Celebrity Council

In an effort to increase awareness about the issues of hunger in our communities, Northern Illinois Food Bank formed the Celebrity Council. Members of the council actively mobilize the public by participating in fundraising events, volunteering, speaking to groups, and participting in media relations opportunities. The group consists of community leaders who have stepped up to join us in the fight against hunger.

Glen Kozlowski - Honorary Chair

“Koz” was a standout receiver for Brigham Young University and a key contributor to their 1984 National Championship team.  He was drafted in 1986 by the Chicago Bears as a wide receiver and captained the special teams from 1989 to 1992. Since retiring in 1994, Glen has kept himself busy in the Chicagoland area. You can hear Glen each weekend on WGN Radio’s “Sports Central”. He also is head coach at North Chicago High School.

Glen first got involved with the Food Bank in 2009 when he noticed that many of the kids where he coached football were in need of nutritious food. His efforts got an After-School Nutrition site set up for all the kids in extra-curricular activities where they now receive nutritious meals to help their bodies and minds grow. Glen also led a committee in Lake County which raised $50,000 in one evening! The Food Bank recognized Koz with the Inspiration Award at its 2010 Donor Appreciation Dinner.

Patrick Elwood

You can catch Pat each day on FOX Chicago News at Noon where he is the co-anchor. Pat is a native of Chicago and has an extensive career in journalism. He has covered such harrowing stories like the Branch Davidian stand-off in Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Federal Building, and the damage caused by tornadoes and hurricanes.  “In response, I've witnessed the power of the human spirit, which is far greater in force than any natural disaster,” said Elwood.  “The good stories still outnumber the bad.”

Pat has used his positive and charismatic attitude to help Northern Illinois Food Bank during Hunger Action Month each September since 2008 through the Jewel-Osco and FOX Chicago “Give a Little, Feed a Lot” food drive. Each year with Pat’s help, this drive raises nearly $100,000!

Jerry and Estella Hayes

Jerry and Estella appeared on Season 7 of The Biggest Loser as the White Team and were the oldest contestants to appear on the show at 64 and 63 respectively. After two weeks, both Jerry and Estella had been voted off the show, but their resolve was firm. They continued their weight loss at home and by the show’s finale had lost a combined 262 pounds! Jerry was even the “At-Home” winner of the $100,000 prize.  As a result of the weight loss their health has improved dramatically.  They no longer are treated for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or gout.

Jerry and Estella joined the Food Bank’s efforts through The Biggest Loser’s and Feeding America’s Pound for Pound Challenge to raise funds for hunger relief through weight loss. The Hayes’ have been strong advocates of NIFB by speaking to numerous groups on the importance of eating healthy and helping our neighbors in need.

Denis Savard

Few Chicago Blackhawks are more recognizable than Denis “Savy” Savard. Denis was drafted in the first round, 3rd overall, in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, and through 1,196 career NHL games amassed 1,338 points. He trails only Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita in total points in Blackhawks history. Denis was known for his trademark move, the ‘Savardian Spin-o-rama’, which entailed Savard whirling around with the puck in a full rotation. He has had his jersey number #18 retired by the Blackhawks, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13, 2000.

Savy has been a longtime supporter of Northern Illinois Food Bank through his personal appearances at golf outings and the annual Donor Appreciation Dinner. The Denis Savard Foundation has supported the Food Bank through donations as well.