Category Archives: Non-Profits

December 19, 2017   Entertainment, News and Happenings, Non-Profits   No comments

Isaiah Grass Holiday Music and Giving Back

Chicago’s  Isaiah Grass is an American Singer & Song Writer who is quickly gaining recognition as “the one to watch” as his fan base and music career continues to grow both locally, nationally, and overseas.

His interest in music began at childhood. At the age of 7 he started singing in his church choir, where it didn’t take long to be noticed by his unusual powerful vocal range and from that moment on he began to sing at charity events, school assemblies, talent competitions and many other venues.

Graduating from a performing arts academy, Isaiah was then scouted by modeling agencies in NYC, who encouraged him to pursue a career in the fashion industry. In 2010, Isaiah was scouted by LEDOM MODEL in Chicago, who signed Isaiah to their agency, and in return launched his music career to the public in 2011.

His debut single, “I’m a Freak”, was released worldwide on 01/11/11, becoming an internet hit with nearly 100,000 views in less than a month. Due to the phenomenal acceptance Isaiah received since the launching of his career as a singer, he released his debut album titled “Expect The Unexpected” on 12.12.12. This album contains 13 songs written by Isaiah, full of pop, dance, and acoustic songs which helped introduce his music to a wide range of diverse listeners demographically located around the world

Isaiah is currently ranked No.1 on the Chicago Reverbnation Pop Charts, and has over 300K followers combined on his social media (Twitter, Instagram, FB) and 2 million views on his YouTube channel.

If you haven’t gotten a copy of his CD “Christmas with You” get it TODAY!  He is  donating part of the proceeds to The Salvation Army.  Remember, this is A Christmas Song To Celebrate The Spirit of Giving. Get it at: shop.isaiahgrass.com

 

Follow him on Facebook!

 

Read More
September 28, 2017   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Entertainment, News and Happenings, Non-Profits   No comments

Day of the Dead Chicago Events 2017

The National Museum of Mexican Art unveils this years Day of the Dead exhibit!
The Day of the Dead is one of the most stunning and important living traditions in Mexico, classified in 2003 by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Mexican community north of the US/Mexico border conserves and participates in the traditions of Day of the Dead by gathering in cultural spaces such as the Museum to honor and remember loved ones no longer present. Fine art and folk art are integrated into this exhibition to bring to life a Mexican celebration that bridges borders. This year more than 100 artists are represented in the exhibition via 10 ofrendas, The Xoloitzcuintle Project, folk art, and fine art pieces. This exhibition is curated by Dolores Mercado.
The exhibition will continue through December 10, 2017.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Day of the Dead: Xicágo
Join the National Museum of Mexican Art for the annual Dí­a de los Muertos Xicágo celebration on Sunday, October 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and loved ones to celebrate Día de los Muertos as we transform the Museum and surrounding area into a beautiful work of art. To commemorate this special day, guests will enjoy face painting, art activities, ofrenda (altar) demonstrations, live musical performances, and Pan de Muerto (traditional Day of the Dead Bread). This year we are thrilled to be joined by Fernando Sic (Rimiyoho), who will create live animations projected on the Museum’s exterior.
Additionally, families and individuals are invited to participate by creating their own ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) or sharing a photograph of a departed loved one as part of the large illuminated ofrenda. Read more about the event and how you can contribute.

Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Masquerade
The National Museum of Mexican Art’s Auxiliary Board cordially invites you to join us for a special celebration that honors life and the spirits of los muertos.
Save the Date!
Saturday, November 4th, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art

Enjoy a spectacular fall event complete with live musical and DJ entertainment, delicious culinary treats, and cocktails, all in support of the Museum’s programs.

More details to come! But early birds can purchase tickets now and take advantage of discounted pricing.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
National Museum of Mexican Art
Museum Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is FREE every day!
Read More
August 24, 2017   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Connecting Thought Leaders with Socially Responsible Organizations and Communities, Entertainment, Hot Deals, News and Happenings, Non-Profits   No comments

Diversity Night at Six Flags Sept. 9th

Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America

Returns in 2017 for Year 6!

