Time for a PARTY!

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Wow.  I can’t believe it’s been literally decades that I’ve known John Schenk and often hosted charity concerts that he’s put together for his Rainbow Foundation.  From UFO’s Pete Way to Jim Peterik to Randy Jackson to Dennis DeYoung to Shooting Star to Kevin Chalfant to Rik Emmett…the list goes on and on.  His many charity shows benefited sick children and their families.  Their stories were tragic yet somehow these events were so fun!  His giving spirit always impressed me, and his ability to put on a great rock concert that helped so many heartbreaking situations really amazes me.

This Saturday, May 13 it’s time to celebrate two decades of concerts/charity events…by having another concert!  Swing by The Penny Road Pub  to catch a great show from Firehouse and UFO’s Paul Chapman while celebrating 20 years of The Rainbow Foundation helping children and families in crisis.

Ticket’s are only $13 in advance (get them through ticketweb) or $16 at the door.

Read Full Post »

A Rose is Still a Rose…in the Garden of Eve’s Parlor

Eric Smith, NBC5 Street Team

On location at Eve’s Parlor in Humboldt Park.

On a recent evening, I was given a unique look into what I makes Chicago tick. And what makes Chicago tick is the unique personality of the artistic community that beats to their own drum. In this instance I had the opportunity to meet Chicago’s very own Angela Eve.

Eve's Parlor

Angela Eve is a Headliner, Producer, Artist, Model and photographer. She is an accomplished multi-media and performance/dance artist-graduate of The Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in Fine Arts. She is a professionally trained actor and graduate of The Second City Conservatory. She has her own line of wearable art, toured with major music festivals including OzzFest and has established her own Twisted Tassel Burlesque Festival among quite a few noteworthy accomplishments.

It could be easy to see why she is a person of interest; as a driving force and icon on the Chicago art scene. But even more compelling is what is in her heart and the compassion she feels for others. Splitting her time between Chicago and New Orleans, Angela Eve-along with fellow artist Anastasios Ketsios-has been at the forefront of a fine art photo documentary project entitled, “Home, This Was”-a narrative involving the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the people and their daily lives. Together they examine and analyze this narrative through the lens of a camera for all to see and experience.

Even more close to her heart has been the recent diagnosis of her mother having breast cancer. While the debate rages on in Washington for Universal Health Care for all-in Angela Eve’s case it couldn’t be more obvious the importance of the matter. Her mother, who is far from wealthy, has insurance coverage…although no where near adequate to cover the whopping $15,000 deductible required for treatment.

It will be Angela Eve’s new mission to raise the money to help her mother in this time of need-the best way she knows how. As such she will be organizing her only Fall show/benefit-“Kinky Xmas” on Wednesday, December 9th at the Debonair Social Club with two performances at 10pm and the other at Midnite-admission is free. Ring in the holidays with a sense of purpose and have some fun while you’re at it!

Read Full Post »

Tis’ the Season to Dress Ugly

Lindsay Saewitz, NBC Chicago Street Team

It’s time to ditch the designer jeans and go vintage (i.e. grandma and grandpa era) for a day full of holiday drinking at GiveFoward’s 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl!

This event brings together over 150 young professionals sporting the ugliest of ugly-wear, all for a good cause. Proceeds from the event will go to Streetwise, 2 Li’l Fishes, and The Night Ministry- three organizations working hard to prevent and aid Chicago’s homeless community.

Here’s the deets:
Date: Saturday, December 5th
Start Time: 1:00 PM
Route: Starts at Redmond’s (3358 N. Sheffield) and continues south to Uncle Fatty’s hitting Sheffield’s, Trader Todd’s, and Mad River along with way
Cost: $15 online donation at www.uglysweaterpubcrawl.com gets you a wristband for $2-$3 drink specials; door tickets are $25

As if an excuse to dress up like fool and drink all day wasn’t enough, you can also win MONEY. That’s right- there’s $100 cash prize to the worst dressed (i.e. best dressed?) and door prizes for the first 100 at Redmond’s.

