Chaz Ebert launches awards for empathy and more

What they're saying: "Our inaugural honorees embody what it truly means to 'give a FECK.'" Ebert said in a statement. "Their stories remind us that each of us has the power to uplift others and help create a kinder and more compassionate world."

Zoom in: Chicago area honorees in the "compassion" category include Jayera Griffin, 22, of Riverdale, for her work "organizing CPR and AED training for young people, collecting clothing for seniors, and organizing school supply drives and holiday programs for neighborhood families," the awards committee says.

• Honorable mention goes to Chicago's Michael Airhart, Founder of Taste for the Homeless, which feeds unhoused people in the city.

The "kindness" award goes to South Elgin resident David Luplow Jr., who was born with Down syndrome and each year "saves his earnings to purchase toys for his local fire district's Toys for Tots drive."

• Honorable Mention goes to Hector and Diane Corona, founders of Chicago-based City Kids Camp, a free summer camp for "economically disadvantaged" urban kids.

If you go: The FECK Awards start at 6pm Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, 160 E. Pearson St., with a program that includes music, storytelling and dinner; tickets start at $250.