Quick and Easy: The Arts of Life Summer Leap

Give people with developmental disabilities the power and freedom to creatively express themselves through art, music and performance. What: The Arts of Life is an organization comprised of artists with and without disabilities who develop a culture of creativity in order to realize their full potential. This summer, they hope to raise $15,000 through their […]

Quick and Easy: Hester Painting 45th Anniversary Charity Project

Nominate your favorite nonprofit for the chance to win a free paint-related makeover, courtesy of Hester Painting and Decorating in Skokie. What: In celebration of 45 years of service to the Chicagoland community, Hester Painting and Decorating is looking to donate its services to a deserving charity. Nominate your favorite nonprofit organization by June 30, […]

Quick and Easy: Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate

Run or walk in the 14th annual Race Against Hate to support the Evanston YWCA’s mission of racial equality and violence prevention. This event draws more than 4,000 participants from all over the Chicago area. There will be on-field refreshments and fun for the whole family! What: Sign up to walk or run a 5K, […]

Quick and Easy: 5K RUN to End Homelessness

Join the fun at the 3rd annual 5K RUN! To End Homelessness to support a cause that helps more than 1,000 people in need daily. What: A chip-timed 5K run/walk and a kid’s fun run, backed up by live music. All proceeds benefit A Safe Haven, a nonprofit that works to end the cycle of […]

Quick and Easy: WBEZ Day of Service

Paint a mural. Plant a garden. Throw a birthday party. There’s no shortage of ways you can help with WBEZ’s first ever Day of Service. What: WBEZ’s Day of Service will offer 16 volunteer openings across four days at a variety of service sites around the Chicago area, including Children’s Home + Aid, Ronald McDonald […]

Quick and Easy: For Kids 5K Benefitting Northwestern Settlement

Make your weekend workout worthwhile by supporting the kids of Northwestern Settlement at the first annual For Kids 5K. What: Don’t miss this 5K run/walk through Winnetka benefitting the kids of Northwestern Settlement, a charity that nurtures, educates and inspires families in Chicago’s West Town community. After the race, stick around for the finisher’s party with […]

Quick and Easy: Kayak Iraq III

Getting an education is hard enough work—having to avoid violence to do it is another thing altogether. The Iraqi Student Project (ISP) is an organization based at Loyola University that aims to help Iraqi students go to college—with the goal being to return to Iraq and contribute to the rebuilding of their country. Like any […]

Ride to Thrive: Greenhouse Scholars and Venus de Miles Road Ride

Do you enjoy scenic bike rides, professional facials, yoga, live music and fabulous food, all while helping outstanding, low-income students receive an education? Then mark your calendars for the Venus de Miles Bike Ride benefiting Greenhouse Scholars. This event has it all. Greenhouse Scholars provides comprehensive personal and financial support to high-performing, under-resourced college students. […]

Quick and Easy: Equestrian Connection Trail Race

Lace up your running shoes with Equestrian Connection for their Annual Trail Races. What: Sign up to run either a 5K, 10K, 10-mile or 13-mile race, and support their services for those with disabilities, emotional illness and paralysis. After crossing the finish line, you won’t want to miss the post-race party. Burgers, hotdogs and fresh […]

Quick and Easy: BUILD Annual Dinner

Help at-risk youth become successful members of society by attending the “Building Teams, Building Dreams” BUILD Annual Dinner. Despite the violence on Chicago’s streets, BUILD works to ensure that our youth will survive, flourish and achieve their dreams. What: An interactive celebration with youth who, through BUILD’s game-changing programs, are moving from despair to hope, from […]