Haiti Mission Trip
A Mission Trip to Haiti is gift in life for many reasons—time with my daughter, bonding with amazing companions, improved fitness and the inspiring attitudes of the Haitians we served.
Wretches & Jabberers: Changing Minds About Autism
Two men embarked on a journey to put a new face on autism—one with humor and soul and empathy. Filmmaker Gerardine Wurzburg went along for the ride. Her new documentary, “Wretches and Jabberers” will be shown in Chicago on Thursday, May 12, as part of a nationwide event: 100 Cities. One Night for Autism. […]
Striding Lion Encourages Kids: Express Yourself!
The music starts and Annie Beserra, standing in the center of a circle of 8th graders at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic School, counts off: “5-6-7-8!” The students strike a pose, then bounce away from the circle, come back in, jump up, turn around and hit their landing. It’s a bit messy, but the […]
Get to Know Local Veterans: Dr. Ken Kells
In honor of Memorial Day later this month, Make It Better is interviewing local veterans every week during May. This week, we feature Dr. Ken Kells. Kells was in U.S. Army for 3 years, and served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. Originally from Chicago’s West Side, Kells is 62, works as a […]
Kid – Motion Celebrates 25 Years
For the past 25 years, North Shore children between the ages of 2 and 6 have been waking up and asking, “Is it Kid-Motion Day?” Mary Rogers and Kate Shapiro founded Kid-Motion in 1986. At that time they worked out of the Winnetka Community House as a subset of Pam Phillips Fitness. After 15 years, […]
Disco-Fabulous or Tame: Bag Profits to Japan
Reusable shopping bags are environmentally chic, especially when they’re gold lame and the proceeds support the relief effort in Japan. What’surbag is made with a stretchy, bouncy fabric (easier to cram more stuff in) and it’s super light, so you can stash one in your purse. The bags are washable and spring back into shape […]
Shop for a Cause: A Necklace that Promises Power, Protection and Healing
Mother’s Day holds a very special place in Claudia Bongiovanni’s heart. She’s the mother of two adorable little girls, but in her heart, she’ll always be a mother of three children. Five years ago, the Bongiovanni’s lost their 14-month-old son, Antonino, to cancer. “I think about him all the time,” says the 39-year-old jewelry store […]
Sarah Jindra: Young Woman of the Year
Last year, one timely story by Sarah Jindra on her website, INSPIREmeChicago.com, helped Chicagoan Vin Tormo win the annual Man & Woman of the Year fundraising competition from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Paloma Picasso—A Mother/Daughter Interview
Tiffany & Co. hosted a cocktail party with acclaimed Tiffany designer Paloma Picasso on April 7 at its famed Michigan Avenue store in Chicago.
Harvey Pranian Grows YEA! Day
Are you an artist? Before you jump to answer “no,” reflect on your day. Did you arrange flowers? Come up with a creative sales strategy at work? Play a game that made getting ready this morning fun for your kids? If so, Evanston resident Harvey Pranian thinks your answer should be “yes.” “You almost don’t […]
