Empowering Leaders of Color: Surge Institute Commemorates a Decade of Advancing Equity in Education

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 […]

Winter Coats Help Keep Kids in School: Cradles to Crayons Tackles Clothing Insecurity With 50,000 Coats for Chicago Students

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 […]

Floral Fashion Meets Fundraising: FLEUROTICA Brings Botanical Couture to the Runway at Garfield Park Conservatory

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 […]

Birth Parent Support Improves Adoption Outcomes: On Your Feet Foundation Raises $65K for Vital Programs

For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]

Penelope Steiner’s Lifelong Love of Film Sparks $2M Gift, Fueling the Chicago International Film Festival’s 60th Year and Beyond

Penelope Steiner is a philanthropist and cinephile in equal measure. While Steiner has long supported prestigious cultural institutions like the Lyric Opera, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Newberry Library, she walks into every movie screening with an open mind. Whether it’s a Bollywood import or Joker: Folie A […]

John C. Reilly Dedicates Career Achievement Award to His 'Sweet Home, Chicago,' Commends Chicago International Film Festival for Helping 'Keep the Flame of Film Alive'

“Long live the movies, and long live my sweet home, Chicago!”  With those words, actor John C. Reilly captured the spirit of the Chicago International Film Festival, which celebrated a milestone earlier this summer during Cinema/Chicago’s 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée.  Cinema/Chicago’s June 1 event at the Geraghty recognized Reilly with a career achievement award celebrating […]

Art of Skin Expands to NYC: Chicago Initiative Grows into a National Movement for Dermatologic Equity

In June 2022, the Chicago Dermatological Society (CDS) hosted the inaugural Art of Skin Gala, an ambitious initiative spearheaded by Dr. Jordan Carqueville, a board-certified dermatologist, during her tenure as CDS president. Dr. Carqueville, who was voted Chicago’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologist five straight years by Better readers, conceived of the event as a response to the significant […]