So get your sweatered-self to Redmond’s for a holly jolly time. Check out the Facebook page to find out more or RSVP.

Read Full Post »

Come Support Movember And Me!

Desiree, NBC Chicago Street Team

Come support Movember and Me! On Thursday, November 19^th, from 8 pm – 2 am, Basil Leaf Café will host a Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction to raise money for the Movember Foundation. Donations raised will go toward the campaign’s two outstanding beneficiary partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Like the beneficiaries, the auction block will include some of Chicago’s outstanding bachelor and bachelorettes, featuring moi. We’ll come complete with a “date package” for donors to bid on and the highest bidders will win a “date” which will commence that evening, in a VIP area at the venue.

Please come out to support the cause, as November is men’s health month (and to support me; I need some friends to ante up the bid so I don’t look stupid on the auction block).  Donations from the evening fund research to find treatments and cures for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and fund the LiveStrong Young Adult Alliance program, which aims to raise survival rates and life quality for young adults with cancer.

Additional event information:

Facebook Page

Hosts: Sean Tehrani, Jason Crites, and Chad Manuel.

This event is 21+ and casual cocktail attire is recommend!

The cost for the event is $20 and includes one raffle ticketappetizers, Van Gogh Vodka and Lucid Absinthe.

Event sponsored by Basil Leaf Cafe, Van Gogh Vodka, Lucid Absinthe and U.S.Foodservice.

Official after party at BullandBear, where all auction attendees receive a free drink.

Read Full Post »

The Legacy Initiative Fundraiser

Glenn Murray, NBC5 Street Team

This Saturday the Legacy Initiative hopes to reverse a trend as it raises awareness of its mission with its first fundraiser this saturday 7PM at the Wine Consortium 110 East 23rd Street.

“Our news media is inundated with stories of death and despair. There seems to be a self-inflicted endangerment to the lives of our youth. We are in a time of self-gratification and we have become short sighted in our decision-making.”This core issue led to the creation of the Legacy Initiative.

The mission of the Legacy Initiative is to assist in the establishment of an individual’s personal legacy of success, by making critical thinking their cornerstone. They establish a platform for making our students aware of programs, scholarships and opportunities that may not otherwise have been realized; provide a necessary pipeline of highly qualified candidates for educational, entrepreneurial and employment needs; and thus create a synergy between high school, college and technical schools, and various industries.

The non-profit organization whose solution will change the present self destructive course our underserved youth are travelling and are exposed to. That solution to the issue, is teaching them the habitual behavior of critical thinking.

 The donation to attend the event is $50 where the proceeds will help fund the organization’s ability to teach this essential, life altering behavior. Included in your donation will be a food provided by Lee’s catering. Dessert will be provided by Lizzie’s Confections. A hand-picked selection of fine wines will accompany the meal. A drawing for prizes including a grand prize cruise vacation for two.

Live music from Dudley Owens’ Jazz trio. A Spoken Word performance by Young Flame. Music throughout the night will be provided by the a special guest DJ I.N.C.

For more information on The Legacy Foundation, visit their web site at
www.tlionline.org

Read Full Post »

Dare 2 Dream with Gavin Rossdale

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Who knew just $35 could do so much?  That’s the incredibly affordable price of a ticket to Dare 2 Dream this Thursday at the House Of Blues.  The most important aspect of this event is that a portion of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Illinois.  But it’s going to be a great show, too – you’ll see Gavin Rossdale (formerly of Bush) with Lovehammers and Relief opening.

