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

Goddess & Grocer River North Location Opening Soon!

Does your big box grocery store just not cut it? Are you in the River North area and looking for a touch of class from your local grocer? Looking for a little ‘take-home’ gourmet? Looking to try any different kind of shopping experience?

Well, you’re in luck! Keep an eye out for a 4^th location of the admired Chicago establishment. Look forward to seeing Chicago local favorite deli “The Goddess & Grocer” on the western edge of River North very soon. In this case, soon means…(drum roll please) … February!

The specialty shop is known for both made to order, ready to heat and eat entrée’s and delectable sweets (just to mention a few of their yummy abilities!) Guests should expect excitement over unique architectural design and delicious Goddess specialties as well!

I’d suggest maybe grabbing breakfast, lunch or even a gift basket (great Valentine’s Day Gift for Mom!!)

They also cater Valentine’s Day Dinner to your home! They suggest you to “Cheat on Dinner” by offering to make your life a little easier on lovebird’s day. Pretty cute and definitely tempting…everything just looks WAY to yummy to pass it up.

Check out the website for more specific info on the opening, to order online, to view the menu or just to browse the enticing pictures!

PS: if you get a cupcake…get me one too, please!

- Follow Goddess & Grocer on Facebook & Twitter -

- Mandy Stifter

I tweet, do you?

Tags: architecture, breakfast, catering, chicago, cupcake, eats, facebook, February, Goddess & Grocer, groceries, lunch, opening, order, river north, sweets, treats, twitter, yummy

Looking for Spring 2013 interns at Rockit Ranch Productions!

The CEO of Rockit Ranch Productions, Billy Dec, is currently looking for Spring interns! We are looking for outgoing, fun, energetic people who love Chicago, believe in our brand, want to work hard, learn a tremendous amount and have a strong grasp on the current and up and coming social media platforms and trends.

Internship qualifications:

• Age 21 +
• Interest in entertainment/restaurant/nightlife
• Interest in social media
• Flexible scheduled
• Detail oriented
• Good researching skills
• Strong writing skills
• Strong communication Skills

Internship duties will include, but not limited to:

• Assist on the production of weekly TV segment
• Research & writing blog posts about arts, entertainment & culture in Chicago
• Edit and produce short videos
• Interactive/Social Media Marketing
• Manage & update daily aChicagoThing.com Facebook & Twitter accounts
• Assist with the creation and execution of RRP Events

*This internship is unpaid, requires a minimum of 20 hours and can qualify for school credit. Interested and qualified applicants please respond.

Please email your resume to Amanda Rivera at arivera@rockitranch.com if you’re interested!

Thanks,

-Amanda Rivera 

Tags: 2013 chicago internships, best internship in chicago, billy dec, blogging internships in chicago, CEO of Rockit Ranch Productions, communication skills, culture in Chicago, entertainment, facebook, interactive, marketing internships in chicago, nightlife, production internships in chicago, research, restaurant, RPP events, RPP parties, rts, social media internships in chicago, Social Media Marketing, social media platforms, Spring 2013 interns, trends, windy city live, writing

Create the best late night Bar/Restaurant! Rockit Ranch bought Martini Ranch. You choose the concept Chicago! (update by Billy Dec)

UPDATE 10/19/12- THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! The most voted for concept for our next venue was a play on a “Mexican Dive Bar” at 39% of the votes- so as of right now, we will proceed now in that direction!!!!! Please help us spread the word to hire the best staff for this project, and for positions available at our other Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs…at our Open Call for Jobs this Monday 10/22/12 from 2p-530p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard). See: http://bit.ly/SAOFyP & email HR@RockitRanch.com for info.

Thank you all so much for your valuable input! More to come!***

Surprise!  We found a unique opportunity and bought Martini Ranch!  Not only is it one of the few 4am licenses left in the city, and walking distance from our other River North properties Sunda, Dragon Ranch, Underground & Rockit, but tons of Chicagoans from all over (like my partners Brad Young, Arturo Gomez & I) have meaningful history enjoying this local gem w/friends for the last 20+ years! Haha- I even was a bouncer there when I was 21!

