In the harbor town of Cedarville, Michigan, the Marine Trades Institute is tackling one of the country’s most urgent workforce challenges: the shortage of skilled trades professionals. Once known as the Great Lakes Boat Building School, the nonprofit educational institution has spent the past two decades training students for hands-on careers in boat building and […]
On May 7, nearly 200 guests gathered at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago’s River West neighborhood for The Family Institute at Northwestern University‘s third annual Gratitude Gala. Hosted by the Board of Directors of the Family Institute, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, the event raised nearly $260,000 to support the Bette D. Harris Family […]
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 […]
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 […]
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago proudly celebrated the 2025 class of heroes at the annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on April 30. These individuals have gone above and beyond to build stronger, safer communities and have made a lasting impact through their selfless actions. The Heroes Breakfast was established to raise public awareness of local heroes […]
In a time when many nonprofits are struggling to sustain year-over-year support — and donors seek more transparency about where their money goes — a small church just north of Chicago has quietly built a model of grassroots philanthropy that’s helped dozens of local organizations not just survive, but thrive. Kenilworth Union Church’s approach might […]
Award-winning photographer Cristina Mittermeier’s new book, HOPE, offers a powerful counterpoint to the growing sense of despair that often surrounds conversations about our planet’s future. As Mittermeier poignantly observes, “Hope may not be a plan or a strategy, but it is vital for our survival.” For decades, Mittermeier has traveled the globe, documenting both the […]
The Illinois Tiffany Circle, a powerful network of women leaders committed to the Red Cross mission, made a significant impact in the last several months through their generous support and innovative fundraising events for the non-profit. Their commitment has been evident in a few recent key events, culminating in their lead sponsorship of the 11th […]
January 7, 2025, altered the lives of Angelenos — both human and animal — forever. While homes and buildings can be rebuilt, lives lost to the flames cannot. First responders worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and their pets, but many domestic and wild animals weren’t as fortunate. At Pasadena Humane, which has been serving the […]