Dare 2 Dream starts early, 5pm…so skip out of work and help out a much-deserving cause while rocking on a Thursday evening in Chicago!  Get ticket information HERE and listen to details about the concert here:

Read Full Post »

Stand Up Against Cancer Benefiting Imerman Angels

JenChicago, NBC Chicago Street Team

There’s something funny going on in River North on Tuesday, October 20^th. Sarah Vargo of Maven and Fred Farris of Key Management have teamed up with The Joynt to host Stand Up Against Cancer which benefits local charity Imerman Angels. The party and the awareness are going down at 650 N. Dearborn (@ Erie) and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate all the good things that are happening under Johnny Imerman’s inspiration!

The show starts at 6:30 and features a laundry list of talented comedians along with headliner Kira Soltanovich, from Girls Behaving Badly and The Phony Phone Booth on The Jay Leno Show. Have you seen this bit? It’s hilarious! What WON’T people do for a free picture?!?! You can find the clips here or check it out in this week’s edition of The SAUCE, hosted by Yours Truly, below. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door with limited seating.

*PRESS RELEASE*

**Hugs and Kisses from JenChicago.com!

Read Full Post »

Rock With Rik Emmett Oct 24

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

If you’re a fan of rock music then you must be very familiar with the legendary guitar riff’s of Rik Emmett.  He was part of the amazing power trio Triumph, providing killer licks in great songs like “Fight The Good Fight”, “Lay It On The Line”, etc.  Here’s an opportunity to catch him in an intimate environment and also help out a great cause, Pizza’s 4 Patriots:

Wow, what killer line-up.  As it turns out, several of those artists have appeared in my podcast Cara’s Basement:

Rik Emmett-

Ronnie Platt-

Kevin Chalfant-

See you at Durty Nellies on Saturday, October 24!

Read Full Post »

Lend A Hand to Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Fayth a.k.a. Relaxocat, NBC Chicago Street Team

Fans of Chicago’s “chamber pop collective”, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, are shocked and saddened by the news that the band was involved in a serious car accident in Indiana on September 24th while on their way from Chicago to Cincinnati. The accident was caused by a blown tire that sent the van rolling and finally landing upside down on a median. The band recently celebrated their newly released CD, “…and the horse you rode in on” on Bloodshot Records and performed live at the label’s 15th anniversary celebration at Hideout’s block party on September 12th.

In a statement from the record label, Alison Hinderliter, Jay Santana, and Ethan Adelsman were released from the hospital with minor injuries. Elia Einhorn and Mary Ralph remain hospitalized with more severe injuries, but are expected to be released or transferred to a nearby hospital soon. Band member, Mark Yoshizumi, is in serious condition and was airlifted to Christ Memorial Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL with serious head, neck, and back injuries.

Aside from the terrible accident that has caused pain and injury to the band members, there is now a good deal of financial damage as well. Their van was totaled and all of their equipment was destroyed. Bloodshot Records has established a PayPal account on behalf of SYGC where fans and friends can donate to help get the band back on their feet. If you would like to help:

1. Sign in to PayPal and send donation to tsygc@bloodshotrecords.com
2. Send this email link to friends/contacts: Donate and Help SYGC
3. Click on the button in this news story: Updated News On SYGC

Bloodshot Records will continue to update the bands recovery progress and any news which you can find by clicking “news story” the link above.

In the meantime, we all wish the band a speedy recovery and send our best thoughts to them during this difficult time.

Read Full Post »

Get Out Your Lederhosen!

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

The crisp fall air isn’t the only aroma your nose may pick up this week – especially in the Loop. If you happen to catch a whiff of beer, brats and kraut, follow the trail to the historic Berghoff  (17 W. Adams) Wednesday through Friday for their annual Oktober Fest. It’s hard to believe that this is the Berghoff’s 24th sausage and suds celebration  held on the Federal Plaza at Adams and Dearborn Streets. Considering the Berghoff has been serving up classic German food and their own private-label suds for generations, you know the food and drink won’t disappoint. 

