Hot Stove Cool Music Concert to Feature Poi Dog Pondering, Parkington Sisters, Brede Baldwin & Kay Hanley at The Metro Chicago

I’m thrilled to share an event with you that I’m really looking forward to, which will help a number of youth nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area. Theo Epstein (Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations) and his brother Paul Epstein’s “The Foundation to Be Named Later” is bringing Hot Stove Cool Music back to Chicago this Friday at Metro Chicago, and we hope you can join us for this unforgettable event! A limited number of tickets are still available by visiting www.metrochicago.com or by clicking here.

This is the second time this popular event will be taking place in Chicago, while it has been occurring annually in Theo’s old home of Boston since its inception more than ten years ago. When Theo became a part of the Cubs organization, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to expand this terrific cause by bringing it along with him to Chicago. This year, we have a variety of talented musical acts taking the stage – all in the name of charity.  Dropkick Murphys’ front man Ken Casey was just added to the musical lineup, which will make this event even more fantastic. Also performing will be Poi Dog Pondering, Brede Baldwin, Jimmy Chamberlin from The Smashing Pumpkins, the Parkington Sisters, Scott Lucas from Local H, the Hot Stove All Stars featuring Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons and former Letters to Cleo vocalist, Kay Hanley.

Hot Stove Cool Music is not just a concert, but a night of celebrating music, baseball, and giving back. Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper will also be in attendance, as well as comedian Joel Murray – a Chicago favorite! – who will emcee the night. And we’ll take a brief break from the music to auction off an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime prize – two tickets to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup in Chicago on June 22 to see your Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins!

With your help, we hope to raise money for multiple Chicago nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Children’s Choir, City Year Chicago, Girls in the Game, Family Reach Foundation, Chicago Wapiti RFC, Late Night Peace Basketball League and Garfield Park Little League. A portion of this year’s proceeds will also go to the Boston Marathon victims’ One Fund Boston.

The Foundation To Be Named Later was launched in 2005 by Theo and Paul, with the mission to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies who work on the front lines to serve disadvantaged youth and families. The Foundation invests in programs that teach leadership, education and healthy development of families. Throughout its existence, we’ve been able to give more than $6 million in grants and in-kind donations to more than 220 nonprofit organizations, and sent approximately 3,500 children to Fenway Park for a ball game. The Peter Gammons/FTBNL College Scholarship is the signature program of the Foundation, and has sent more than 30 young people with high financial needs and high educational potential to the college of their choice. Each Gammons Scholar receives an adult mentor and a laptop computer to ensure college success, and it’s a program we are all proud to support.

We hope you can make it out to Metro Chicago this Friday, June 21 for an amazing night of music, baseball and giving back, all to help support disadvantaged youth and families in the Chicago area. Again, a limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.metrochicago.com.

See you all there!   -Allyce Najimy, The Foundation To Be Named Later CEO & Executive Director

Tags: blackhawks, Boston, Boston Marathon, Brede Baldwin, Bruins, chicago, chicago children's choir, chicago cubs, Chicago Wapiti RFC, Chicago Year Chicago, cubs, Dropkick Murphys, Family Reach Foundation, Fen way Park, fundraiser, Garfield Park Little League, Girls in the Game, Hot Stove Cool Music, Jimmy Chamberlin, Joey Murray, Kay Hanley, Ken Casey, Late Night Peace Basketball League, Len Kasper, Letters to Cleo, Local H, metro, One Fund Boston, Parkington Sisters, Paul Epstein, Peter Gammons, Poi Dog Pondering, Scott Lucas, smashing pumpkins, The Foundation to Be Named Later, The Metro, Theo Epstein

Lake Michigan is officially open for business with the Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show kicking off summer, June 13-16

What better way to spend Father’s Day weekend than experiencing the fun of boating? If you missed the Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show last year, don’t miss out this year! Chicago’s premier boating event returns to the new, state-of-the-art marina 31^st Street Harbor, June 13-16, with hundreds of the newest boats and marine accessories for sale, on-water activities, education and daily entertainment. Plus, anyone can get their feet wet for only $10, and kids 15 and under get in free!

Check out a few ways you can dive into summer fun at the boat show:

1. It’s Chicago Bike Week, so if you’re looking for a little bit of exercise, grab your family, hop on a few bikes and ride down to the show. With a convenient lakefront path to 31^st St. Harbor and free bike parking for all show attendees – it makes getting to the show a breeze.
2. Climb aboard and take a Discover Boating course to learn how to sail, dock a powerboat and much more! Then head to Fred’s Shed, an interactive garage-like setting, to learn how to keep that boat in tip-top shape. Check the website for registration details and seminar schedules.
3. Flyboard combines the thrills of jet skiing, snowboarding and acrobatic diving. Words cannot describe it; see it to believe it! Demos will be held at scheduled times in Try it Cove daily.
4. Are the kids getting antsy to begin summer?  Well, Chicago Yacht Club is hosting free sailing lessons to aspiring sailors ages 10-17!
5. Plus, be sure to bring your swimsuits and make a splash in Try it Cove, where you can enjoy kayaking, floating water mats, and Banana Boat rides! Plus, enjoy the newest craze in paddlesports and fitness, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP); and on Sunday check out the latest trend in SUPs – relay races!
6. If you spot the boat of your dreams, you can buy dad (or yourself) a new summer ride to continue the fun for years to come. There are hundreds of new boats and marine accessories to browse, board and buy; plus an array of antique boats for history buffs.

