Chicago President Alex Pissios will join a group of notable film, media, and arts leaders as Chair for tomorrow night’s A Legacy of Excellence, the 25-year Anniversary Gala for homeless support organization A Safe Haven (ASH) at the Drake Hotel.

Helping to enliven the six-hour affair will be the likes of USA Today Editor Bill Sternberg, ABC Celebrity Sportscaster Dionne Miller, and Golden Buzzer Award-winning international artist Laura Bretan.

ALSO READ: Cinespace community outreach gets Congressional nod

 
Award-winning model
Utilizing an award-winning model and approach to solving homelessness, A Safe Haven offers comfort to 5,000 people of all ages and backgrounds annually with services that include behavioral healthcare, education, employment, and housing.

ASH’s mission aligns with Cinespace’s “core priorities and geographic focus,” according to Pissios, and the studio is a long-time supporter of the organization.

When Cinespace first came to Chicago in 2011, Pissios and late founder Nikolaos “Uncle Nick” Mirkopoulos began providing jobs to veterans who were living in A Safe Haven residence and needed work to be able to live independently.

 
We all have to do our part
“We all have to do our part,” says Pissios. “I personally know the difference that one person or one decision can make in your life, and the life of your family. Nobody ever wakes up one morning and decides to be homeless or struggle with addiction.”

Since then, Cinespace has supported organizations and launched initiatives that not only reduce homelessness but also provide education, training, and employment, throughout neighborhoods surrounding the North Lawndale campus.

Earlier this year, the studio hosted Christian Bale’s launch of #Voices4FosterCare, a campaign to help SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, a nonprofit that provides housing for foster families in Illinois neighborhoods.

ALSO READ: Christian Bale launches SOS campaign at Cinespace

 
Business as usual
In 2017, Pissios received A Safe Haven Foundation’s Business Leader Hero for Veterans award in recognition for his efforts offering employment to veterans, but he considers working to help the less fortunate to be business as usual.

“We are committed to doing our part to provide opportunities to all Chicagoans, especially where we work and live,” he says.

Although tickets to A Legacy of Excellence sold out almost as soon as they became available, donations can still be made online or Via Mail at www.ASafeHaven.org/gala.

Photo: Alex Pissios as Guest of Honor at Anixter Center’s 7th annual gala, Cinespace Studios, 2018

 
Send your film news to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.