Admission to the Berghoff Oktoberfest is complimentary and includes musical entertainment to suit all tastes. Work off that brat by doing the “Hoky Poky” with Bavarian polka performances by the Johnny Wagner Band, or enjoy local favorites Maggie Speaks, Sixteen Candles and the Modern Day Romeos over the course of the three days. Always wanted to cook your own schnitzle? This year’s fest also marks the launch of The Berghoff Café Cookbook: Berghoff Family Recipes for Simple, Satisfying Food (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $24.99, September 2009) by Carlyn Berghoff, fourth generation restaurateur and Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group CEO, who will be signing copies during the fest. You’ll also have a chance to enter two raffles benefitting the Mercy Home For Boys and Girls. While a case of beer would make sense, how about the opportunity to win a 2010 Jaguar XF or a luxe trip to the Ritz in Cali?

For more information on the Berghoff Oktober Fest, including hours and entertainment schedule, click here. Post!

Read Full Post »

Cooking It Up For A Cause

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Life is full of firsts and while your first kiss may not be worth repeating, the first annual Common Threads World Cookout  taking place this Thursday will no doubt keep you coming back for more. Priced at $75 a ticket, the event was designed to be bit more fiscally approachable than the World Festival where tickets ran between $250-$500. Proceeds benefit Common Threads, which seeks to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being, and to foster an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.

Holding on to the last of the summer temps, the cookout will take place on Fulton’s on the River’s open-air veranda along the Chicago River and within their Riverfront Room. As with any Common Threads event, you can expect Chicago’s best culinary stars to be in attendance ready to feed you. Among those participating include Stephanie Izard, Top Chef Season 4; Paul Virant, Vie; Bill Kim, Urban Belly; Chris Pandel, The Bristol;  Rodelio Abilgot, Sunda; Radhika Desai, Top Chef Season 5; Gale Gand, TRU; James Gottwald, Rockit Bar & Grill; Giuseppe Tentori, Boka; Toni Roberts, C-House; Jonathan Fox, La Madia; Mark Mendez, Carnivale; Dominique Tougne, Bistro 110; Greg Biggers, Fulton’s on the River; Sarah Grueneberg, Cafe Spiaggia; Robert Andrea, Jake Melnick’s; Rick Gresh, David Burke’s Primehouse; and Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier, Café de Architectes.

While you can opt for the $75 general admission ticket, there are also a limited number of VIP Package tickets, which include a special VIP reception at 5:30 pm and an after party beginning at 9:30 pm at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap (ending at Midnight) are also available for $150 per guest. Kicking off at 5:30 pm on Fulton On The River’s riverfront veranda, The Common Threads Associate Board hosts the VIP pre-party guests for an exclusive outdoor tasting (weather permitting) with Cafe Spiaggia Chef di Cucina Sarah Grueneberg. The VIP after-party commences at Jake Melnick’s (41 East Superior ) at 9:30 pm, featuring complimentary Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, as well as choice wines and specialty cocktails and yes, even more food, just in case you didn’t get your fill over at Fulton’s. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.commonthreads.org or call/email Jenny Pinto at 312-329-2501 x 207 or Jennifer@commonthreads.org.

Read Full Post »

Toque Of The Town

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

  

It’s no secret that Chicago has an amazing restaurant scene full of new and established talent. You could literally pick a new place each week and still not cover everything, let alone come up for air.  While there are some fabulous events in this city dedicated to the art of the eats, the TOQUE Dining Gala: An Evening With Chicago’s Culinary Masters, is at an entirely different level.

Taking place this Thursday, the event is an amalgamation of food stations and a formal sit-down dinner, all prepared by Chicago’s finest. But it’s not just an excuse to come eat. Philanthropic partygoers will feel good knowing that proceeds from the evening  (tickets and a live auction) will benefit Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. (COSI), which will help send children with cancer to camp with their One Step At A Time programs.

This year’s event is emceed by Bill Kurtis, journalist and founder of Tallgrass Beef Company, along with Michael Kornick of MK Restaurant who is returning as chef coordinator of the event. Along with four fine dining courses (prepared by Art Smith, Michael Kornick, Mindy Segal and others), guests will also enjoy wine pairings and a cocktail hour with chef inspired bites from several other top notch contributors.

