4th Annual Philanthrophy Awards: Fresh Start Caring for Kids Foundation

Most recently updated: December 2020 Fresh Start Caring for Kids Foundation is devoted to making a difference in the lives of children with physical deformities. History The Foundation provides no-cost medical services to children ages 1 through 17 through surgery weekends and follow-up medical care. A majority of the surgery hours and follow-up care are donated […]

4th Annual Philanthropy Awards: GiGi's Playhouse

Walking into GiGi’s Playhouse you are immediately met with a wave of smiles, giggles and most of all, an exuberant energy. Such a spirited atmosphere, however, stands in stark contrast to the sterile room Nancy Gianni first attended following her daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis. “There were great support groups but they always took place in […]

4th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Snow City Arts

Most recently updated: December 2020 It all starts with a knock on the door and brief question, “Do you want to make art today?” At Snow City Arts (SCA), teaching artists aim to educate and inspire children and youth in hospitals through one-on-one instruction in the visual arts, creative writing, music and film making. To the […]

4th Annual Philanthropy Awards: Academy for Global Citizenship

The Academy for Global Citizenship is a jewel nestled amid urban blight. A nonprofit Chicago public charter school, the Academy for Global Citizenship is making waves in elementary education, working to create a class of scholars that care about their community as much as their grades. Founded in 2008 by Sarah Elizabeth Ippel, a Cambridge graduate and […]

4th Annual Philanthropy Awards: James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy

Founded more than 30 years ago, the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy (once the Evanston Community Defender) works to provide low-income Evanston youth and their families with integrated legal and social work services. The school-to-prison pipeline is the biggest worry of those who work at the Center for Youth Advocacy, 4th Annual Philanthropy Awards […]

North Shore Doctor Performs Life-Changing Surgeries for $2

While many North Shore professionals and their families are preparing to enjoy relaxing spring break escapes from the cold and their daily grinds, North Shore ophthalmologist Dr. Stuart Sondheimer has just returned from his seventh trip abroad with Eye Care International, performing eye surgeries and providing eye care services in underprivileged communities — this time […]

Better Makers: McGaw YMCA Gala Raises Record-Breaking Amount

McGaw YMCA’s recent Gala was filled with elected representatives, business CEOs, education leaders, and prominent philanthropists. But most would agree that the person who made the biggest impression on the evening was actually the youngest. Twelve-year-old Diesel Armstrong, together with his mom, Cyndi, and his mentor John Wylie, sat with dignitaries including Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl. […]

Better Makers: Claire Danes Honored at Steppenwolf's Annual Women in the Arts Luncheon

On Feb. 4, 2016, the Museum of Broadcast Communications hosted 400 guests at the sold out Steppenwolf Salutes Women in the Arts fundraiser. The event honored award-winning actress Claire Danes and welcomed other VIP guests including Steppenwolf’s artistic director Anna D. Shapiro, Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts (who also appeared with Danes in tv series Homeland), Steppenwolf Board […]