Tim Harris; owner of world’s friendliest restaurant to speak in Chicago

“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It!” -Tim Harris, via Walt Disney

Tim Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986, the second of four sons born to Keith and Jeannie Harris. Immediately after his birth, Tim was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. From that moment on, Tim’s life has been defined by exceeding expectations and inspiring those around him.

Tim attended public schools in Albuquerque, and graduated from Eldorado High School in 2004. In his senior year, as an incredibly popular guy, Tim was not only elected Homecoming King by the highest margin of votes in school history, he was also voted Student of the Year by the administration, faculty, and staff.

In his teen years, Tim began to dream of owning his own restaurant. With the help of his friends at school, he began working in local restaurants, including Red Robin, where the management had tangible proof that revenue went up during Tim's shifts.

In the fall of 2004, Tim moved to Roswell, New Mexico to attend Eastern New Mexico University. Tim lived in a college dorm and graduated in 2008 with certificates in Food Service, Office Skills and Restaurant Hosting.

After college, Tim worked as a host at Applebee’s restaurant and spent time living aboard a sailboat with his parents and traveling throughout the Bahamas.

In October of 2010, the next chapter began with the grand opening of Tim’s Place – a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico that is open for breakfast, lunch and now dinner, seven days a week. Tim offers Free Hugs on his menu and is very excited about fulfilling his dream to own a restaurant.

Tim's successful determination to own a restaurant, to have a happy life and to inspire people has caught the attention of the global media! Tim was recently interviewed on The View, and has been featured in People Magazine, CBS Evening News and CBS Sunday Morning, America Online, ABC News, NBC Today Show, NBC Nightly News, National Public Radio, and on CNN News.

Tim Harris is honored and excited to bring his own unique message to everyone.  Walt Disney's quote is certainly a cornerstone to his outlook on life as he continues to inspire and uplift everyone he meets.

The Stuart I Raskas Friendship Circle of Illinois is an organization that provides friendship to children and adults with special needs.  By empowering today’s teens to bridge the gap between children with special needs and the rest of the community, everyone in the circle benefits.

The evening will pay tribute to outstanding teenagers who have committed themselves to improving the lives of children and young adults with special needs and give hope and inspiration to young adults in our community.

Rabbi Zelik Moscowitz, director of The Friendship Circle, says “Tim’s presentation will be very inspiring for the entire community. Like the indistinguishable fractions of a circle, each part of our community will obtain tools for their daily lives. Parents of children with special needs, educators, our teen volunteers and the community at large will gain a new perspective and passion for life.  When harnessed, we can change a feeling of apprehension, from “I can't" to "I'm ready!"

Monday, June 9, 2014, 7:00pm at The Friendship Circle, 2095 Landwehr Road, Northbrook, IL
Light Dessert Buffet, Suggested Donation: $36.

Reservations and more information at www.FCIL.org/inspiration or call 847-9743-9770.