Need some advice?  Skip lunch this Thursday.

The event takes place at the Harold Washington Library Winter Garden at 6:00 pm.

Visit www.onestepcamp.org for additional information and to purchase tickets.

Read Full Post »

Party 4 a Reason

Next week you can feel like you’re making a difference with your binge drinking. GiveForward.org, a Chicago-based website that allows people to fundraise online for any charity or cause, is hosting Party for a Reason at one of Chicago’s newest bars, Old Town Social.

The event is technically the pre-party for Run for a Reason, a 5K race to benefit local Chicago charities. For those of us that consider beer pong the most exhausting athletic activity we can fathom, don’t worry: the proceeds from the party will also be going towards Chicago charities. Party for a Reason will take place on Thursday, September 10th at will and feature a two-hour open bar, appetizers, and what’s sure to be a young party-loving crowd.

To get your tickets today, head to http://www.party4areason.com. But wait, there’s more! Use discount code NBC before September 8th and get your ticket for $20!

Party 4 a Reason
Thursday, September 10th
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Old Town Social
455 W. North Ave
Tickets: $25; $35 at the door

For more information on GiveForward, check out http://giveforward.org/

Read Full Post »

Pizzas 4 Patriots Celebration Concert

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

“Pizza’s 4 Patriots” is such a cool concept.  Literally, giving those who serve our country a slice of home.  Go here to find out more about what they do – and go to Durty Nellie’s on October 24th to see a great show while supporting the cause.  Details below:

Here’s a blast-from-the-past interview with Rik Emmett:

Here’s a blast-from-the-past interview with Kevin Chalfant:

Here’s a blast-from-the-past interview with Ronnie Platt:

Read Full Post »

Plain White T’s TONITE

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

Wow, this is a way cool bang-for-the-buck concert experience. Don’t miss your chance to see The Plain White T’s in a very intimate setting tonite (8/28/09). Only 1500 tickets are being sold for Lake Effect, a charity show they are headlining tonight at The Palmer House.

$75 includes three bands performing (Plain White T’s, Chicago blues artist Melvin Taylor plus the Gentlemen Of Leisure Band which happens to be one of President Obama’s favorite Chicago bands)…it also includes an open premium bar, an amazing array of food stations created by the Palmer House’s Executive Chef Stephen Henry and Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet…and, as an added bonus, a limited number of behind-the-scenes tours of Palmer House will be conducted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.  Most importantly…100% of the proceeds benefit the Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care’s Good Mourning Program (providing support for families and children of all ages in overcoming the loss of a loved one).

Don’t pass up this opportunity to help out a wonderful organization while enjoying a phenomenal experience.  Got o www.LakeEffectParty.com or call 847-692-8897 to purchase tickets.

Tom Higgins from The Plain White T’s just spoke to me about this show – listen here:

Read Full Post »

Excuse me, Sir, but do you have any spare LGBT Change?

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

One of the greatest things about the Chicago LGBT community, as we all know, is the number of take-your-shirt-off-worthy events it churns out during the summer, the last major one of which is Market Days. However, not one to fall to complacency (or the temptation to start consuming carbs, of course), the LGBT community has put out one more Summer extravaganza for all to enjoy.

“Be The Change”, an event providing platform for LGBT and LGBT-friendly peeps to network, socialize, innovate and, yes, enjoy a drink or two will take place at Spin, on Saturday August 15th, from 6pm-10pm.

Put together by LGBT Change and Club 1948, two non-for-profit organizations promoting tolerance, love, and acceptance across all walks of life, the event will be kicked off by live DJ K, followed by a live power-swing band performance from Ever So Klever, a free drink (need we say more?), goodie bags (not a metaphor), nibbles (open to interpretation), but best of all–representation from additional Chicago-based non-for-profit organizations.

