Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is a dream come true for parents in underserved urban Indianapolis. This nonselective charter school partners closely with parents and provides an outstanding, differentiated grade school education to a student population that is largely eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. The curriculum includes art, music, physical fitness and significant use of technology. The school […]
Most recently updated: December 2020 Growing up in Jamaica, Mary McLaughlin often ate breadfruit, which she describes as tasting like a bagel when it has been baked or roasted. Today, McLaughlin, along with her husband, Mike, and a team of volunteers, is using that same breadfruit to combat hunger and environmental issues around the world […]
Founded in 1860 by three women (of course), the Boys & Girls Clubs of America help underserved youth reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The clubs do this by providing hope and opportunity—through extracurricular, character development and academic support programs—in safe neighborhood centers staffed by caring adults. A recent tour of the […]
Like so many of us, Josie Volpentesta has been touched personally by cancer. Inspired by the strength of a few close friends currently going through treatment and experiencing the effects of illness, Volpentesta wanted to find a way to give back and celebrate the strength of her friends, as well as other men and women […]
The associate board of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation knows how to throw a fabulous party—and a successful one at that. The board hosted its annual fundraiser, “Eisenopoly,” on Jan. 23 at the Walnut Room on State Street, and it sold out for the 6th year in a row to 500 guests. The foundation supports […]
Last year, Chicago’s 14th annual Polar Plunge made national headlines when Mayor Rahm Emanuel dared The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon to partake. Amidst a series of hilarious tweets and social media call-outs, including a social media campaign #SwimmyFallon, Fallon accepted the dare—and he plunged into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan dressed in his staple talk […]
Diamond earrings, a celebrity DJ and big donations to cancer research: These are just some of the things you will find at the University of Chicago Cancer Research Auxiliary Board’s March fundraiser, “Lucky 7.” The board is looking for new members who want to work closely with their current group of 27 women, the university […]
When she was four months pregnant, doctors told Gretchen Berthiaume that her child would never walk—probably never do anything but sit on a couch. “Never, never, never,” is all she heard. Her daughter Gabbi was born with spina bifida, a condition characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and meninges, which can […]
It’s been said that the best way to teach children is through example. A team of teachers and musicians are leading the way for the students at Skokie’s John Middleton Elementary School and McCracken Middle School. It’s practically kismet that the key players involved connected through their love of music and philanthropy. Their shared passion […]
Forget the box of chocolate and flowers. If you are feeling stressed and want to show yourself some love this February, you can sign up for the “Be Your Own Valentine” wellness event, where you will take three hours to relax with mini- acupuncture and massage sessions, among others. If you decide to take part, […]
