Cocktails w/ Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis & Teammates for Education at Rockit!

***UPDATED Monday, June 10th, 2013. Rashied Davis will host this year’s “Cocktails for Education” again at Rockit Bar and Grill – Tuesday June 11th from 6-9pm. For more info and tickets, click HERE!***

Fans of the Bears, helping the community, Education, great food & drink, meeting amazing people… This event is for you!!!  Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis has supported my philanthropic events for art, theatre, feeding poor.. for years.. and I am honored to help him get the word out about how his huge heart has taken it to the next level by hosting his own huge party for a wonderful cause on Tuesday May 17th from 6-8p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard)!

This amazing event will support Rashied Davis Charities’ efforts to “teach students how to overcome obstacles to success through inspiration, preparation and discipline.” They help empower the fundamentals of reading, writing and speech to underserved kids teaching them how to apply tools to problem solve, communicate properly and just be an all around contributing member of society. I’m fully on board w/their mission, I have often talked about how communication leads to relationship building which leads to personal growth and opportunities.. And I’m always behind a fun time to help accomplish all of that!

So join us May 17th!  You can mingle with a bunch of Chicago Bears like Lance Briggs, Alex Brown, Anthony Adams, Jerry Azumah, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox… different local celebrities, media, and all around fun supporters from everywhere who just care like you… cocktails, appetizers, silent auction & more… Get your tickets now: http://rashieddavischarities.org/homepage.aspx and I’ll see you there!

Tags: alex brown, anthony adams, bears, bears 2011, billy dec, charity, charity events, chicago, chicago bears, chicago event listing, chicago summer events, earl bennett, football, fundraiser, jerry azumah, johnny knox, lance briggs, rashied davis, rashied davis charities, rockit, rockit bar, rockit bar and grill, silent auction, sports

‘Working In The Schools’ Needs Your Help

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

PAWS CHICAGO’S “Animal Magnetism”

Hey Chicago!! It’s 103.5 KISS-FM‘s morning diva, Angi Taylor, guest blogging to talk about the amazing PAWS event Animal Magnetism I want you all to know about!

Ever thought it would be fun to get dressed-up, get the family pooch (or pooches!) dressed-up, and hit the town together for a swanky night out?  You can, AND you’ll be raising money for PAWS Chicago at the same time. Win-win!

PAWS Chicago’s Seventh Annual Animal Magnetism event will take place at Galleria Marchetti, on Friday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Hosted by former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and myself, Special Guests Alison Victoria of Kitchen Crashers and Susanna Negovan of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Not only will you walk the red carpet with your dapper dog, enjoy amazing food, and be able to dance the night away together, but your 4-legged pal will also be treated to their own doggie buffet!  A benefit wouldn’t be complete without an amazing silent auction, too.  This year’s items include:

• Lollapalooza 3-day passes (Helloooo, Jay-Z is rumored to be headlining!)
• Cannon digital camcorder
• The Ultimate Four Season Hotel experience
• Many, many more exclusive items

MORE ABOUT PAWS CHICAGO:

Founded in 1997, PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) is the Midwest’s largest non-profit, No Kill humane organization.  PAWS Chicago envisions a No Kill Chicago – a city in which no pets are destroyed just because they are homeless. Working toward that goal, PAWS Chicago is on track to find homes for more than 5,600 pets out of the cageless, No Kill Adoption & Humane Center and to perform free and low cost spay/neuter surgeries for more than 18,000 pets in 2013.

Get your tickets here, and we’ll see you and your pup on the dance floor!

-Angi Taylor

Tags: 103.5, angi taylor, Animal Magnetism, four seasons hotel, guest blogger, jerry azumah, kiss fm, lollapalooza, paws Chicago

Chicago Bears Alum Anthony Adams Dancing with Chicago Celebrities at Arthur Murray for Breast Cancer

a Chicago Thing readers:
In my quest to make a fool out of myself on countless occasions, this is an occasion where I can raise money for breast cancer. I am honored to be participating in Arthur Murray Dancing with Chicago Celebrities. Participating in this great event gives me a chance to do what I love: Dance and Compete!

First of all, I love to dance. Dancing for a great cause gives me more incentive to do what I already love. Arthur Murray is raising money for breast cancer and it motivates you to dance because the quote is, “We’re Fighting Breast Cancer With Every Step We Dance!”

Secondly, I love to compete! There is a chance for me to win the MVP Award which goes out to the celebrity who can raise the money for breast cancer. So, I want to win the overall competition and the MVP Award. You can donate money here:
https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/DancingWithChicagoCelebrities_1/makeadonation.html
Scroll down to my name and donate money. Remember, the best nation is donation!

The event will take place March 8, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Wacker Drive. It will be in the Regency Ballroom. Festivities begin at 6pm. Doors to ballroom open at 7pm. For tickets and more details click here http://www.amdwcc.org.