Cover charge will be $10, and all proceeds will go to local non-for-profits. With that much energy, flare and swing, you might find yourself having too much fun to notice that your shirt is long gone.

To find out what other mischief Shlomi has uncovered in Chicago, look no further.

Read Full Post »

Countdown To GALApalooza

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

Whether or not you’re a music junkie, the opportunity to see Grant Park transformed into a playground for party-goers is entertainment in itself. The third annual GALApalooza event is only one week away, giving guests an exclusive sneak preview of the Lollapalooza event grounds in a VIP fashion.

Outdoor lounge seating, cocktails and creative nibbles – you just might forget there’s actually a concert to watch. Lollapalooza artist Vampire Weekend and Chicago sensation Hey Champ will take the stage, in addition to performances by Park District Kids and DJ White Shadow.

Friends coming in to town for the music filled extravaganza? The James Hotel is offering a special overnight package on August 6 which includes two general admission tickets to GALApalooza, overnight accommodations in a king guestroom, and valet parking at The James. Rates start at $579. For more info or to book a room, visit www.jameshotels.com.

GALApalooza takes place on Thursday August 6th at 6 p.m. at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park. Lounge experiences are available at the $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 level and single tickets are available for $150. For more information or to make reservations, call Alison Krzys, Director of Communications for Parkways Foundation at 312.742.4807 or visit www.parkways.org.

Since 2005, Lollapalooza and GALApalooza have raised over $4 million dollars for Parkways, which directly impacted Chicago’s neighborhood parks.

Read Full Post »

YTC’s Cinco del Soul Party! Caliente!

JenChicago, NBC Chicago Street Team

The fun never stops in Chicago and this past Cinco de Mayo was another full night of fun! Youth Technology Corps is a local non-profit that came from extremely simple beginnings. Founder Dave Finkel gave some computers to some inner-city Chicago teens, who then figured out how to refurbish them on their own! This program now has the original teens doing outreach and being mentors in other countries like Mexico, thus the tie in with Cinco Del Soul.

As you can see, the event was skillfully executed with me as the host emcee for the night! Special thanks to Katie Bormaster, who invited me to participate and planned the entire event, including the video production! That girl called in a lot of favors with her very talented friends!

To find out more about YTC or to donate, click here.

PS: Can you hear me losing my voice?

Find me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

Read Full Post »

Good music, art and cause!

Jeff Baraka, NBC Chicago Street Team

Tomorrow night (Thurs. 7/9, 8pm), Stonecutter Records (SCR) & Acoustic Chicago present a live music and visual arts showcase to support Chicago music & art, and build further awareness of the Green Star Movement (GSM). It’s all goin’ down at Lasalle Power Co., 500 N. LaSalle.

The concert will feature live performances by four of the best new musical talents in the city: Anna Soltys, Jen Porter, Whiskey Heartache and Taggart Transcontinental. Tickets are $8 at the door and $5 in advance from the SCR site. There’ll also be a raffle with proceeds going towards the current GSM project at Prescott Elementary School.

Background:

Stonecutter Records is an independent record company, headed by Producer/Engineer Chris Steinmetz, who over the past 20 years has worked with such diverse artists as Kanye West, Ben Harper, Tori Amos, Jay Z, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Mavis Staples, Common, Kiss and Feist. Acoustic Chicago is the fruition of a vision to expose some of Chicago’s finest indie singers and songwriters to a wider audience.

The Green Star Movement is a Chicago-based, non-profit organization, which has recently gained national attention. GSM works to raise awareness of the important role of the environment in daily life, through the creative collaboration of media, art, community and nature.

Read Full Post »

Laps For Lucy

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

People who hear me on the radio, listen to my podcasts or read my blogs are certainly aware of my passion for music.  But first and foremost I am a mother, and without a doubt the main focus of my life is my kids.   Not a day goes by where I don’t feel extremely thankful for their health and happiness. 

