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(AllHipHop News) South Side Chicago rapper, actor and philanthropist, Common, has a big weekend planned.

The rapper will throw the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox home opener at U.S. Cellular Field on Friday.

But the highlight of the rapper’s weekend will be later that evening, when Common hosts his yearly charity gala at the Ritz Carlton, in Chicago.

The proceeds benefit his Common Ground Foundation, which supports urban youth in need aged 13-15.

This summer, the foundation will host it’s annual Common’s Summer Youth Camp, at Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, WI.

The program at the summer camp is for 8th and 9th grade students from inner city Chicago and has an educational curriculum focused on life development skills and career opportunities in the music industry.

“I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help. Most of all help people to help themselves. I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom. Give the children a sense of hope, self-esteem, and love that will better the world,” Common explained on his website. “I think making a difference in the lives of others is life’s greatest purpose. I walk this path with faith knowing that the Common Ground Foundation will Change the World.”

While tickets for the event are sold out, space remains available for the after-party at the Chicago Illuminating Company.

The party wil feature music by long-time collaborators Twilite Tone and DJ Mark Fullaflava.

In the past few years the Common Ground Foundation has been recognized by CNN Heroes (2011) and the BET Hip Hop Awards (2010) as a philanthropic organization doing great work in urban communities.

To learn more about Common’s programs for his Common Ground Foundation, visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org