We are thrilled to announce that Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park, is the Gold Medal winner of the 2013 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. This biennial award celebrates urban places distinguished by quality design and contributions to the social, economic, and communal vitality of our nation’s cities.

“We are honored to have been chosen from the outstanding finalists to receive this award,” says Shannon Stewart, Exec. Dir. and CEO of Inspiration Corporation. “We are proud of our success in creating meaningful connections in Garfield Park and are grateful that the award will help us continue to engage with members of this underserved community.”

Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park, was one of five finalists chosen in a nationwide selection process, and judged by a committee including architects, city representatives and former winners of the award. Along with the award comes a $50,000 prize to support this social enterprise, which offers culinary training and job placement skills to those in financial need. Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park opened in 2011, and recently received LEED Gold Certification for its sustainable design and adaptive reuse of an existing building.

You can read more about the 25-year history of this award and foundation, other finalists and the selection process at the Rudy Bruner Foundation website.