My heart breaks when I hear of families that have to deal with terminal health issues, especially those involving sick children.  I can’t imagine the pain of knowing your child is suffering and/or might not make it to their next birthday.  So, when I heard about a young toddler  “Lucy” (her name is an alias to protect her privacy) stricken with such a horrible disease I felt compelled to share her story. 

photo courtesy of Maura Gaskill

Lucy has a genetic disease called SCA7 (Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7) which will eventually shut down all her abilities to walk, see, talk, breathe, think, and pump blood to her heart thus killing her.   As if that isn’t heartwrenching enough – she is part of a large but very close foster family in Oak Park, and one of her brothers wrote a very touching story about her situation.

You can help Lucy and the 150,000 Americans and their families who suffer from the devastating effects of Ataxia. Your participation in the 2009 Laps For Lucy this Saturday morning will bring the world one step closer to a cure for Ataxia.  The race is at Oak Park River Forest High School Track (Lake Street and East Avenue, Oak Park, IL).  All Proceeds go to the National Ataxia Foundation.

Read Full Post »

Be a Social Contributor

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

Black-tie event season is starting to pick up, but let’s face it; not everyone can spring for the $500+ ticket – no matter how big your charitable heart is! Well it seems as though many organizations are becoming savvy to the fact that many folks (and large corporations) are having to tighten their financial purse strings lately. Here’s a roundup of some fun events happening this weekend that support and celebrate a variety of causes while showing you a good time in the process.

Skyline Soiree – June 5th

The American Cancer Society’s inaugural Skyline Soiree will be held on Friday at the Harris Theatre Rooftop at Millennium Park. The event was created to balance out their annual grandiose black-tie affair, providing a lower priced event that still provides a high level of fun and entertainment. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors, the whimsical carnival theme will help guests get into the summer spirit.  Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres and will include a silent auction, raffle and (of course) carnival games. Tickets are $75 in advance and $95 night-of-event. For more information, please call 312.279.7213 or visit www.skylinesoiree.org.

Lumen

“Let’s Hear it For the Girls” Summer Solstice Fashion Show – June 5th

OK, so this event isn’t exactly charity related, but something should be said for supporting young up and coming Chicago designers, right? Chicago hotspot, Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market) and Outfit Events will present the launch of its monthly female-focused event, “Let’s Hear it for the Girls Party” with a  Summer Solstice Fashion Show featuring summer collections by designers Miriam Carlson, Tiffany Albert, Caroline Borucki and Britney Devaris. If you like what you see in the show, it could very well be your lucky day. Sometime after 11 p.m.,  one piece from each designer’s line will be raffled off! All ladies can enjoy complimentary cover all night long and complimentary champagne cocktailsfrom 9 to 11 p.m.  Remember if you already have plans, this is a new monthly event that you should definitely pencil in your social calendar.  RSVP  required to  info@lumen-chicago.com.

Guiness Book of World Records Bar Crawl – June 6th

This may be the very first bar crawl you’ll ever participate in – or think about joining. Thirsty crawlers from around Chicago are lining up to take part in a once in a lifetime event: The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl. Never mind your liver, at least a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. This Saturday, Chicago will strive to break a Guinness World Record originally set by 3, 163 bar crawlers in New York City . In order to break the record, all crawlers must visit at least eight bars on the course, with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment with an event after party at Stone Lotus Lounge. On crawl day, beginning at 10:00 a.m., participants will earn a participating bar discount card to enjoy $2 drafts, $1 soft drinks, great food and other specials along the way.  Any participants that reach the 8 pub goal will also receive discount cards to use at each sponsor’s establishment, at a later date.

The itinerary involves stops at several food and bev hotspots. Some of the participants include: Bull & Bear, Glascott Saloon, Prost!, State Restaurant & Lounge, Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort, Mad River Bar & Grille, The Coach House, Toasted Ox and more.

