Chicago startups are looking beyond the newest products and services this holiday season. This year, Freebie and Bucketfeet have partnered to donate shoes to the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago in an effort to help kids in need with a new pair of kicks.

I’m Brandon. Born and raised in Chicago, IL right in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. I love everything about this city – the people, the sights, the bars… everything. It truly is a great city to live in for many reasons, even more so if you love beer!

With Chicago's ever increasing roster of parties, bars and events around the city, it can be difficult to find a one-of-a-kind experience that'll keep you coming back. But Slo 'Mo, a once monthly dance party curated and created by Kristen Kaza definitely goes beyond expectation. This Saturday, she, along with The Inconvenience's Isaac Ike Holter and their resident lady on the decks Tess Kisner, will throw a winter spectacular to benefit Project Firece. I got to chat with the party purveyor herself via email about Chicago, music and Slo 'Mo earlier today.

Ladies! Grab your girlfriends for an evening of shopping, pampering and more THIS SUNDAY at the Sassy City Chicks shopping event from 12-5pm at the Double Tree Magnificent Mile.

Meez Meals, a Chicago company that delivers recipes along with healthy ingredients prepped and ready to cook at home, is joining forces with Common Threads to introduce “Meals for Good.” The yearlong partnership is designed to offer healthy meal solutions through an efficient delivery process.

The holiday’s are upon us and we at Spare Time Inc. are excited to do our part by helping those in need and spreading the holiday love. That’s why Friday, November 15th, we launched a company wide “Holiday Canned Food Drive” to benefit a local South Side homeless shelter. The drive will end a week or so before Christmas!

** UPDATED November 15, 2013 : Here is a link to donate to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan right now: http://www.crowdrise.com/FundraiserforTyphoonHaiyan**

Brace yourselves my deprived chocolate connoisseurs because the World of Chocolate Gala offers a taste of both sweet and savory creations by chefs, chocolatiers and caterers from Chicago, all in the name of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Be a Hero! Do your part while enjoying a great night out at Legacy's 6th Annual Autism Speaks Heroes Ball. Join Host Ted Brunson and Chicago’s most social and generous young professionals. Billy Dec and Rockit Ranch Productions have generously supported the Autism Speaks Heroes Ball since its inception in 2008 and we couldn’t thank them enough! Read up on all of the exciting details surrounding the event below.

Grab some bacon, drink some beer, and play some sports at this awesome opportunity to celebrate three of the best things in life. Wash down some warm and delicious bacon at this delectable event at Union Station’s Great Hall. On November 23rd, taste various samples of scrumptious bacon inspired creations from more than 30 different restaurants. Savor beer samples from over 30 craft breweries as well, all in a fun, social, and sports themed environment!