Chicago cocktails for a cause! GO for Malawi at Rockit Bar & Grill!

Ready to do some good, Chicago? We’re Jessica and Amanda, and we’re working with Groundwork Opportunities (GO) to help put an end to world hunger. Swing by River North’s Rockit Bar & Grill on May 16 from 6:00-8:00pm to drink, mingle, and support GO’s incredible mission: investing in groundbreaking ideas, empowering local leaders, and engaging communities to create a world beyond poverty.

All the proceeds of this event will go directly to a small village in Malawi, Africa, allowing them to purchase agricultural equipment, seeds, and any other necessary materials to start a farm. The fundraising goal is $5,000, which is enough to cover everything the village needs to begin growing food and providing jobs.

The event includes two hours of unlimited beer and wine, as well as two specially crafted cocktails. Food will also be available at a 50% discount. Cubs and Sox tickets, signed Blackhawks memorabilia, one-month fitness memberships, and several other items will be available through a silent auction.

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. To purchase tickets, click here. You can also watch our video or donate here. If Chicago can help a village in Malawi, who knows the impact that the ripple effect will have!

- Jessica and Amanda

Tags: africa, blackhawks, charity, cubs, empowering local leaders, fight hunger, GO for Malawi, Groundwork Opportunities, hunger charity in Chicago, local charity event in Chicago, Malawi, river north, rockit bar & grill, silent auction, Sox, world hunger

Glamour + Gourmet, A Girls’ Night Out at Andreas Hogue Salon

Hi Chicago! I’m Ashley Hogue, owner at Andreas Hogue Salon in Northbrook, and we have a really fun evening planned in honor of Earth Month!

On Tuesday, April 30th, your evening will begin at 6pm with a variety of gourmet food + wine at Whole Foods Market Northbrook’s Lifestyle Center (private party room). You will then journey to the salon for coffee + dessert and to experience one of our mini services. Choose from an Aveda Hand Massage/Paraffin Dip, a Mini Manicure, or a Mirabella “Just Eyes” makeover (a makeup application/consultation). We will also be raffling off haircuts, manicures, and an amazing gift basket worth $320 as well as a 10-class pass to Dailey Method!

Tickets are $30 each or $50 for ALL THREE salon services! Your donation will benefit the Alliance for the Great Lakes and help better water quality, promote water conservation, restore and enhance habitats and maintain healthy beaches in and around Lake Michigan.

For more formation contact ashley@andreashogue.com. Please RSVP to Hilary at (847) 272.1616.

-Ashley Hogue

Tags: Andreas Hogue Salon, Aveda, benefit, charity, Dailey Method, Earth month, food, fun, gifts, girls, hair, lake michigan, makeup, nails, night out, salon, spa, Whole Foods Market, wine

‘Working In The Schools’ Needs Your Help

Tags: Bears' kicker Robbie Gould, Founder-All Terrain Inc., WITS, WITSummer Books, Working In The Schools

Live to Support (LTS) Chicago Uses Recreational Sports Leagues and Social Events to Raise Awareness and Donations for Local Charities

Live to Support (LTS) Chicago was co-founded in the summer of 2010 by Mark Biery and Chris DuCharme. It was Biery’s belief that instead of creating a recreational sports league where members receive a t-shirt or medal for participation, they could use the registration fees as a way of giving back to local charities. LTS has several sports leagues including kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, soccer, softball, and flag football. In addition, LTS also coordinates tournaments and sports-related social events. The company believes a core network of young professionals provides an ideal platform to support Chicago charities through monetary donations and awareness.

When you register a team to be a part of one of LTS’ many leagues or events, you have the option of choosing from a drop down list of charities, or you may choose a charity of your choice if it’s not already listed. The percentage that the charities receive differs with every league or tournament depending on the size, but is always specified on the website at registration. The amount can vary anywhere between 5%-100%. LTS Chicago normally donates 7% of each team’s registration fee, and if your team wins the league/tournament, LTS Chicago will donate a minimum of $250 to the charity of your choice.

LTS hosts its leagues and events at various facilities and fields located in Lakeview, Logan Square, and Old Town as outlined on their website, here. Since its inception, LTS Chicago has helped raise over $83,000 for various charity organizations! A list of charities that LTS Chicago supports can be found here. Registration for upcoming 2013 spring leagues is now open, with start dates beginning at the end of March.

Follow LTS Chicago on Twitter and Facebook!

Don’t have time in your busy schedule to join a league, but still want to support LTS Chicago’s vision? Not a problem—make a direct donation to the organization!

-Nathan Sullivan

Tags: charities, Chicago charities, Chicago sports leagues, Chicago sports organizations, Chris DuCharme, coed tournaments, Ken Natoli, Live to Support Chicago, LTS Chicago, Mark Biery, recreational sports leagues

Strike a Pose Celebrity Fashion Show to benefit the David DeJesus Family Foundation

A catwalk, the latest fashions, batting averages.  You’ll find all three when current and former Cubs players take to the runway for the first Strike a Pose celebrity fashion show to benefit the David DeJesus Family Foundation  on Thursday, January 17th at the River East Art Center. Kim and David DeJesus will co-chair the event and all funds raised will benefit ALS research, patient care and family support for those afflicted by the disease, a cause near to their hearts.

See Anthony Rizzo, Lindsay and Darwin Barney, Sarah and Kerry Wood and more strut the catwalk with fashion provided by the 900 North Michigan Shops.  Some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants have stepped up to the plate to donate great bites for the night:  Bull and Bear, Chicago Q, RPM Italian, Shaw’s, Wow Bao and dessert by Glazed and Infused (donuts are the new cupcakes).  All the bases are covered with a great auction and DJ Kasper K who will get the crowd dancing post-show.  Single tickets are $250 or reserved seating with table service for four is available for $2,500. For tickets or information, click here. All the cool people will be there…hope to see you there!

-Abby Silverman

Tags: 900 North Michigan Shops, ALS family support, ALS patient care, ALS research, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Anthony Rizzo, auction, Bull and Bear, Catwalk, chicago dj, Chicago Q, chicago restaurants, Cubs charity event, Darwin Barney, David DeJesus Family Foundation, DJ Kasper K, donut, Glazed and Infused, great bites, kerry wood, Kim DeJesus Family Foundation, Lindsay Barney, Monster Entertainment DJ, river east art center, RPM Italian, Sarah Wood, Shaw’s, Strike A Pose celebrity fashion show, strut, Wow Bao

Grand Slam Hit It Out of the Park

I attended the 6^th Annual Grand Slam Party at Rockit Bar & Grill last week and would love to tell you all about it…just in case you missed out. The Grand Slam party is an event that stems from the Bring Me Home campaign, which is an amazing union between the Chicago White Sox’s Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham and Children’s Home + Aid, a foster organization in Chicago.  The event was one of those unique experiences that, if you’re a White Sox fan, it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss in the future.  Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham took pictures with everyone who attended the event – including this lucky intern!  They were beyond friendly and nice to the fans and definitely loved interacting with the kids.  They had a silent auction with signed memorabilia from Konerko and Beckham, a special drawing to win 4 tickets to the August 20^th game vs. the Yankees, as well a raffle to win signed hats and baseballs from Beckham and Konerko!

I was fortunate enough to talk with Children Home + Aid’s President and CEO, Nancy Ronquillo to learn more about the relationship between the White Sox and the organization.  The idea to team up with a local kid’s charity came about 6 years ago when Paul Konerko and Jim Thome wanted to give back to the community, so they listened to various charities pitch their missions.  Enter Children’s Home + Aid.  They pitched their organization, which has been around for an impressive 129 years, and for Konerko it was an easy choice; his wife, Jen, was raised with foster siblings so the cause hit close to home.  In 2009 when Thome was no longer with the team, Gordon Beckham stepped up to the plate to lend a helping hand.  They’ve raised over $350,000 since the partnership began.  Children’s Home + Aid has over 1,000 kids in its system and they’re always looking for foster families, mentors, and volunteers for various events.

