Inclusion isn’t just being invited to the party — it’s being asked to dance. The metaphor is simple, but the message runs deep: real inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and involved — not just present. And teaching that kind of inclusion starts early. Experts in child development, education, and disability advocacy agree: […]

From a small-town studio in California to taking on lead roles in a world-renowned ballet company, Jonathan Dole has had many adventures bringing him to the wonderland we call Chicago and a home at the Joffrey Ballet. This month, he dances two major roles in Christoper Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. As the first American […]

Chicago, nicknamed “The Second City,” is the Midwest’s undisputed number-one metropolitan golf mecca. It began in 1892 with the nation’s first 18-hole course, Chicago Golf Club, and continues 133 years later as more than 200 courses grace the Chicagoland area. More than two-thirds of those layouts are public, giving players a bevy of brilliant options […]

June in Chicago delivers a full spectrum of experiences — from neighborhood festivals and blockbuster exhibits to outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and landmark cultural events. This month also brings opportunities for celebration and reflection with Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Father’s Day all on the calendar. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, support local […]

The early days of January brought devastation to the Los Angeles area as the Palisades and Eaton Fires swept through, leaving a trail of loss in their wake. In addition to the destruction of homes, families faced another heartbreaking blow: the disruption of community anchors — most notably the stability and connection provided by schools. […]

Aimee Nolan’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 55 years old. At the time, Aimee was living out of state with two young children of her own, so her grandmother stepped in as caregiver — supporting Aimee’s mother until her passing at 62. Heartbreakingly, Aimee’s grandmother died just 10 days later, perhaps with […]

A growing coalition of civic leaders in Chicago is advancing a bold, scalable concept called the “Cultural Stadium” — one that could generate transformative wins not just for Chicago, but for any American city with world-class cultural and sports assets. What Is a Cultural Stadium? It’s a framework for uniting and expanding the already significant […]

Music Theater Works’ annual gala, the Producers Gala: Luck Be a Lady, was held Saturday, April 5, at the Michigan Shores Club. The 2025 fundraiser broke previous gala records, raising more than $220,000 with 200 guests attending. The night included performances, live auctions, a paddle raise, gaming, and the presentation of the fourth annual Joyce […]

As Goodman Theatre approaches its 2025/2026 Centennial Season, the theater’s commitment to storytelling beyond the stage is stronger than ever. Through education and engagement programs that reach Chicagoans of all ages — from toddlers experiencing live performance for the first time to older adults reflecting on their lives through storytelling — the Goodman fosters meaningful […]

On April 30, 2025, more than 800 guests filled the Hilton Chicago ballroom for the 23rd Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast — an uplifting celebration of ordinary individuals doing the extraordinary. Hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, the event honored 12 exceptional people whose courage, compassion, and service have made a […]

Every night, when the sun goes down, more than one billion people around the world are plunged into total darkness.  For many of us, flipping on a light is second nature. But for families living in extreme poverty, darkness brings danger, lost opportunity, and hopelessness. Without light, education stalls, entrepreneurship fades, and economic freedom slips […]

Whether they’re supporting education and mental health causes, investing, or helping care for their grandchildren, Liz and Kent Dauten offer a compelling model for how values can guide every aspect of life and work. As recipients of the Big Shoulders Fund’s 2025 Humanitarian Award, they exemplify what it looks like to lead with purpose — […]