On this day in 1980, 7-year-old Chris Greicius had his wish granted to become a police officer. That moment led to the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has granted hundreds of thousands of wishes to children with critical illnesses since that first wish was granted. In honor of the anniversary, April 29 is now […]
Research has shown that social connectedness can improve physical health and emotional well-being, and even increased life span. The Volunteer Center provides a path to making such connections and fostering positive emotion through volunteering. Here’s how. Volunteering enhances well being It is a scientifically accepted premise that contributing time and effort to a cause greater than oneself […]
In 2006, former attorney, U.S. Senate Aide and Hollywood screenwriter Scott Fifer started what would become GO Campaign — a small nonprofit — to help 20 street kids he met in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Driven by the singular goal of assisting those 20 kids, most of them orphans, Fifer dedicated himself to supporting the dreams and […]
Curbing climate change seems a nearly impossible feat, so daunting that many Americans give in to “climate fatigue” and avoid taking action out of a sense of hopelessness and avoidance. But the enormity of a challenge has never stopped paleontologist Dr. Lonnie Thompson, whose very career defies the odds and represents the triumph of determination […]
The sound of birds chirping and slightly warmer air coming off Lake Michigan reminds us that spring has sprung around Chicago. Now is the time to embrace the freshness of the season and venture out into the city where everything is in bloom once more. Read on for our lineup of the best things to […]
A childhood full of toys, for many of us, often meant a childhood made possible by the vision of Mattel. With brands such as the iconic Barbie, Hot Wheels, American Girl and countless others, it’s no wonder Mattel has become the standard in regards to childhood play. To continue that legacy, the company had to […]
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that over six million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. Each of these people need care, and that care is frequently provided by over 11 million unpaid caregivers: spouses, siblings, children, or sometimes just concerned friends and neighbors. More than half of these caregivers are employed […]
Born out of a single overnight retreat in Chicago for a dozen men trying to rebuild their lives as they recover from homelessness and addiction, the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) has grown into a movement with over 600 volunteers in 20 cities across the U.S., Canada and Ireland. Even though ISP is under the umbrella […]
It’s pitch black. Gradually, you see stars and the opening credits scroll up the dome like a Star Wars movie intro. “Adler Planetarium and The Joffrey Ballet present an Action Lines production in association with Big Foot Media.” Then, you hear a voice… Our universe … a gravitational stage upon which all things dance … […]
Whether you’re celebrating Women’s History Month; the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day; or merely the resurgence of spring, Chicagoland is blossoming with events and celebrations of community, food, art and more — for everyone. For those who patiently waited for winter to pass, the time has come to explore the city once again. Read on for our […]