 

A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity

Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & BestGayChicago.com

That Will Help Benefit Howard Brown Health

Saturday, September 9th, 2017 from 7:30PM to 12AM

 

Out In The Park is an annual private diversity fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”

 

This event started in 2012, as an LGBTQ night. In 2015 there was a huge shift in the public’s opinion on Marriage Equality and Equal Rights. (Joe Biden says Will & Grace was a huge influencer for the shift in public opinion!) Friends and allies “came out of the closet” as the showing of support more than doubled. It is for this reason, we chose to change the theme to a Celebration of Diversity. People of any color, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are all welcome. Bullies and Bigotry will not be tolerated.

 

It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.

Singer, model, author SIR JET will do a meet and greet in the parking lot at 7pm, as we await the gates to open for the evening. Then he will perform live at 1:30am, at Charlie’s, the host of the Official After Party! 3726 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613. $5 cover.

In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $40,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 18 years and business partner,

 

 

“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com as well as Our Lives Madison and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.

 

Advance $42 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.CelebrateDiversityChicago.com

Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 5th the price goes up to $47.

$52 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.

This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.

Season Passes cannot be honored for special events. All ages event.

Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+

Read More
May 30, 2017   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Health and Wellness, News and Happenings, Non-Profits   No comments

BRUNCH Run Walk June 17th 2017

GET YOUR BRUNCH ON!
Imerman Angels Brunch Run 5K & Walk
​Saturday, June 17, 2017​

This is not your ordinary 5K!

 

The Brunch Run is a 5K with a reward worth running (or walking) for. Because when you reach the finish line, you will be treated to an amazing brunch from Chicago’s award-winning Blue Plate Catering.
​And that’s not all – every participant receives:

​On-Course Gourmet Surprises
Ice Cold Beer at the Finish
Mimosa Bar (must be 21 years old or older)
Iced Coffee Station
Lifestyle T-Shirt (gender specific)
Signature Brunch ​

REGISTER TODAY!

Read More
November 15, 2016   Community Events, Health and Wellness, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining   No comments

Free Thanksgiving Meal Chicago

A Church 4 Me MCC will be hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day, November 24. located in Rogers Park at 7366 N. Clark St.

 

mcc-chicago-thanksgiving thanksgiving-chicago-free-meals

Read More
November 10, 2016   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Socially Responsible Companies   No comments

ART AIDS AMERICA in Chicago Dec – April

art-aids-america-chicago-exhibit

Art AIDS America Chicago

This groundbreaking exhibition underscores the deep and unforgettable presence of HIV in American art. It introduces and explores the whole spectrum of artistic responses to AIDS, from the politically outspoken to the quietly mournful, surveying works from the early 1980s to the present.

 

Uncomfortable, wistfully beautiful,
and vitally important… — Advocate.com

 

Art AIDS America will culminate its national tour at the new Alphawood Gallery, established for this presentation by the Alphawood Foundation, at 2401 North Halsted Street (at Fullerton Avenue). The exhibition – opening on World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, and continuing through Sunday, April 2, 2017 – will be free and open to the public.

Tino Rodriguez (born 1965), Eternal Lovers, 2010. Oil on wood, Overall: 18 × 24 inches.

Private collection.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

  • The New Alphawood Gallery

    The Alphawood Foundation felt it was so important that this exhibition come to Chicago that it has undertaken an effort to transform its headquarters building, a former bank, into a temporary museum space, the Alphawood Gallery. The reworking of the space is now underway. Our contractors have filled out the foundation—studs, plywood and drywall have been going up at remarkable speed. The floors, finishes, and lights are next. It is very exciting to see the space taking shape so rapidly. Check back regularly for updates and more exhibition information.

    art-aids-chicago-exhibit-halsted

    aids-art-collection

    Admission

    Alphawood Foundation is proud to bring Art AIDS America to Chicago. To accommodate the largest possible audience for this important exhibition, admission to Art AIDS America at the Alphawood Gallery will be free to all. We are only constrained by the size and capacity of our building that necessarily limit the number of visitors who can enter the gallery at one time.

