American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope Benefit Scores Big at Navy Pier

Now in its ninth year, the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Taste of Hope Benefit took place on November 3rd in the AON Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. And what worthier cause? The ACS is dedicated to the eradication of cancer and has helped prevent nearly 3 million cancer deaths in the last 30 years through early detection, life-saving research […]

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 […]

13 Most Powerful Philanthropists and Nonprofit Leaders Driving Change in Chicago and Beyond in 2022

According to the Giving US annual report on philanthropy, published by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, charitable giving in the United States increased by 4 percent last year. An Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy study commissioned by the Chicago Community Trust demonstrated that Chicago is an astonishing 50 percent more philanthropic than any […]

'Joy and Privilege of a Lifetime': A Safe Haven Foundation President Neli Vazquez Rowland Steps Down After 28 Years

On Oct. 12, A Safe Haven Foundation (ASHF) announced the resignation of their co-founder and president, Neil Vazquez Rowland. In a letter of resignation, Rowland shared plans to spend more time with her family, pursue her impactful creative endeavors and focus on her real estate investments. She now becomes Chairman Emeritus while Mark Mule, former […]

Inspiring Change: SeaLegacy's Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen Honored at Brushwood Center's Smith Nature Symposium Awards Dinner

On September 30, the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods hosted its 39th annual Smith Nature Symposium, “Inspiring Change,” at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Nearly 200 people attended the event to honor the extraordinary leadership of Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen and their impact on ocean justice and conservation as photographers, marine biologists, and founders of SeaLegacy. Every year, […]