So lather on the sunscreen, slip on your boat shoes and head on down to the boat show!

- Meghan Edwards, Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show

Tags: 31st Street Harbor, acrobatic diving, Banana Boat rides, boating, Chicago Bike Week, chicago yacht club, Chicago’s premier boating event, Discover Boating course, education, Father's day, Father's Day Chicago, Father’s Day weekend, fitness, floating water mats, Flyboard, Fred’s Shed, free sailing lessons, jet skiing, kayaking, on-water activities, paddlesports, powerboat, Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show, snowboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding, state-of-the-art marina, Try it Cove

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

Run Home Chicago: A 5K Race to End Homelessness in Chicago

Nobody chooses to be homeless; it’s what happens when you hit rock bottom. In response to the rising number of homeless Chicagoans, Run Home Chicago, a 5K race and Kid’s Dash, aims to end homeless in our city. We are striving to meet this enormous task at hand, which is to provide homeless Chicagoans with shelter, sustenance and services, while also raising awareness of our homeless community, research associations and other non-profits. Our race is this Sunday, June 9th at Soldier Field at 8AM.

Chicago’s very own Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Steve Harvey have signed on to our cause to end homelessness and empowering people on their paths to achieving social, emotional and economic independence. Our race emcee, Andrea Metcalf, the emcee for our race, will motivate runners and kick-off the 5K and following the race, enjoy snacks from Plum Market, Home Run Inn, Skinny Pop, Zico Water and more.

For women, adolescence and mothers with children affected by homelessness, the burdens of finding adequate shelter, food and basic resources, on top of sustaining a line of income and coping with complex emotional repercussions, is incredibly daunting. The Primo Center for Women and Children, a nonprofit housing shelter located in our city and primary host of Run Home Chicago, believes that no woman or family should have to go through this process alone. The Primo Center provides a unique and ambitious program geared towards supporting and empowering women and children in the Chicago area.

Are you ready to run? Sign up for the 5K now!

-Theodora Skolnik

Tags: 5K Chicago. 5K, Andrea Metcalf, Chicago programs, economic independence, empowering women and children, Home Run Inn, homeless Chicagoans, Kid's Dash, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Steve Harvey, Plum Market, Primo Center for Women and Children, Run Home Chicago, runners, services, shelter, Skinny Pop, Soldier Field, sustenance, Zico Water

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

STATE’s Kentucky Derby

Calling all Kentucky Derby lovers! This is Melody, an intern at STATE Restaurant in Lincoln Park, here to tell you guys all about STATE’s first ever Kentucky Derby Event sponsored by Woodford Reserve. On Saturday May 4^th be prepared to place your bets and cheer on your favorite horse while sipping on Mint Juleps provided by Woodford Reserve Whiskey. There will be competitions and race wagering for prizes, all capturing Derby traditions in the high energy environment of STATE Restaurant located at 935 W Webster Ave. Parking will be available at the DePaul garage on Sheffield between Fullerton and Belden.

During the party, STATE will provide two special Derby themed packages that will be available for purchase online. The “Exacta” package will include Southern/Derby inspired cuisine, Miller/Coors drafts, well cocktails, and Mint Juleps all for just $25. The “Trifecta” package will include the same Southern/Derby inspired cuisine, Miller/Coors drafts, wells drinks, house wine, and Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps all for $35. Tickets are available online at STATEderby.com. Both packages will run from 2pm-6pm, and will be available at the door for additional rates.

In addition to the exclusive packages STATE will have a “Hattitude Competition”, where participants will be judged based on their best Kentucky Derby inspired hat! Located in the “Winners Circle” area, you will find the ever so knowledgeable Woodford Reserve reps providing tastings of their products while you wait at the Mint Julep bar for a perfectly crafted cocktail. Professional photographers will be on hand as well to capture all of the moments and leave you with photos you’ll be proud to share.

Everyone is encouraged to pay close attention to the races during the Derby on one of STATE’s 124 TVs, and turn in their foe wagers in order to win prizes, gift certificates, and private parties. No great event is complete without a take away; no ticket purchaser will go home empty handed. After the races, STATE encourages all customers to stay for the long awaited Mayweather fight while enjoying one of the 100 different draft beers that STATE has to offer.

So what are you waiting for?! Hop on STATEderby.com and buy your tickets now for early bird pricing! Trust me; you won’t want to miss this one. Let’s show Kentucky how Chicago does it better!

-Melody

Tags: beers, DePaul bars, Derby traditions, Exacta, Hattitude Competition, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Event, Kentucky Derby hat, Lincoln Park Restaurants, Mayweather fight, Miller/Coors drafts, Mint Juleps, phots, professional photographers, races, Southern, Southern cuisine, STATE Restaurant, STATEderby.com, Trifecta, Winners Circle, Woodford Reserve Whiskey

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

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