The devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area last week, fueled by powerful winds and severe drought conditions, have taken the lives of at least 27 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations.  The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures, while […]

Before the big game kicks off this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, you can make a big impact and help save lives at Chicagoland’s largest American Red Cross blood drive. Hosted at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive is celebrating its 10th year as […]

For many youth athletes, the new year marks the start of a new winter sport season or early preparations for the spring season, along with the excitement, expectations and, in some cases — concerns that cam accompany it. Here’s some expert advice — and a new app every parent should download — to help young athletes navigate […]

A decade of transformative impact was celebrated at ASCENSION, Surge Institute‘s 10th anniversary celebration, which brought together alumni, supporters, and special guests to honor the organization’s decade-long mission of empowering leaders of color in the education sector. Held Nov. 7, 2024 at WildmanBT in Chicago, the evening was a powerful blend of inspiring storytelling, meaningful […]

I was 16 years old when I discovered the power of civic engagement thanks to the blood drives at my high school in Elgin. Larkin High School held four blood drives a year, and they were much more than just donating blood so that we could get out of class for an hour — they […]

Wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, with tens of thousands of residents evacuated in Los Angeles County and thousands of structures destroyed. Fueled by powerful winds, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have devastated communities, leaving residents grappling with loss and displacement. The fires have already claimed at least two lives and caused a significant […]

Anyone living in the Chicago area knows winter weather can be brutal — even with the right gear. But many Chicago students lack sufficient winter outerwear, and this can mean the difference between walking safely to school and staying home. To provide Chicago children with warm winter essentials, Cradles to Crayons Chicago hosted its 9th […]

Garfield Park Conservatory transformed into a one-of-a-kind runway as floral designers unveiled stunning creations made entirely of plants and flowers at the annual FLEUROTICA fundraiser on Oct. 17, 2024. Drawing a sold-out crowd in just nine minutes, the event combined creative artistry with a mission to support nature education programs, raising a record-breaking $271,000 for […]

January in Chicago offers the perfect mix of festive finales and fresh starts. From the last chance to see holiday light displays to cultural exhibitions, performances, and culinary delights, we’re highlighting the best ways to kick off the new year in style with the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this month. […]

Photography has the extraordinary power to document, inspire, and connect.  As Director of Photography for the Make It Better Foundation, a contributing editor to photography publications around the world, and a photographer with over four decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented photographers who have captured the […]

You may know that the IRS allows us to deduct charitable gifts from our income taxes (if we itemize). But have you thought about the potential benefits — both to you and to your favorite causes — of gifting appreciated stock? Many people haven’t. While 75% of high-income taxpayers donate cash to charity, less than […]

Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands […]