Dress for Success

Itika Oldwine, NBC Chicago Street Team

In this tough job market, it’s more important than ever to make sure you put your best foot forward when you’re on the job search. For job seekers with limited economic resources, the appropriate attire for interviews and networking events can be hard to come by. And that’s why I love the not-for-profit organization Dress for Success! Dress for Success provides professional attire and an awesome support system to help promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women. Recently, Dress for Success partnered with Chicago Kimpton Hotels and Resorts (think Hotel Allegro, Hotel Burnham and Hotel Monaco Chicago) as they hosted The Dress For Success “Recover & Reinvest” fundraiser at Hotel Allegro’s 312 Chicago.

The event featured a local “style consultant” who was on hand to offer tips on how to be a “recessionista”, sage advice that we could all use if you ask me. Head2Toe Mobile Spa was there to pamper the guests with complimentary manicures that quite a few of the ladies in attendance seemed to enjoy.

Head2Toe Mobile

There was a silent auction that included getaways at Kimpton properties and appetizers were served from Chicago 312’s new executive chef, Chef Luca Corrazzina. Chef Luca specializes in home-style Italian cooking and served such savory treats as zuchini fritters topped with herbed goat cheese and delicious antipasto trays with a variety of cured Italian meats and cheeses.

But it wasn’t all about the pampering and delicious food. A major initiative for Dress for Success is the collection of career clothing and accessories, and this year they are in need of pearl necklaces and earrings. Folks that attended “Recover & Reinvest” were encouraged to bring their pearl donations, and if you or anyone you know wants to contribute to this great organization by making career apparel or pearl donations please go to www.dressforsuccess.org.

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Hadassah is tougher!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Last week I had a chance to learn about an organization called Hadassah. Hadassah Chicago Chapter is a Jewish organization that started in 1913 and promotes Zionist ideals in the United States, Israel and throughout the world. What these women and men have been able to accomplish in the past 94 years, is nothing short of outstanding. From funding hospitals and colleges to being the leader in stem cell research, Hadassah is making a huge difference in the lives of so many.

Hadassah Chicago Chapter alone raises TWO MILLION each year to support their programs! The group continues to grow in the Chicago area with events like the one I went to recently at LUXBAR. The food was outstanding and Bridget Albert, the Master Mixologist, whipped up some delightful concoctions with some of my favorite new liquors, like Pama. Everyone was kind, informed and obviously very dedicated to the cause. I learned so much about Israel, after chating with Howard Kaplan, that it is now on my list of “places to visit”! Howard described the Israeli landscape as “downtown Miami beach” and even went on to call Israel a “junior America”!

Overall, this is an amazing organization that knows very clearly their purpose and the impact that people can make when they join together for a common goal. In the words of Fran Givertz, President, “Yes, times might seem tough, but Hadassah is tougher.”

To find out more about Hadassah Chicago Chapter check here. If you are ready to help support the initiative, on April 30, Chicago Hadassah hosts their largest fundraiser of the year starring hot Israeli dance company Renana Raz and teens from the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village. All proceeds benefit Hadassah Neurim, which each year gives 1,200 at-risk Israeli children the education and confidence building they need to succeed and help their country. For tickets and sponsorships, call 847.675.6790.

For more stories of hope, check out JenChicago.com.
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