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 […]
Garfield Park Conservatory, a 2013 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner, 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 […]
Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands […]
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 […]
An exciting clinical trial involving a vaccine at the Cleveland Clinic could change the world of breast cancer. “Curing cancer has been something we all talk about. Even better, is to prevent the cancer in the first place. So, in a sense, prevention is the cure,” said Dr. Amit Kumar, CEO of Anixa Biosciences. An […]
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 […]
“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 […]
On June 14, the Joffrey Ballet, a major grant partner of the Make It Better Foundation, celebrated the Chicago end to an incredible 68th season with its largest annual fundraising event, this year titled, Midsummer Celebration. It only seemed fitting to plan a gala event inspired by Alexander Ekman’s Swedish take on “A Midsummer Night’s […]
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 […]
Steppenwolf Gala 2024 brought out hundreds for its annual event, which honors Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s ensemble for its dedication to the arts and the greater community. The evening’s festivities raised over $1.6 million for Steppenwolf’s education and artistic programs. The annual event at Chicago’s Bridgeport Art Center also celebrated the company’s 48th successful season and excited the […]
