Congrats to the 2012 Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls! From your biggest fan and Judge, Billy Dec

For the last 5 years I have had the extreme honor of being asked to judge the annual auditions for the Luvabulls, the Chicago Bulls dance team that pumps up our awesome players & fans every game! It’s actually really tough to choose a final squad from the hundreds who compete for the spot as all are so super talented, cool, positive, energetic and wonderful representations of our great city!  Anyway, a bunch of people who follow me on Twitter & Facebook were intrigued and wanted to see more, so here is a random quick video glimpse of what I embrace as one of my favorite, unique, lively.. jobs I take on as a volunteer for one day a year!

Oh, and to see the final 2012 Luvabulls Team that was just announced last night, see: http://www.nba.com/bulls/dance/luvabulls.html CONGRATS TEAM!!!!

Tags: 2012, Auditions, basketball, billy dec, bulls, Cheerleaders, chicago, Dance Team, Judge, luvabulls, united center

Help Turn Bags Into Wishes For Make A Wish Illinois

“They” say to try and do at least one good deed a day right? Open the door for someone, help someone carry their groceries, or even something as simple as letting someone go in front of you in line. In this instance that I speak of, good deeds go a long way. You have the power to help a kids dream come true and have a blast with a couple of your friends!

On Saturday at 7pm, the 4th Annual Bags to Wishes Tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish^® Illinois is taking place at MINI of Chicago (1111 W. Diversey). Their goal this year is to raise over $30,000 to be able to grant 6 wishes to Illinois children living with a life-threatening medical condition!

The Associate Board, who is a group of young professionals serving the Make-A-Wish Foundation through event-based fundraising, promotion of volunteerism and philanthropy are hosting this great event!

They will have door prizes, raffle, silent auction, games, beer, wine & appetizers!

So grab some friends, form a team & make a wish come true!

Tickets are $55 per player or $110 per team. Non-player tickets are $40.

Tickets are available online at http://www.bagstowishes.org/ or by calling 312.602.9419.

FYI Make-A-Wish^® Illinois is dedicated to helping children with life-threatening medical conditions & all proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.

-Amanda Rivera

Tags: 2012, Associate Board, Bags to Wishes, benefit, chicago, make a wish, Make A Wish Illinois, MINI of Chicago, raffle, silent auction

From NYC to Chi Town: A Clever Move

I moved to Illinois from New Jersey a month ago with big plans of starting my young life in Chicago. Almost every day a Chi-town veteran asks me one question, why Chi? You would think that having been so close to New York City I would get sucked into its gravitational pull, but no, I found asweet escape from those filthy streets. Coming from the NYC area few peoplerealize how delightfully overrated NYC truly is. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking my tri-state, but I certainly had a few clear reasons to leave the city that never sleeps for its Midwestern equivalent. Here are my top ten reasons to move to Chicago!

#10 Super Speedy Service – I ordered a sandwich for lunch today and as soon as she handed me my receipt the chef handed me my sandwich. Nice.

#9 Gorgeous and safe parks – No doubt you’ll find a park that fits your recreational needs in the largest park district in the US!

#8 Travelling with the Chicago Grid System – It’s impossible to get lost when the street signs tell you how far you are from your destination. Who needs a GPS when you’ve got the grid?

#7 Reasonable rent – Seriously I pay $550 a month and have a gorgeous room, gigantic closet and excellent roommates. This must be heaven.

#6 Swimming in Lake Michigan! – Clear water, hot beach bods, endless sunshine and waves

#5 Beautiful and clean streets with an amazingly clear skyline – With everything that Chicago has to offer I’m not surprised that it looks like a Winter Wonderland in January and a Shore side Metropolis in July.

#4 The food will make your taste buds dance – There’s no need to be fearful of where your fish came from or how long the veggies have been out. Food here is fresh and delicious, from subs to soups to brie sandwiches, you’re pallet will thank you.

#3 Summer festivals – What beats Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Air & Water show, Chicago Jazz and World Music Festival?

#2 Endless labyrinth of night activities – Besides bar/club hopping, crazy last minute suggestions from friends will lead you to a verysuccessful night

#1 Reason to move to Chicago: The amazing Midwesterners who always seem to have time for a conversation – This is an excellent way to find out what’s going on around the city and make cool new friends.

Having never been to Chicago prior to now I had no idea what to expect of the city, but what I found was something I wasn’t willing to let go of any time soon. Chicago is a gorgeous, clean, whimsical town full of quality entertainment and class A people. Why would you ever leave?

-Wanjiku Kairu

Tags: 2012, chicago, Clean, festival, food, Lake, lollapalooza, Michigan, Midwestern, Music, nightlife, Parks, Reasons, Taste, travel, World