#Foodiechats will Share Our Strength and Rockit for No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats ”Food Trends” 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser

Monday, May 13, 2013

Hosted by Rockit Ranch Productions @ Rockit Bar and Grill

5:30pm-8:30pm

Benefactor: No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats is very excited to bring people together from all over the world for our 2-year celebration fundraiser. Our theme for the evening is “Food Trends.”

Our event will be taking place on Twitter of course and live in Chicago, at Rockit Bar and Grill. All ticket proceeds will benefit the amazing charity, No Kid Hungry.

Those in Chicago who want to attend our event, click “Donate Now” and in the “Other,” field enter your donation of $46 to attend our celebration.

You may be wondering why $46 to attend…One $46 Donation provides one child with one year of meals!

Included in your $46 donation will be incredible cuisine provided by Sunda, Ay Chiwowa, and Rockit Bar and Grill.  Each restaurant will set up as a pop up restaurant inside Rockit Bar and Grill! You’ll have a chance to feast on three of Rockit Ranch Productions Restaurants all in one night!

#Foodiechats is a Hashtag Twitter Chat every Monday 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST- hosted by Founder, Steve Green.

Through the power of our Hashtag #Foodiechats, Foodies from around the world join in the conversation. We’re excited to “Share Our Strength” as a community during our 2-year celebration to provide hundreds of children with a year of meals for only $46! How amazing!

To our #Foodiechats community all over the world who are unable to attend, your help during this one of a kind Live an Online event will help make a difference. We ask that you donate what ever you can afford; even $5 helps their cause.

We look forward to eating and tweeting with all of you! Join #Foodiechats every Monday on Twitter at 7pm CST/8pm EST

Check out out #Foodiechats 1-year Video:

Steve Green – @steveGOgreen

Founder of #Foodiechats

Tags: "Food Trends" 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser, 2013, @Foodiechats, and Rockit Bar and Grill, Ay Chiwowa, billy dec, cuisine provided by Sunda, events on Monday, foodie events in chicago, May 13, no kid hungry, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch productions, share your strength, steve go green, Steve Green - @steveGOgreen Founder of #Foodiechats

Billy Dec Discusses State of Restaurant Industry on WBBM FM Radio Business Hour

Andy Giersher of WBBM’s Noon Business Hour discusses today’s Restaurant Industry with Rockit Ranch Productions’ CEO/Founder, Billy Dec! Click this link to listen: WBBM FM Radio Noon Biz Hour

Billy and Andy cover various elements of dining and nightlife experiences including ::

1.) Visiting restaurants for an “elevated entertainment experience” …to be part of a community

2.) Why are restaurants so noisy

3.) Changing restaurant trends due to the recession

4.) Where Chicago stands in the US and the World as a “restaurant city”

5.) Can people really work their way up from the bottom to the top in a restaurant career

6.) The restaurant industry’s affect on local jobs

Tags: 105.9FM, 780AM, andy giersher, billy dec, CBS Radio, chicago, community, culinary, Employment, Entertainment Industry, Fine Dining, foodie, Lunch Money Friday, News Radio, Noon Business Hour, Radio, reality tv, Recession, Restaurant Industry, restaurants, rockit ranch productions, talent, trends, WBBM

Rave Runs Bring New Style to Chicago’s 5k

Hey Chicago!  I’m Kendall Rozell, the newest addition to Billy Dec’s intern team at Rockit Ranch Productions.  I have never been too keen on going for a run – the part that really excites me is listening to my favorite type of music, electronic dance.  So when the new trend of the Rave Run started spreading around Chicago, I knew I had to join in!

While running can be very serious and solitary, why not change it up by running in a 5k with glow sticks and dance music but still benefitting great causes?  This running season the Chicagoland area is being treated to three different glow-in-the-dark races

On Saturday, April 27th join runners from all over Chicago at Grant Park for The Rave Run.  Where adrenaline pumping music and special effects lights will pave the way of the course.  The Rave Run focuses on being happy and healthy as you run into a nocturnal world of lights.  The proceeds go to benefit local Chicago charities that are announced closer to the date of the race.