- Anthony Adams

Tags: anthony adams, arthur murray, breast cancer, brian urlacher, Carmen DeFalco, chicago bears, Chicago Celebrities, Dancing With The Stars, Danny Zederman, Double A, football, Harry Teinowitz, hyatt regency, jerry azumah, John Jurkovic, Matt Forte, Peggy Kusinski, ryan chiaverini, Sean Jenson, Spice Adams

“Boardwalk Empire” Michael Shannon and Billy Dec Host 20th Anniversary of A Red Orchid Theatre

Michael Shannon of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and villain General Zod in the upcoming blockbuster, MAN OF STEEL, is currently receiving rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway production of GRACE.

Soon he will come home to Chicago for one exciting night of celebration with the theatre company he co-founded 20 years ago to Host with Billy Dec the 20^th Anniversary of A Red Orchid Theatre on Mon, Nov 12th. This fantastic benefit evening will start with an exclusive VIP Dinner at Sunda New Asian, and continue at The Underground with a cocktail party and auction, featuring an EXTRA WALK-ON ROLE* in HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, an amazing Napa experience, phenomenal Bears tickets, a thrilling night in Vegas, and much more!

Tickets are going fast and can be reserved online at www.aredorchidtheatre.org or by calling (312)943-8722. Join Billy Dec, Michael Shannon and A Red Orchid Theatre’s Ensemble to celebrate in style the 20^th anniversary of this acclaimed, cutting edge theatre company! *(non-speaking, non-credited). – Jen Sultz

Tags: A Red Orchid Theatre, billy dec, Boardwalk Empire, broadway, General Zod, Grace, hbo, Man of Steel, Michael Shannon, sunda, Superman, the underground

Nike North v South Softball Battle w/ White Sox AJ Pierzynski, Bears Johnny Knox, Rockit Ranch Billy Dec & more!

Via Meghan Goulette: Had such a fun afternoon in the park yesterday with our CEO, Billy Dec, after invited to watch him play in the Nike Northside vs Southside Challenge. White Sox player AJ Pierzynski may have coached the Southside team to a victory, but Billy and the Northside crew gave them a  run for their money (led by Johnny Knox of the Chicago Bears who stepped in to coach when Cubs’ Ryan Dempster ended up on DL). The event showcased the Nike Fuel Band, keeping stats on calories (check the video for Johnny poking a little fun at Billy’s stats), steps & more…I actually just bought the band for my dad! Highlight of the game by far was Billy’s double play complete with a sky high catch (AJ coined it the “2nd best catch ever”…see what he called first best in the video). Shout out to all the players listed below!

Billy Dec
Trevor Kuhn
Tim Seong
Brotha Fred
Lisa Frame
Edgar Rico
Frank Cashmost
Adam Crouch
Chris Sifuentes
Berj Alexanian
Marie Purvis
Julie DiCaro
Frank Kladis
Players Player
AJ Pierzynski
Ernest Wilkins
Kayla Duffy
Michael Myers
Alex Gallegos
Kristin Cullinan
Frankie Loeza
DJDimepiece
Julie Zakarias
Joe Cowley
Kelli Zink
Twitter Player
Michael Bittles

Tags: AJ Pierszynski, baseball, bears, billy dec, chicago, cubs, football, Fuel Band, johnny knox, Nike, white sox

Misericordia Artist In All

Hi readers! Mary Frances Bragiel from WLS-AM 890 here! The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago has competition. Think modern European, think contemporary, think Misericordia. A home in Chicago that supports more than six hundred children and adults with developmental disabilities. Hundreds of Misericordia residents spend their time during the year creating works of art on canvasses, ceramics, wood, glass and jewelry, never allowing their disability to get in the way of their creativity. As a result the 15th annual “Artist In All” event will take place Wednesday, May 23rd in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Guests of the event get the opportunity to bid on hundreds of pieces of original works created by the residents, in conjunction with the assistance of the dedicated staff. One item up for grabs this year is a reproduction of The Picasso, which currently sits in Daley Plaza . While the sculpture on display is brown, the painting has been done in rich, vibrant colors by a number of Misericordia residents.  Entitled “Picasso Meets Pollock” the artists began their search for an inspiring signature piece and two artists came to mind, namely Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.

Lovie and MaryAnne Smith are once again honorary chairs for Artist In All.  The money raised helps support Misericordia which sits on a 31 acre campus in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

Thanks for reading – Mary Frances

Tags: Artist in All, chicago, Chicago art event, Daley Plaza, Jackson Pollock, Lovie Smith, Mary Anne Smith, Mary Frances Bragiel, Misericordia, Modern Wing of Art Institute, Pablo Picasso, Rogers Park, WLS 890 AM

Jerry Azumah: 4th Annual ASAP Signature Bowling Event

Hello my fellow Chicagoans! My name is Micaeh Johnson and I’m the Executive Director of the Azumah Student Assistance Program. I’m guest blogging today to tell you all about our 4^th Annual Signature Bowling Event taking place this Wednesday but first… let me take it back a few years.

