On the night of April 26, 2025, the beloved cultural institution, Writers Theatre, a Make It Better Foundation grant partner, welcomed 250 corporate and civic leaders to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for its annual WordPlay Gala. With the theme of “Be Bold. Be Here.”, the annual fundraising event raised a record-breaking $905,000 to support […]
Great leaders don’t separate business success from community impact — they build careers where both grow together. For two longtime City Year Chicago board members, that means integrating mission-driven values into everything from launching companies to owning a professional sports team to making films that spark conversation. That dual impact — lifting others while growing […]
What began as a one-day event for car enthusiasts has evolved into something more enduring — and instructive — for those interested in local philanthropy, strategic giving, and the long-term stewardship of wealth and values. Clearwater Capital Foundation’s 5th Annual Charity Supercar Show, held June 21 at the firm’s Hoffman Estates headquarters, brought together more […]
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 […]
Sneakers replaced stilettos and hit the dance floor as After School Matters supporters turned out for the fifth annual Sneaker Ball, hosted by the organization’s Associate Board at Punch Bowl Social. The event raised more than $175,000 for ASM’s Stipend Fund, ensuring that Chicago teens receive compensation for their time and talent across a wide […]
“Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream,” said Alice — and so did the 950 guests who stepped through a magical keyhole entrance on Saturday, May 31, for the Joffrey Ballet’s annual spring fundraiser. Held on a sprawling soundstage at Chicago’s Cinespace Film Studios, the “Joffrey Celebration” honored Board Chair Anne L. Kaplan and Life […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 People’s Music School (TPMS) turned up the volume at its eighth annual Big Night Gala, raising over $740,000 to provide free, high-quality music education to Chicago youth. The Feb. 21 event, emceed by CBS Morning News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, brought nearly 450 guests to The Geraghty for a celebration of the transformative power of music. […]