The Grand Slam party really was a great event and having the star power of two of the most well-known baseball players in the city on hand definitely helped…not to mention an appearance by Governor Quinn, a big White Sox fan – trust me, listening to him talk baseball was kind of amusing, I never would have guessed our Governor knew so much about the team, nor was so passionate about them; I was quite impressed.  The coolest thing I witnessed was the surprise live auction, which was for 4 Gold Coast Club tickets to an upcoming game as well as the opportunity to have your picture taken on the field with the players before the game; estimated value: $1,000.  The bidding quickly rose to over $2,000 at which point Konerko grabbed the mic to offer a little more incentive to get the bidding going a little higher.  At this point there were 4 people who were bidding against one another so Paulie asked them what it would take for them to get to $3,000.  Everyone started shouting out suggestions: throw out the first pitch, meet AJ Pierszynski before the game (to which Konerko said, “trust me, it’s not that great”), get a tour of the clubhouse, meet Robin Ventura, Konerko asked what all of that would be worth to the bidders; one said he’d go to $3,500.  The other 3 followed suit and said they would match that.  Instead of creating more of a bidding war, Paulie asked a staffer from the Sox if it would be possible to do 4 separate days, they said yes, so all four bidders won in the end.  Konerko also offered the bidders each a signed bat “for being good sports.”  The live auction brought in an impressive $14,000 for Children’s Home + Aid. Impressive right? I’d say so!

-Alex Chwastek

Tags: 6th Annual Grand Slam Party, AJ Pierszynski, August 20th game vs. the Yankees, baseballs, bidding, Bring me home campaign, ceo, Chicago White Sox, Children's Home + Aid, clubhouse, foster, Gold Coast Club, Gordon Beckham, governor pat quinn, hats, Jen Konerko, jim thome, local charity, mentors, Nancy Ronquillo, organization, Paul Konerko, raffle, Robin Ventura, rockit bar & grill, signed memorabilia, volunteers

Sox Superstars Paul Konerko & Gordon Beckham Go to Bat for Foster Kids!

Hi! My name is Cara Dickerson and I am the Empress…I mean Manager of Events for Children’s Home + Aid. We are SO excited to partner with Chicago White Sox stars Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham to kick off our 6^th Annual Bring Me Home Campaign…and I’m even more excited to tell you all about it!

On Sunday, June 10^th Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham invite you to join their team as they step up to the plate to help Illinois’ foster kids.  Meet and mingle with Chicago White Sox superstars Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham as they host the 6^th Annual Bring Me Home Campaign Grand Slam Party at Rockit Bar & Grill from 6-8pm.  Proceeds from this event benefit the foster care programs of Children’s Home + Aid, a leading child and family service agency.

Paul Konerko and Jim Thome launched the Bring Me Home Campaign in 2007, and in 2010 Gordon Beckham joined the Campaign to raise support for the needs of foster children through public awareness, advocacy and fundraising efforts, while also helping foster children and families directly through holiday gift drives and back-to-school shopping sprees.

To purchase tickets to the Grand Slam Party or to see how you can get involved with the Bring Me Home Campaign click here!

Here’s some more information about Children’s Home + Aid:

Each year Children’s Home + Aid serves nearly 40,000 children and families in need. Through its dedicated team of volunteers and staff who deliver more than 70 comprehensive social service programs throughout 40 Illinois counties, Children’s Home + Aid helps children and families overcome the overwhelming obstacles of poverty, abuse and neglect. Children’s Home + Aid is a compassionate advocate for the welfare of children and families. It is recognized as a leading social service agency because it continues to provide quality services to children and families, helping them to achieve healthy family structures and self-sufficiency.

By: Cara Dickerson

Tags: 2007, 2010, 6th Annual Bring Me Home Campaign, baseball, Cara Dickerson, Chicago White Sox, Children's Home + Aid, Family, foster, Gordon Beckham, grand slam party, jim thome, Paul Konerko, poverty, rockit bar & grill, school, social service agency, supplies, support, welfare

Chicago Cubs Kerry Wood 6th Annual Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife, Sarah, are holding the 6^th Annual Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament. Over the years with this fundraiser, they have raised over 2 million dollars for children in and around the Chicagoland area!

There will be 24 corporate-sponsored teams along with a celebrity captain on each one. This event takes place on September 18^th at 10Pin and is hosted by Eric & Kathy of 101.9fm THE MIX. If you want to get involved with this fundraiser you can! There is a silent auction taking place right NOW and closes at 10pm on Saturday, September 17^th.  Online bidders will be represented by proxy at the event and notified about their winning bids. Definitely go take a look at what’s available- there are autographed baseballs, tickets to Saturday Night Live, and so much more!

