The Fortune Society to Honor THE WIRE's Michael K. Williams at 2015 Spring Soiree

The Fortune Society announced today that it will honor actor Michael K. Williams from the hit show "The Wire" with the "2015 Spotlight Award" at its fifth annual Spring Soiree taking place on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at The Bowery Hotel.

The Fortune Society will recognize Williams, an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) celebrity ambassador, for his commitment to ending mass incarceration. Hundreds of young philanthropists will come together to honor him and to support The Fortune Society and its critically needed programs and services for men and women coming out of jail and prison. The event is expected to raise $100,000.

Known for his roles as Omar Little in "The Wire" and Albert 'Chalky' White in "Boardwalk Empire," Williams' work in the criminal justice field is widely respected. He became the celebrity ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 2014, and has worked tirelessly to help drive criminal justice reforms that address racial disparities, as well as supporting treatment options -- and not prison -- for those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. Williams' own charity, Making Kids Win, works to build community centers in urban neighborhoods that provide children with a safe space for recreation and discovery.

"We are proud to recognize Michael K. Williams for his dedication to ending mass incarceration," said Luke Weil, co-chair of the event, and member of the Board of Directors of The Fortune Society. "His advocacy work to better America's correctional system has laid the foundation for radical change we so desperately need to guarantee a brighter future for tens of thousands of men and women who are incarcerated each year in prisons all across the country."

"In the fight to reduce our prison population, we are so honored to have a leader like Mr. Williams," said JoAnne Page, President and CEO of The Fortune Society. "He inspires all of us as we push to achieve the same goal. We urge others to join us as we build a future in which THE VOICES of those incarcerated can be heard, understood and properly represented --- allowing us to continue working toward the future they so greatly deserve."

The Spring Soiree will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, and a live DJ will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

Hosted by The Fortune Society's Junior Committee and Co-Chairs Luke Weil, John Forté, Louise Tabbiner, Katherine Keating, Dee Dee Sides and Ben Bronfman -- the event will raise funds to support a vast array of transitional services that help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully re-enter their communities and become contributing members of society. For over 45 years, Fortune has been one of the most respected prisoner re-entry agencies in the nation.

Tickets start at $225 and are now on sale. To purchase a ticket or for more information, visit fortunespringsoiree.eventbrite.com or contact Raven Abreu at rabreu@fortunesociety.org.

For over forty-five years, The Fortune Society has been developing model programs that help former prisoners successfully re-enter their communities. The Fortune Society offers a holistic and integrated "one-stop-shopping" model of service provision. Among the services offered are licensed outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment, alternatives to incarceration, HIV/AIDS services, career development and job retention, education, family services, drop in services and supportive housing as well as ongoing access to aftercare. For more information, visit www.fortunesociety.org.