So… now what? What should we do with it?  We figured you all have been so critical to our success with your insightful & caring suggestions on what we can  do to serve you better, that we thought we’d let you have a say too! We’d probably open it around the new year, just in time to send our late night crowd & employees there from Underground, while we give UG a fresh new look during the slower winter months of 2013. Which means we need to know what route to take now! 

[poll id="3"]

We will tally all votes and announce our decision in early October!  Thanks all and spread the word to all your friends via Twitter, Facebook, email (please use share buttons here too).. we want to hear what they think too!

AND since we are growing- WE ARE HIRING! Positions include experienced Servers, Bartenders, Managers, Hosts, Security, Cooks, Sous Chefs, Mixologists… At Rockit, Sunda, Underground, Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ and whatever this new concept will be! Email HR@RockitRanch.com if interested!

Tags: 4am, arturo gomez, Bar, Best, billy dec, brad young, chicago, Dive Bar, Dragon Ranch, facebook, late night, Martini Ranch, New concept, restaurant, river north, rockit, rockit ranch productions, sunda, the underground, twitter, Voting

OMNI “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno”

Hi readers.  Candice Warltier here from Communication Strategies Group, a Chicago-based communications firm.  We are calling on all Leno fans!  We know you love to laugh, and  aChicagoThing wants to hook you up with tickets to a rare Chicago appearance by Jay Leno! This Saturday, April 28, 2012, Leno takes the stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, to celebrate OMNI Youth Services 40th anniversary – and we have three pairs of tickets to give away!  Eric Ferguson, WTMX radio “Eric and Kathy” morning show co-host, will serve as emcee and Second City, the world’s premier comedy club, will make a brief performance. Be sure to visit Billy’s Facebook page today for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

OMNI’s “An Evening of Laughs with Jay Leno” presented by Allstate will benefit OMNI Youth Services helps recognize OMNI’s contributions over the past 40 years in providing counseling, services and programming needs for children, teens and their families in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.  Tickets for the gala and performance-only tickets are available for purchase on OMNIyouth.org, check out the special ticket prices for aChicagoThing readers!  At the event, OMNI will be raffling off a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe Motorcycle signed by Mr. Leno, himself!  Click here to purchase your Harley raffle tickets today.

Proceeds from the performance by the legendary comedian and host of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” will benefit OMNI’s Girls After School Program (GAP) which provides a safe haven after school, teaches life skills and promotes positive self-image for teen girls, REALITY Theatre, a teen troupe dedicated to promoting positive, healthy lifestyle choices through original theatre and the Outdoor Wilderness Therapy and Adventure Program, utilizing outdoor expeditions to overcome presenting challenges, develop life skills and the motivation to pursue a more promising productive future.

Thanks and see you there, Candice Warltier

Tags: An eveving of laughs with jay leno, billy dec, Cadillac Theatre, Candice Warltier, chicago, Comedy, Communication Strategies Group, eric and kathy, Eric Ferguson, facebook, fundraiser, giveaway, Harley Davidson, Jay Leno, Leno, OMNI Youth Services, second city, the mix, the tonight show with jay leno, ticket deals, weekend events

HOLIDAY PARTY FOR A CAUSE AT MARIGOLD

‘Tis the season for holiday parties and sippin’ on spirits – but it is also a great time to give to those in need during this Holiday Season. Here is your chance to combine the two! From December 13-18 at Marigold, a unique Indian restaurant in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, they will donate 25% of its sales from customers who take one of two simple steps to show that they are supporters of Care For Real.

Care For Real strives to help their neighbors in the Edgewater community by providing food, clothing, and counseling services to those in need. Help them with their efforts.

1. Print out the “I support Care For Real” flyer on Marigold’s Facebook page and show it to your server.
- OR -
2. Show your server that you have “Checked-In” on Foursquare or Facebook to Marigold.

Also, keep an eye out for special deals at the restaurant for Care For Real supporters, such as half off all bottles of wine. Cheers to that!

- Evan Jones

Tags: Care For Real, chicago, Edgewater, facebook, four square, help those in need, holiday charity, holiday season, indian restaurant, marigold restaurant, uptown

Let Nike Know How You #OWNCHICAGO!

Do you run this city? As in, do you spend countless miles on the lakefront path, either training for the marathon or running to work? Do you spend hours on the basketball court, practicing your skills? Each person plays an integral role in this city and Niketown wants to honor these individuals that #ownchicago.

