People’s Music School Gala Raises $740K for Free Music Education with Student Performances and Wilco, Fall Out Boy Auction Items

The People’s Music School (TPMS) turned up the volume at its eighth annual Big Night Gala, raising over $740,000 to provide free, high-quality music education to Chicago youth. The Feb. 21 event, emceed by CBS Morning News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, brought nearly 450 guests to The Geraghty for a celebration of the transformative power of music.  […]

Floral Fashion Meets Fundraising: FLEUROTICA Brings Botanical Couture to the Runway at Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory, a 2013 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner, transformed into a one-of-a-kind runway as floral designers unveiled stunning creations made entirely of plants and flowers at the annual FLEUROTICA fundraiser on Oct. 17, 2024. Drawing a sold-out crowd in just nine minutes, the event combined creative artistry with a mission to […]

Birth Parent Support Improves Adoption Outcomes: On Your Feet Foundation Raises $65K for Vital Programs

For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]

Better Makers: Breakthrough’s Annual Benefit Raises $900K to Build Opportunities in Garfield Park

Nearly 300 guests gathered at Walden for Breakthrough’s 2022 Annual Benefit on October 20 to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary. The event raised more than $900,000 for Breakthrough’s programming and resources.  The mission of Breakthrough — a 2022 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — is to develop a safe and stable community within Garfield […]

Better Makers: Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s Raises $1M for Research and Supportive Care

More than 2,500 Chicagoland residents participated in the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Saturday, October 8, 2022. The event raised more than $1 million to accelerate global research, increase early detection and maximize quality care and support for those living with Alzheimer’s.   Despite the chilly Chicago weather, participants dressed in purple attire and gathered at […]

THRIVE Gala Raises Record Amount for Shedd Aquarium's Conservation Research, Education, and Animal Care Efforts

On Saturday, October 1, Shedd Aquarium’s black-tie gala event, THRIVE, raised nearly $2.2 million during a paddle raise for the aquarium’s conservation, education, and animal care efforts. More than 700 people attended the sold-out event centered around the importance of coral reefs and the Shedd’s ongoing coral research.  This night marked the return of the annual Board […]