If you can’t make it then, try Living Social’s Glow-in-the-Dark 5k Dance Party on Saturday, June 1st at Soldier Field!  This race allows you to run around the stadium, and then join all the other participants for an after-party on the field, where the Bears play!  The proceeds help Mercy Corps and d.light bring 500 solar lanterns to schoolchildren in Somalia, so they can read and study at night.  So run in lights for lights!

Finally, on Saturday, June 15th try running again in Grant Park for The Glo Run.  It’s the same deal, a 5k at night with great music and lights!  The proceeds benefit Back on My Feet, which uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change how they see themselves!

It doesn’t matter which one you choose because they all have one thing in common…glow swag, dancing, and after parties.  Celebrate your love of running with these new, innovative, charity-driven races!  If it can get me running, then I’m willing to bet these are going to be fun!  If you have any additional questions visit The Rave Run, Living Social, or The Glo Run for more details.

-Kendall Rozell

Tags: Back on My Feet, billy dec, charity, chicago, d.light, dance, dj, electronic dance, Glo Run, glow in the dark, glow sticks, grant park, house music, intern, lights, Living Social, Mercy Corp, Music, neon, rave, Rave Run, rockit ranch productions, running, Soldier Field, Somalia, techno

‘Working In The Schools’ Needs Your Help

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

“Eras of Hope” Where Fundraising and Fashion Meet Again!

Hi, Chicago! This is Sarah Vargo from Maven, creator of The Diva Series, Divo Series and author of the upcoming book, Life Is Your Party. Excited to stop by Billy’s blog and say hello!

I am on the Executive Host Committee for One Hope United’s “Eras of Hope” this Saturday, April 6^th, 6-10pm at Hubbard Inn, 110 West Hubbard. Join us as we travel through time to celebrate One Hope United’s 118-year history of protecting children and strengthening families with our fashion event supporting the Blue Ribbon campaign and Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

And as if raising money and awareness for a wonderful cause wasn’t wonderful enough…you get to dress up in your favorite featured era! The event will offer a fashion show produced by Benjamin Cottrell Designs featuring four fantastic designers creating looks from four different eras.

Thrilling Thirties: Borris Powell
Fabulous Fifties: Tamara Nicole
Super Seventies: Garic Stephens
Into the Future: Calvin Tran

Natalie Martinez (NBC Chicago) will be our fierce emcee and we have a dynamo event team:

HOST COMMITTEE:

Philip Jones
Andrea Metcalf
Lisa Lockwood
Brian Tomkins
Jetta Bates
Marisa Buchheit
Carmen Rivera
Justin Jacobson

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Benjamin Cottrell: Benjamin Cottrell Designs
Marco Foster: Chicago Models
Jenaeth Markaj: One Hope United
Glenn Murray: 220 Communications
Sarah Vargo: Maven

Brand Relations Specialist: Shari Duffy

Bites and beverages provided by Hubbard Inn, St. Claire Vodka, and Aged 2 Perfection. Hair styling by Strange Beauty Show.

Saturday, April 6th from 6PM -10PM at Hubbard Inn

$50 general admission in advance
$100 VIP tickets –pre-sale only

Read more about One Hope United, purchase tickets and RSVP to the Facebook invite.

Thanks for your love and support – come find me on the dance floor!

Much love, Sarah

Tags: charity, child abuse prevention month, designers, fashion, fundraising, one hope united, runway, vip

F.A.M.E.’s 2nd Annual Fundraiser: An Evening of FAME at Columbia College!

Hey Chicago performing arts community! This is Lily Liu, President of Lily’s Talent Agency and President and Founder of Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.), 501 (C)(3).  I want to tell you about F.A.M.E.’s 2^nd annual fundraiser An Evening of FAME on May 22, 2013 at 6pm at Columbia College.

An Evening of FAME consists of the final round in the talent competition, silent auction, appetizer and cocktail hours.  The competition finalists will be judged by industry celebrities and the winners will receive a scholarship to help them further their career!  Currently confirmed to judge at An Evening of FAME is Fabrice Calmels the lead dancer of the Joffrey Ballet, Whitney Kraus from Million Dollar Quartet and Nan Giordano from Giordano Dance Chicago.  Other celebrities with close ties in and to Chicago will make appearances at the event to support FAME.

Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) provides local Chicago performing artists with financial aid and mentorship to advance their performing careers and turn their dreams into reality.

Be sure to follow F.A.M.E. out on FACEBOOK and TWITTER!

-Lily Liu

Tags: 2nd annual fundraiser, an evening of FAME, Art, Artists Mentored in Entertainment, columbia college, F.A.M.E., Fabrice Calmels, lead dancer of the Joffrey Ballet, lily liu, lily's talent agency, May 22nd 2013, Nan Giordano Giordano Dance Chicago, scholarship, talent, Whitney Kraus Million Dollar Quartet

Help Local Chicago Singer Katie Quick Raise Money Through Kick Starter!

Hey Chicago! This is Katie Quick, singer/songwriter and former Chicago Public School teacher here to tell you about my latest project, and how YOUR involvement can help inspire thousands of kids around country!

I began my journey teaching 6^th grade on Chicago’s south side.  I used my music in the classroom as a way to motivate and inspire my inner-city kids, and even though it helped bring them much-needed success, I realized that I could be an even better teacher outside the classroom.  So in 2007, I left my teaching job not only to pursue my career in music, but to show my students that anything was possible.  Since then, I found tons of success as an independent artist, recording two albums, touring the world, winning awesome contests like the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and most recently appearing in Broadway’s Rock of Ages and on ABC’s Katie Couric Show.  But my proudest accomplishment came in 2010, when I developed and launched The Fingertips Program, an inspirational school assembly that combines live music and motivational speaking, encouraging students to find their passion and follow their dreams.  My life had finally come full circle. Over 100 schools and 50,000 students later, I am still on that same mission to inspire.  In order to do so, I must continue being the example of someone who will stop at nothing to achieve her dream.

This is why I need your help.  I have until April 4^th to raise the funds necessary to record my third studio album.  Once I reach my all-or-nothing goal of $10,000, I will be donating two Fingertips Program assemblies to schools in need, free of charge.  For every $500 over my goal, I will be donating yet another assembly.  So as you can see, this project is about so much more an album.  It’s about showing these kids that even the most impossible dream can be reached.  To pledge for some great rewards, please visit my Kickstarter page below, or you can link directly through my website at www.katiequick.com.  Thank you so much for always supporting me, Chicago.

Click here to pledge!

-Katie Quick 

Tags: ABC’s Katie Couric Show, chicago singer, John Lennon Songwriting Competition, katie quick, kickstarter, pledge

Autism Speaks to Young Professionals Supports Autism Awareness Month with Illuminate Event

AS2YP Chicago will be hosting Illuminate on April 6th at the Joffrey Ballet Studio to celebrate Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign and April as Autism Awareness Month. The event is now sold out, but read on to learn how to get on the waitlist and support AS2YP in other ways!

Autism affects 1 in 88 children in the United States – what can Chicago do to help? Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP) calls Chicagoans to commemorate Autism Awareness month and to help Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue this April!

Step One:

Join AS2YP – Chicago for Illuminate, a cocktail reception, taking place on April 6, 2013 from 7-10 p.m. at the Joffrey Ballet Tower. The event includes tasting stations from Chicago restaurants (Rockit Bar & Grill is one of them!), an open bar (courtesy of Goose Island and Bacardi USA), raffle and silent auction, music and most importantly, the opportunity to help Autism Speaks change the future for everyone who struggles with autism. Click here to put your name on the Illuminate wait list, donate to the event or to purchase a tribute to honor a loved one!

Step Two:

Do your part to Light It Up Blue. Wear blue on April 2^nd, World Autism Awareness Day, and purchase blue Autism Speaks light bulbs from Home Depot to light up your own home. With the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, buildings throughout Chicago will Light It Up Blue. Keep your eye on the blue skyline all month, join us for our city-wide events and take the opportunity to raise awareness about autism!

Step Three:

Become involved with AS2YP – Chicago beyond Illuminate and Autism Awareness month. AS2YP is making Chicago a more autism-friendly city, playing in LTS Chicago’s sports leagues, planning fundraisers, networking…you name it, we do it, and we invite you to join us! Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about AS2YP and to learn more about membership opportunities. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive daily updates on Illuminate and our other activities!