The event is expected to have more than 5,000 crawlers on board. A portion of each $15 ticket will be donated to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. And, an official judge from the Guinness Book of World Records will be present to make sure that all abide by the official record-breaking rules. For more information please visit http://thebiggestbarcrawl.com/.

Blondes VS. Brunettes Powder Puff Flag Football – June 6th

The longstanding rivalry between hair colors continues with a new fundraiser to Chicago, Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB). As the name suggests, 22 blondes and 26 brunettes take the competition to the football field in a fundraiser on behalf of The Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Gold Coast Wellness Center. The national organization, began in Washington D.C. over four years ago, brings talented, bright and beautiful women together locally for the ultimate powder puff football game in the hopes of raising funds for patients with the disease.

Game day starts at 1p.m. this Saturday at Diversey Harbor (2601 N. Cannon). A $25 donation will also provide access to the BvB After Party. Fans and patrons can also anticipate halftime entertainment as well as live music from local band Morley Shertz.  After the game, everyone will head over to Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield) for the official Blondes vs. Brunettes After Party, from  3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Expect barbecue, beer and cocktails, as well as $3 Bud Light and Miller Lite bottles in honor of the festivities (those who donated $25 at the game will receive two free beers compliments of Sheffield’s). For more information, please visit http://www.blondesvsbrunettes.com.

Read Full Post »

Lively Up Your Self!

Reggie Brown, NBC Chicago Street Team

Treat yourself  to a night of  pampering and glamorous  accommodations at  Personal Privilege’s Glam Revamp party this Saturday from 6-10 pm. Owners Avanel Hart and Tracy Lemke are opening the doors to the men’s and women’s boutique to pamper their patrons with an all out array of indulgent activities.

For starters, be the first to peep and scoop new arrivals from Laguna Beach Denim, True Religion and Jay Shoes. Make sure to check out their  $25 and under rack stocked full of women’s dresses and tops to help round out your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

With 25% off all denim for a limited time and free first-time alterations on all denim purchases,  Personal Privilege is trying their hardest to ensure that you’re dressed to impress.

Grab a glass of champagne, lean back and take full advantage of the complimentary airbrush makeup sessions, manicures and mini facials. There’s also a raffle and gift certificate giveaways of up to $200.

Oh, and did I mention that the evening is sponsored by Hypnotiq?

Part of the proceeds of all sales from 6-10, including all raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Network of Strength breast cancer foundation. 

Roll out, I’ll see you there!

Personal Privilege-2145 N Damen

Read Full Post »

Let the Good Times Roll

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

The Goodman Theater’s annual Gala fundraiser is one of the most anticipated black-tie events, and this year is no exception. Chicago native Mandy Patinkin will headline the affair, taking place this Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel (200 N. Columbus). Known as the “musical force of nature,” Patinkin is a Tony Award-winner for his performance in Evita and an Emmy Award-winning Best Actor for his portrayal of Dr. Jeffrey Geiger in “Chicago Hope.” Impressive? Of course, but with a pedigree that includes entertaining audiences through film, television and stage over the past 30 years, recognition is inevitable.

Gala Co-Chairs and Students

The evening kicks off at  6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by Patinkin’s 7:30 p.m. performance with Paul Ford (recognized Broadway pianist) on the piano. The duo will cover an array of favorites ranging from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim, Harry Chapin and Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. The music continues after dinner, when guests will have the opportunity to put on their own “performance,” dancing to the sounds of Gentleman of Leisure.

The annual Gala is hosted by Goodman Theater’s Women’s board, with proceeds benefiting the Goodman’s Educational and Community Outreach programs. Goodman Women’s Board members Sondra Healy and Cynthia Scholl are the Gala Co-Chairs and Keith Green is the Corporate Chair this year. For tickets and information about the Gala, call Katie Frient, at 312.443.3811 ext. 586.

 

.

Read Full Post »