    To ensure admission and a quality experience, you should obtain a timed admission pass, which will allow entry to the gallery during a one-hour window.

    The length of your visit will be up to you. If crowd size and other circumstances permit, a limited number of walk-up admissions will also be available onsite.

    Alphawood Gallery
    2401 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

 

Read More
November 2, 2016   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Health and Wellness, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining   No comments

Chicago’s WORLD OF CHOCOLATE Dec. 1st

woc2016_600x300

The biggest and best way to kick off the holiday season!
On Thursday, December 1, Revel Fulton Market is the place to be. Transcending traditional boundaries, World of Chocolate 2016 commands full sensory attention. This year, prepare to awaken your spirit as you discover the pleasures of FIRE and ICE.

From classic confections to surprising savories, 20 of Chicago’s best chefs are offering their talents at Chicago’s premiere World AIDS Day event. Admission grants you more chocolate than in your wildest dreams; an open bar with cocktails that will warm your spirits; and music to get you in the holiday groove—all the makings of an unforgettable night.

Purchase your general admission ticket for $135 or join us for premium tastings in the VIP Lounge for $235.

Read More
June 3, 2016   Community Events, Connecting Thought Leaders with Socially Responsible Organizations and Communities, Health and Wellness, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Socially Responsible Companies   No comments

Uptown Chicago Tent City Starter Kits

uptown chicago tent city

From Alderman James Cappleman –

I have worked hard to encourage the City of Chicago to adopt a housing first model to reduce the number of people living with homelessness after noticing its success in other parts of the country. This strategy works best when two components are in place: a sufficient amount of subsidized housing coupled with wrap-around services. The most difficult piece to this model is having a dedicated source of funding to make an investment for long-term cost savings. I’m working with Mayor Emanuel to have a steady stream of funds available so that we can remain focused on housing. Some of this funding will be through a 4% surcharge for a new Airbnb Ordinance and there will be some additional funding coming from the Clarendon-Montrose TIF development.

Our pilot program to get 70 people living under the viaducts along Lake Shore Drive directly into housing is now underway. We have had a number of meetings with housing advocates, the folks living under the viaducts, city departments, and other community leaders to create a plan that will work. After all of these individuals without homes are in their new apartments, the Dept. of Family & Support Services (DFSS) will assess what worked well with this project and where improvements can be made. Afterwards, DFSS will select more areas throughout the city where people are living outside in encampments to implement this housing-first strategy.

 

How You Can Help

 
I’ve asked Inspiration Corporation to help me with a “New Home Starter Kit” drive. This starter kit will provide these 70 individuals going into new apartments with some of the needed supplies to start life in their new homes. To organize this process of purchasing this starter kit, my office has created a registry with Target. If you’re able to help, please click here to go to the registry and purchase needed items that will assist these individuals start their new life in an apartment. Inspiration Corporation will host a day at their Uptown headquarters where you will be invited to help put these starter kits together so that they can be distributed.

A substantial number of people living on the streets have told me that they became homeless right after they were released from Cook County Jail with no employment or disability in place and no family available to help them start over again. Without these necessary supports in place, it’s no wonder why we have such a high recidivism rate in our prisons. Later this month, I will be meeting with Cook County Sheriff Dart’s Office, DFSS, and the Dept. of Public Health to discuss how a more effective transition could be made when people are released from jail.

I am pleased that so much is coming together to help those in need. It’s a very complex process, but lasting solutions require thoughtful planning with everyone working together.

Best,
Read More
May 31, 2015   Adventure Seekers, Community Events, Entertainment, Hot Deals, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Socially Responsible Companies   No comments

Zoo Pride @ Brookfield Zoo June 25th

ZooPride_Banner_300

The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to diversity and values the benefits and advantages of a diverse workforce. One of its core values is Diversity, valuing differences and the respectful involvement of all people, employing and leveraging the gifts, talents, and experience from each person’s culture, perspective, and background to create value for the organization and help make it even more successful.

