As a 41-year veteran firefighter, Michael Casagrande has faced more than 2,000 fires. A Kankakee Fire Department captain, Casagrande is experienced in putting out fires, but knows that fighting fires before they happen is the ultimate battle. Casagrande, who leads the Fire Prevention Division for the City of Kankakee, is dedicated to fire prevention and […]
Statistically speaking, female philanthropists in Chicago should be feeling particularly powerful. Data-backed research proves that a tidal wave of wealth has and will continue to transfer to women, who are more generous and effective donors. The way women use the internet further amplifies their philanthropic power. Chicago has been shown to be more philanthropic than any […]
Sheldon Smith’s father was incarcerated when he was just 7 years old. A decade later, Smith was incarcerated himself for robbery at the age of 17. “I never thought I’d live to see 23. I thought I’d be dead by 23,” says Smith. But he didn’t let these experiences guide the trajectory of his life. […]
Kate Dzierzanowski, a client retention specialist for Knox Insurance Agency in St. Charles, remembers looking at the clock on Nov. 6, 2017, at 4:45 p.m. while at work. She thought the day was winding down. Then, she heard a loud noise and looked out the window to see a car had run into the guardrail […]
The American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois is honoring local people who demonstrated acts of heroism in the community at the organization’s 16th Annual Heroes Breakfast. “The American Red Cross is proud to honor the heroes among us whose extraordinary actions have impacted our communities and inspired us all,” says Celena Roldán, chief […]
On April 28th, guests gathered at the Hilton Chicago to celebrate the incredible works of this years heroes at the 14th Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast. Raising a remarkable $1,300,000, the breakfast honored 15 people who have committed their lives to service or have performed amazing life-saving acts for those in need. They are a […]
At Make It Better, we’ve long enjoyed profiling individuals whose work makes our community better. We consider them Local Treasures. We realized though that businesses that embed good social practices in their work culture and business plans often have even greater impact. Of course, we want to amplify and inspire more of this kind of […]
Each November 11, communities around the nation celebrate veterans of the U.S. armed forces with parades, memorials and observances, in recognition of what was formerly regarded as Armistice Day. Armistice Day signaled the cessation of hostilities of World War I, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, and […]
The American Red Cross (ARC) touches nearly every North Shore family. From school activities, babysitting classes and CPR/lifeguard training to disaster relief fundraising, blood drives and more, they’re always there for us. However, the Red Cross also sends volunteer first responders to every local fire and disaster. And until recently, significant fundraising outside of […]