Starting Thursday, Niketown will be creating an art campaign through the hashtag #ownchicago. When Chicagoans go on Twitter or Facebook and share how they #ownchicago, Niketown Chicago will create a piece of artwork to bring it all to life. Every individual that uses #ownchicago will have their profile picture added to a giant mosaic located in Niketown Chicago.

With the marathon taking place on Sunday, this is a great way to celebrate all of the hard work and dedication that runners put in over the summer toward finishing 26.2 miles. On Thursday at 6:30pm, join Chicago athletes and many others at Niketown as they kick off this idea. Chicago is a great city that works hard and we all #ownchicago. Come out and share your voice.

-  Evan Jones

Tags: #ownchicago, Artwork, Chicago Marathon, evan jones, facebook, Marathon 2011, Nike, niketown, rockit ranch, sports, twitter

Shecky’s Girls Night Out: Fashion, Jewelry & Beauty!

Keeping up with the latest fashion could really be a full-time job! Styles come and go with the seasons and beauty trends never really last. I’m a jeans and a tshirt kind of guy, but if I had to say there is one thing that never goes out of style, it would be quality time with friends and loved ones.

So ladies, grab your gal pals and head out to Shecky’s Girls Night Out, this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct 4 & 5! Come out to the Great Hall at Union Station for an evening of cocktails, fall fashions and relaxing spa treatments! And I hear there is a killer goodie bag – it’s a win-win event!

Click here for details: http://www.sheckys.com/events/6489/girls-night-out-chicago-fall-2011/ and definitely check in on my Facebook and Twitter as I’ll be giving away tickets to the event this week!

Tags: billy dec, chicago fashion event, facebook, fall fashion, fashion, Girls Night Out, giveaway, Shecky's, spa treatments, tickets, twitter, Union Station

Nature Detox! My Colorado weekend Pics Twitter & Facebook Free!

Tags: billy dec, Colorado, facebook, Happy Trails, horses, Mountains, Nature, Private Plane, twitter

Rockit Ranch Productions and www.aChicagoThing.com win 4 Telly Awards with Billy Dec Avatar Social Media Anniversary Benefit Video!

What if my avatar literally came to life and spoke to people about a gigantic party to celebrate his 2nd birthday as the “person” behind all my social media platforms (facebook, twitter, blog..) that had  been communicating with tens of thousands of people with similar interests for the last 2 years?  And what if he explained in a really fun way that this huge party would benefit one of our favorite philanthropic missions, feeding people in need.  Well, that was the crazy idea we came up with at Rockit Ranch Productions 6 months ago when we produced the attached video- we just never thought we would actually win awards for it!!??!

Telly Awards honor the very best TV commercials, programs, videos, film productions & work created for the web… and we won these 4!
-Silver Award (the highest honor!!) – Internet/Online Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces – Use of Animation
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Video – Live Events
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Video – Animation
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces – Charitable/Not for Profit

We had a blast making fun of me & my ridiculous updates, food porn, travel, celebrity encounters, behind the scenes work in our nightclubs & restaurants, contests & giveaways.. I love to share on facebook & twitter (you should be following me if not already!).. But the awards above are really due to the collaboration between the Rockit Ranch team and a number of talented animators, directors, videographers, friends.. below.. Thank you all!

Special shoutout to all the local artists who helped create this amazing video! Director/Editor: Catherine Lynch, Cinematographer: Adam Dick, Sound: Sam Fell, Avatar Lead: James Pawula, Animation: Ian Beckman & Ari Flesch, Texturing: Arwa Dabbakeh, Modeling: Whit Alexander, Music: Don Meyer, Underground Music: DJ Kane, Make-Up: Brenda Arelano, Equipment: Zacuto, Invites: M13 Graphics

And of course, the good people at the Greater Chicago Food Depository for all they do to fight hunger in our city, and for providing others with a way to help bring attention and support to their cause.

Tags: animation, anniversary party, avatar, billy dec, bronze award, chicago, Chicago charities, directors, facebook, food porn, fundraiser, greater chicago food depository, internet programs, live events, rockit, rockit ranch, rockit ranch productions, silver award, Telly, Telly Awards, twitter, videographers