Team USA Olympians to Watch During the 2024 Paris Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris officially kick off with the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 26. Over 10,000 athletes worldwide will take to the track, pool, streets, and arenas to go for the gold in 329 competitions through Sunday, Aug. 11. Earlier this month, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee shared the complete […]

The Honeycomb Project: Creating Change — and Reaping Lifelong Benefits — Through Youth Civil Service

Nearly every Saturday, 11-year-old Brody wakes up early, not to scroll on his phone and watch YouTube videos, but rather to volunteer alongside his parents and siblings. Brody is one of many children in Chicagoland who steps up to address pressing challenges in our communities, such as poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.  According to Illinois […]

UNICEF CEO Discusses Launch of New Multimedia Experience 'Heart Strings: Creating Connection to the World's Children'

Michael J. Nyenhuis, president and CEO of UNICEF USA since March 2020, sat down with Make It Better founder Susan B. Noyes to share his insight and excitement about the launch of “Heart Strings: Creating Connection To The World’s Children.” The interactive, multimedia experience, a collaboration between UNICEF USA and award-winning multimedia studio Moment Factory, […]

How Volunteering Can Benefit Your Body, Mind and Community

Research has shown that social connectedness can improve physical health and emotional well-being, and even increased life span. The Volunteer Center provides a path to making such connections and fostering positive emotion through volunteering. Here’s how. Volunteering enhances well being It is a scientifically accepted premise that contributing time and effort to a cause greater than oneself […]

Hester Cares: How Hester Painting & Decorating's Commitment to the Community Goes Beyond the Customer

Steve Hester, Jeff Hester and their team at Hester Painting and Decorating are all about paying it forward.  Founded in 1968 by Tom Hester, the company — which serves both commercial and residential customers — has beautified spaces for many Chicago-area homes and businesses, including schools, healthcare facilities, hospitality providers and tech companies. They were […]

2023 Philanthropy Award Winners: 3 Organizations Making the Greatest Impact in Violence Interruption and Prevention in Chicago

The Make It Better Foundation recently hosted its 2023 Philanthropy Awards with emcee Suzanne Le Mignot of CBS 2 Chicago to honor the Chicago-area nonprofits working to make a difference in violence interruption and prevention throughout the city.  This year, the Make It Better Foundation recognized recipients with evidence-based programs that prevent gun violence by […]