In 2009, All Pro, Former Chicago Bear, Jerry Azumah and I attended a charity event at the House of Blues for President Bill Clinton.  During our visit with the former White House resident, President Clinton said something that would stick with me forever. He mentioned contributions from American households comprise 75% of all giving to nonprofits every year. I looked at my friend and event co-chair, Jerry and smiled knowing the work we did for the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) that included small donations from our tight and influential network, was a piece of that 75% and our efforts were a part of a bigger picture. A picture that includes over 1,300 listed charities in the Chicagoland area alone!

Every day, Chicagoans attend events that contribute to programs supporting cancer research, environmental concerns, preservation of the arts and like ours, resources for education.  At ASAP, besides opening our mouths for support and soliciting corporate support, we produce ridiculously fun events several times a year.  On Wednesday May 16^th from 6-10pm, we’re hosting our 4^th Annual Signature Bowling Event at Lucky Strike Lanes.

Now in our 4^th event year, the best memory of all the events was when I saw these larger than life personalities and athletes roll in with their teeny bowling bags and personalized balls for the first time. I realized competition was not just reserved for the court, field or on the greens. It was a way of life! A life that included fun, awareness and giving back where one is not independent of the other. Even our founder, Jerry has a painted Chicago Bear on his bowling ball. So off with the helmets and celeb façade and bring on the competition. The bowling tournament pairs fans, sponsors and local celebs up for a night of sheer glee, charity and competition.  All right, time to grab your bowling balls (spectators welcome too!) and plan to have some major fun while making a contribution to a bigger picture!

Tickets are still available and are only $75

Purchase your ticket HERE

-Micaeh Johnson

Tags: 4th Annual, ASAP Foundation, Assistance, Azumah Student Assistance Program, celebs, charity, chicago bears, corporate, house of blues, jerry azumah, Local, Lucky Strike, nonprofits, President Clinton, Students, white house

Rock Away Racism At The Hard Rock Hotel

When my eyes first glanced at the list of Yelp! Chicago events coming up, one stood out. It included the words, “Rock” & “Racism”…so as a music lover & minority I was naturally intrigued. As I read on, it became apparent to me that I had one place to be on Thursday, February 23^rd and that was The Hard Rock Hotel.

For the 3^rd year in a row, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Future Leaders Council is putting on a concert, called Rock Away Racism. The YWCA’s mission is ‘dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.’ So by throwing this concert they hope to bring awareness to the issue of racism as well as promote inclusiveness through music celebration. They’ve rallied up some of the best emerging artists from our city to rock out and the best part about it is that’s for a great cause.

You can expect to see Jess Godwin, Endiskize, DJ Madrid and Jamiah “On Fire” & The Red Machine hit the Hard Rock Hotel stage for this three- hour concert. Raffle tickets will be floating around the Hard Rock so for just $10 you enter yourself for a chance to win an iPad, free hotel stays, spa packages, gift cards, or my favorite: Chicago Bulls “Portrait of an Era” book, Chicago Bears memorabilia, Chicago White Sox A.J. Pierzynski autographed baseball, Chicago Cubs stained glass panel!!

General Admission: Includes concert ticket and cash bar- $35

VIP: Includes concert ticket, lounge area, open bar and food- $85

By securing your spot at the concert your supporting YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, which is the OLDEST women-focused social service organization in Chicago!!

For tickets visit their site here.

Hope to see you there!

-Amanda Rivera

Tags: DJ Madrid, Endiskize, Hard Rock Hotel, Jamiah "On Fire" & The Red Machine, Jess Godwin, Rock Away Racism, women, YWCA

CHICAGO BEARS: BEHIND-THE-SCENES HOLIDAY HUDDLE AT HALAS HALL

Start calling the plays and bring your friends and family to the Holiday Huddle at Halas Hall. We see what goes down when the Bears take to the field, ready to play, but what do they do to prepare for game-day? Find out on December 9 from 6:00pm-8:30pm at Halas Hall when the team opens their doors “for a rare glimpse inside the headquarters and behind-the-scenes tours of their training facilities and Walter Payton Center.”

Mingle with current Chicago Bears players, alumni, staff and Chicago sports personalities as you take a guided tour through the gym and field house. Tickets are $125 per person, with proceeds benefiting The Gridiron Alliance. “Organized to help improve the lives of people who have been seriously injured or paralyzed playing school sports,” The Gridiron Alliance provides outreach and aims to prevent future injuries. To purchase tickets & learn more about their mission here: www.gridironalliance.org. Hope to see you on the field!

-  Evan Jones

Tags: chicago bears, December 9, Fieldhouse, football, Gym, Halas Hall, Holiday Huddle, sports, Sports Injuries, The Gridiron Alliance, Walter Payton Center