Now they are stepping forward  to launch an officially sanctioned  Celebration of LGBTQ Pride at the Zoo!  There will be  LGBTQ Day & Night events! This is only the 2nd Zoo in the country to celebrate Pride in a big way!

DAYTIME EVENT INFORMATION

During the day from 10am-5pm, the Zoo will be open to the public but with an Officially sanctioned PRIDE Day at the Zoo. Rainbow flags will be flying and there will be  entertainment and a presentation in the afternoon!  $15  advance tickets.

During the day, there will be will a LGBTQ vendor expo with gay and gay-friendly businesses showcasing their business and/or products. There will also be a program  with speakers and entertainment.

 

NIGHTTIME EVENT INFORMATION

Then From 7-10 p.m., a very special evening cocktail party will take place in the Pavilions area.  21+  over.

TALK TO THE ANIMALS!

A portion of the zoo will be open from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., including camels, zebras, addax, giraffes, African painted dogs, bison, lions, tigers, (no bears unless you bring one), leopards, and dolphins.

Curators and docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.

Most of the excitement will happen in the Pavilions  area!  We’ll be able to sip cocktails (open bar) and enjoy delicious outdoor fare food and sweets.

Here, we will Lounge with the Animals and Talk to the Animals! Curators create a very special experience, by bringing out numerous animals for us to have an up close and personal meet and greet, and learn more about them.

Lounge music will set the tone as the Dj’s of Scarlet Bar Chicago

There will also be a silent auction with cool animal items from artists and local businesses.

Tickets are   $60  includes  drinks, food and a phenomenal experience.

 

Limited Number of VIP  Tickets $100 – you will get a personalized PRIVATE  VIP TOUR  of The Living Coast, where you can get up close and touch PENGUINS!  The leader penguins love to come out and mingle with small groups and show off. How cool is that? A professional photographer will be on hand to capture your experience.

 

All the details  at  ZooPrideChicago.com

Read More
April 23, 2015   Entertainment, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining   No comments

Dining Out For Life Chicago 2015

dining out for life chicago

Local Chicago nonprofit, EdgeAlliance, has this month announced more than 70 restaurants to participate in city-wide event, Dining Out for Life, to benefit and geared towards improving the lives of homeless persons living with AIDS.

In its 22nd year, Dining Out for Life brings restaurants and diners across the city together to rally around a pressing cause for Chicago; homelessness. Be part of a movement where millions of people across 60 cities come-out to dine-out on April 30th, “Dining Out for Life”, a campaign that annually raises $4 million in support of those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

EdgeAlliance is doing their part in Chicago by connecting more than 12,000 people and 115 community partners with over 80 restaurants in support of our mission of providing quality and affordable housing to those who are most in need.

Rick Roman, co-owner of The Signature Room at the 95th, and Honorary Chair of Dining Out for Life/Chicago 2015, reaffirmed that local restaurants have always been fully supportive of HIV/AIDS research and programming in this city. “We at The Signature Room at the 95th welcome the opportunity to show support for EdgeAlliance and their Dining Out for Life campaign by being a participating restaurant. Our shared support with residents of Chicago – to uphold the traditions of good taste and community engagement – makes this venture a natural fit,” he said. Participating restaurants around Chicago will donate a portion of their proceeds to EdgeAlliance, allowing its residents to sustain healthy lives through affordable housing and programming. Chicago is one of 60 cities across the United States and Canada participating in the event, making Dining Out for Life the single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country!

Actress and advocate Pam Grier joined Dining Out For Life as co-spokesperson (with Food Network host Ted Allen) to help raise support. “There is a resurgence of HIV among youth, gay men, women and ethnic minorities due to lack of education and the misperception that the epidemic is over and curable. Awareness and funds are declining – but you can help. Dine out on Thursday, April 24th for the most satisfying meal you’ll have all year.”

For more information on Dining Out for Life, please contact Joey Wasserman, Campaign Development Manager at 202-765-7442 or Jwasserman@edgealliance.org. Visit the official Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforlife.com/chicago for full list of participating restaurants.

Read More
« Older posts