-Tori Tasch, PR Chair for Illuminate, AS2YP Chicago’s annual event

Tags: as2yp, autism-friendly, bacardi usa, city-wide events, events on april 6th, facebook, goose island, home depot, illuminate, joffrey ballet tower, light it up blue, LTS Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Music, rockit bar & grill, silent auction, tori tasch, twitter

A “Cheeky” Night of Spring Fashion

Hey Chicago! This is Lauren from Sugar & Spice lifestyle blog here to tell you about a fabulous event coming to Michigan Ave next week! If you’re a Chicago chick and haven’t heard about CheekyChicago.com, then come out of hiding and check these girls out! Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Cheeky co-founders, are two go-getters who above all else believe that women should empower each other. Jessica and Erica want to encourage Chicago girls to live a happy, and “cheeky” lifestyle in the city, and part of the way they do this is by hosting awesome events! These lovely gals are once again bringing you their Annual Real People of Style Spring Fashion Show on March 21^st!

This event is a night of fashion, food, and fun produced by Platinum Events that you simply can’t miss. I don’t know about you, but a healthy dose of spring fashion will do wonders to cure my end- of- winter blues. This year, the event is being held at the 900 North Michigan Shops. Each year, Jessica and Erica choose ten of Chicago’s most stylish to rock the runway. Graham Kostic of Glossed and Found, as well as Kelly Ryan O’Brien of Chicago Blogger Network are just two of the models who will grace the catwalk in fresh spring styles curated by AdoptedSTYLE and The View from 5 ft. 2”.  And if that isn’t enough of a reason to come out, how about some delicious appetizers from new hot spot Siena Tavern, paired with Apothic Wines, EFFEN cocktails and Peroni. DJ AT will provide the beats, and the party continues to Drumbar after the show. I’ve also been hearing that Florence Welch may even be making an appearance!? If you want to get in on this special event, head here to purchase a ticket for just $25.00.  This is sure to be a great night you won’t want to miss, so grab your girlfriends and lets get “Cheeky”!  Also, to ensure that you’re in the know about the next great event coming your way, check out Sugar& Spice!

-Lauren

Tags: 900 North Michigan Shops, Cheeky Chicago, Chicago Blogger Network, Drumbar, fashion show, Florence Welch, Glossed and Found, Platinum Events, Siena Tavern, spring fashion, style

Human Rights Watch Special Film Screening on March 28th

Can you relate to dealing with a struggle of opinion, being stuck teetering on what morals and ideals you choose to support?  This identifiable theme can be found, in one way or another, in many people’s lives all across the World, which is why this remarkable film by Lise Birk Pedersen is one not to miss, as she transports us over to Russia.

On March 28^th, The Chicago Committee of Human Rights Watch will hold a very special screening, Putin’s Kiss. It is an engaging and moving story of struggle and politics during the Putin era in Russia.  Through the screening, you will experience a first-hand glace of Russia’s political climate through the eyes and struggle of a 19-year old girl, Masha.

Join Masha on her journey beginning with full support of the Nashi Youth Movement and Putin’s policies aiming to remove Russia’s “enemies” which focus on those who support controversial issues, investigative journalists, and human rights defenders.  However, through mixing and mingling with a new set of friends, Masha starts to question Nashi’s beliefs and it’s leaders, causing great angst and confusion.  Come along on her journey, and you will discover what shocking event leads her to make an ultimate decision between the two groups.

After this emotional screening, stick around for a panel discussion to dig even deeper into the context with Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division, Rachel Denber, and other special guests.  To round out this memorable night, cap off the evening with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Held at the beautiful Museum of Contemporary Art, the MCA galleries will be open for viewing as well.

For ticket information and purchasing, click here!  The film serieswill continue on Monday nights at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, April 8^th- May 6^th.

-Amanda Macchitelli

Tags: gene siskel film center, museum of contemporary art, Nashi Youth Movement, pecial screening, Putin era in Russia, Putin’s Kiss, The Chicago Committee of Human Rights Watch