Beacon Place volunteer Keith Wilson grew up just two blocks away from Beacon Place and still lives in the southeast Waukegan community. A professional personal chef and owner of a small catering business in Waukegan, KEEP IT HOT, Keith found his way to Beacon Place early last summer after the Summer Lunch Program began. When he arrived, he saw kids and families gathering in the yard for lunch and fun.

“I believe it is important for these kids to know someone cares. I like being a visible male role model for the kids and am happy to spend time here during the day as my business gives me that flexibility,” Keith said.

Keith has a grown daughter and two grandchildren in Gurnee, and a son Dane, a freshman student at Christo Rey St. Martin, who has also volunteered at Beacon Place.

“I see a change in this local community since Beacon Place arrived. Neighbors are looking out for each other. This is an area that wants to rebuild itself from within. I think Beacon Place is helping make that happen.” -Keith Wilson

Keith serves as a community liaison for Beacon Place as well as for Top Box Foods. He shares information about both programs with friends and neighbors as he sees them out and about in the community – at the park, at the grocery store, at the barbershop etc. He can’t wait for the new teaching kitchen at Beacon Place to be completed! He is anxious to use his culinary expertise to guide kids and parents in cooking and nutrition. Baking is one of Keith’s specialties. His cookies, fudge and pound cake are unbelievable!

Having committed community partners like Keith is important to the success of Beacon Place and furthering our mission of helping kids, families and communities help themselves.
Thank you to Keith and all of our supportive volunteers!

To learn more about Keith’s catering business or to try some of his amazing pound cake, contact Keith Wilson at icookforu2@yahoo.com.