Fire Chief Tracey Steffes' Action and Expertise Saved Thousands, Earning Him the 2022 Red Cross Firefighter Hero Award, Sponsored by Wintrust

Fire Chief Tracey Steffes of Morris, Illinois, is the 2022 Red Cross Firefighter Hero Award recipient. Chief Steffes has dedicated his life to his community, serving first as a volunteer fireman for the city of Morris before eventually becoming fire chief. In June 2021, Chief Steffes faced his biggest challenge as the leader of the […]

Better Makers: Breakthrough’s Annual Benefit Raises $900K to Build Opportunities in Garfield Park

Nearly 300 guests gathered at Walden for Breakthrough’s 2022 Annual Benefit on October 20 to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary. The event raised more than $900,000 for Breakthrough’s programming and resources.  The mission of Breakthrough — a 2022 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — is to develop a safe and stable community within Garfield […]

16-Year Veteran of CPD Continues Making an Impact on Her Community: Award Sponsor Motorola Solutions Foundation Honors 2022 Red Cross Law Enforcement Hero

Officer Jennifer Maddox of Chicago is a 26-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department as well as the 2022 Red Cross Law Enforcement Hero Award recipient. Working on the south side of Chicago as a police officer, Officer Maddox developed a strong bond with the community and noticed that so many children were fearful to […]

Better Makers: Chicago International Film Festival Honors Filmmaking, Raises Nearly $35K for Cinema/Chicago

The Chicago International Film Festival celebrated its 58th year with a hybrid event running October 12- 23, 2022. The 12-day fest raised $34,818 for its presenting organization, Cinema/Chicago, a nonprofit enriching the community through year-round programming devoted to international and independent cinema.  As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, the Chicago International Film […]

Better Makers: Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s Raises $1M for Research and Supportive Care

More than 2,500 Chicagoland residents participated in the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Saturday, October 8, 2022. The event raised more than $1 million to accelerate global research, increase early detection and maximize quality care and support for those living with Alzheimer’s.   Despite the chilly Chicago weather, participants dressed in purple attire and gathered at […]

American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope Benefit Scores Big at Navy Pier

Now in its ninth year, the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Taste of Hope Benefit took place on November 3rd in the AON Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. And what worthier cause? The ACS is dedicated to the eradication of cancer and has helped prevent nearly 3 million cancer deaths in the last 30 years through early detection, life-saving research […]