YWCA Evanston/North Shore hosted their fifth annual YWomen Leadership Awards Benefit on October 3. At the event, they honored several remarkable individuals and organizations for their commitment to women’s empowerment, racial equality and social change in front of an audience of more than 400 people. The first honoree, Alice Tregay, began her work against […]
In 1795, Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of whiskey. Since then, the company has acquired other venerable brands including Courvoisier, established in France in 1843, and Sauza, started in Tequila, Mexico in 1873. Now headquartered in Deerfield, but with production continuing in the countries of origin, Beam, Inc. has a strong commitment to philanthropy […]
Named the world’s most admired company by Forbes, and currently the world’s most valuable company, Apple, Inc. produces consumer electronics that many of us consider daily luxuries. We spend extra for the features and design, and yes, the status. Although not known for corporate largesse under Steve Jobs, the company in recent years has made […]
Started in Florence in 1921, this venerable brand is now led by Creative Director Frida Giannini, who combines the heritage of luxury craftsmanship with a modern design and flair. She has worked with Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna to raise funds for UNICEF. “This year’s ‘Gucci for UNICEF’ campaign will help to provide thousands […]
After traveling to the world’s culinary hotspots post-college, including studying in Paris at Le Cordon Bleu and apprenticing with Ferran Adria at El Bulli, Katrina Markoff came to Chicago and opened Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Her luxury chocolates use indigenous spices, flowers, roots and herbs to create her unique flavor combinations. Keeping with her philosophy of […]
Established in 1941 as a family-run artisanal producer of fine leather goods, the company has grown to more than 500 corporate-owned stores in North America, plus a sizable international presence. The company’s headquarters are still in the original Manhattan loft that used to house the workrooms, and their success is based on interpreting classic […]
Starting with an iron foundry in Sheboygan, Wis., John Michael Kohler founded Kohler Co. in 1873. He began a legacy of community enrichment, which was followed by his son, Walter Kohler, who not only served as President of the company, but also as Governor of Wisconsin. His motto was the words of John Ruskin, “Life […]
This 175-year-old company started as a stationery and fancy goods company. Charles Lewis Tiffany changed the store’s direction when he purchased a cache of diamonds in the 1840s from French aristocrats who needed cash more than jewels as they fled turmoil in their home country. He was dubbed “the king of diamonds,” and the company’s […]
In 1985, the Staglin family bought a Rutherford Bench estate and established their winery. The entire family—Garen and Shari, with children Shannon and Brandon—own and operate the company. They farm the land organically, and use 100 percent solar power at the vineyard. “Our family vineyard motto is ‘Great Wine for Great Causes,’ and we absolutely […]
Lake County YMCAs are no longer able to operate long-term and are scheduled to close October 31, unless the appropriate funds can be raised. Anne Veit, a Board member, says, “We now face a significant challenge. We need to raise $5 to $8 million by October 31 to stay open. The Board has pursued community […]
