On June 14, the Joffrey Ballet, a major grant partner of the Make It Better Foundation, celebrated the Chicago end to an incredible 68th season with its largest annual fundraising event, this year titled, Midsummer Celebration. It only seemed fitting to plan a gala event inspired by Alexander Ekman’s Swedish take on “A Midsummer Night’s […]
In June 2022, the Chicago Dermatological Society (CDS) hosted the inaugural Art of Skin Gala, an ambitious initiative spearheaded by Dr. Jordan Carqueville, a board-certified dermatologist, during her tenure as CDS president. Dr. Carqueville, who was voted Chicago’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologist five straight years by Better readers, conceived of the event as a response to the significant […]
One of Africa’s most dire challenges in health and human services remains the number of orphaned children. A recent study published by African Union/African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child reported an estimated 35 million children in Africa have no parental care. In South Africa alone, nearly 210,000 children lost […]
Steppenwolf Gala 2024 brought out hundreds for its annual event, which honors Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s ensemble for its dedication to the arts and the greater community. The evening’s festivities raised over $1.6 million for Steppenwolf’s education and artistic programs. The annual event at Chicago’s Bridgeport Art Center also celebrated the company’s 48th successful season and excited the […]
“One out of every ten non-profit arts organizations in the U.S. reports that they ‘doubttheir ability’ to survive the pandemic,” The Wall Street Journal reported on January 21, 2021. As a college student, I clearly remember calling my mother from the communal phone inmy dormitory at Illinois State University. I was struggling with what, at […]
According to a recent study conducted by Northwestern University, more than half of US counties lack access to local news or have very limited access to it. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for reliable and independent news sources, especially at the local level. In an era where misinformation runs rampant and trust in […]
More than 600 philanthropists, wildlife enthusiasts, and animal advocates gathered at Lincoln Park Zoo on July 12 for the 47th Annual Zoo Ball, hosted by the zoo’s Women’s Board. The “Wild Everest” theme raised $1.7 million, making it the highest-grossing Zoo Ball in the event’s history. The funds raised support Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal care, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Many teens find the transition from high school to college intimidating. From the possibility of leaving home to the endless choices of classes and career paths, graduating seniors face many stressors during this critical time. The After School Matters University (ASMU) program worked with over 80 ambitious teenagers this spring. They embarked on a journey […]