The Wood Family Foundation is really dedicated to raising funds for children’s charities and causes, and overall just improving their lives. Take a look at what they do here www.WoodFamilyFoundation.org and for more information on the Celebrity Bowling Tournament!

- Rhea Drougas

Tags: 101.9, 10Pin, Celebrity Bowling Tournament, charity events, chicago, chicago cubs, chicago weekend events, cubs, eric and kathy, kerry wood, Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling, online auction, Sarah Wood, Saturday night live, the mix, Wood Family Foundation

Dempster Family Foundation’s “Casino Night”

Ryan Dempster is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and has over thirteen years of MLB experience. He has been with the Cubs for the past eight years! His daughter, Riley, was born in 2009 with the genetic disorder 22q, which prompted him and his wife to start the Dempster Family foundation. The disease is a chromosomal abnormality that causes a very wide range of health issues. Not only does the disease cause developmental issues, but it also is the source of heart defects, autism, and immune system problems. Currently, a cure does not exist and children suffering from the disease require significant medical attention.

I strongly urge you to support the cause. A night filled with mingling with sports celebrities, dining on fabulous food & drinks, gambling, & bidding in a unique auction will be taking place at the Palmer House Hilton on July 20th. Ryan and Jenny Dempster are hosting their second annual Casino Night benefiting the Dempster Family Foundation. The Dempster Family Foundation supports those suffering with 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge Syndrome/VCFS). Help raise awareness and support research of the disease by attending this extraordinary event. General Admission, along with “high roller”, tickets are still available through the Foundation’s website: http://dempsterfamilyfoundation.org/casinonight/casino-night-tickets/.

The Ryan and Jenny Dempster Family Foundation aims to support families with children suffering from 22q. The foundation gives back through increased awareness, monetary grants to charities, and programs. Researching for early detection of the disorder and helping children gain confidence and strength is of utmost importance. Along with supporting research and awareness, the Dempster Foundation helps foster a network for the families affected by the disease. This network allows families to determine the best treatment path for the diagnosed and connect with others enduring the same difficult situation.

-Kaitlin Kelly, Intern

Tags: 22Q, auction, autism, Casino NIght, celebrities, charity, Dempster Family Foundation, Drink, food, Heart Defects, Immune System, Jenny Dempster, palmer house, ryan dempster, sports

Chicago Cubs’ 1st Annual “Wrigleyville Block Party!”

Hey BillyDec.com readers! Matt Kochis here, Summer Intern for Billy – thought I would share this fun event happening this weekend! The Chicago Cubs are throwing their first ever “Wrigleyville Block Party!” This block party is inspired by the one-day festival held last year during the Northwestern-Illinois football game at Wrigley. The festival, nicknamed “Wildcat Way,” ended up being a great success and the Cubs are hoping the same for their three-day one. I was able to attend the Wildcat Way last year and had a blast at it. Between the food, drinks, good people, and the game, what was not to like? This block party will take place across three weekends during the summer weekend series against the Yankees, Sox, and Cardinals.

The Wrigleyville Block Party will feature live music from some of Chicago’s top cover bands, family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, a basketball hoop attached to PNC Bank’s Virtual Wallet Van, a photo booth, a Wii Home Run Derby station, and the new Cubs Trolley complete with eight flat-screen TVs, video game consoles and more. This block party sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun and a great way for the Cubs to provide something extra for their fans. It’s nice to see them giving back to their supporters and wanting them to have an awesome time at Wrigley besides just watching the game. Rockit Wrigley is also right across the street so if you ever get hungry or thirsty and don’t want what the block party offers, there are other options out there!

The festivities will take place on the Cubs’ red and purple parking lots which are located on the west side of Wrigley Field. Party will start at 11 a.m. and go until 8 p.m. daily throughout the festival weekends starting on June 17. Come on out and support the Cubs and join in on the fun that Wrigleyville has to offer!

Tags: chicago, chicago cubs, chicago festivals, cubs, family events in chicago, home run derby, northwestern, pnc bank, summer in chicago, trolley, wii, wildcat way, wrigley field, wrigleyville block party