La Rabida Summerfest 2009

La Rabida Hospital (SaintJohnsAbbey.org)

Tomorrow from 6-9p, La Rabida Children’s Hospital is opening their beautiful grounds to host “Summerfest 2009,” an outdoor concert to help raise funds for their Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

The CAC is a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have experienced psychological trauma and for alleged victims of sexual abuse and other violent crimes. All of crucial services are provided for free to the children and their families. THAT is why it’s so important to support this department!

The Summerfest will feature live performances from local talent, while spreading word of CAC’s commitment and service throughout the community. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. You can purchase them by clicking this link. I don’t need many excuses to listen to live music on the lakefront, so I definitely plan on attending. Grab a ticket. Grab some friends. Come on out and help this GREAT cause!

-kb

Casual Charity – Tees for a Cause

Four years ago, my former professor/mentor said to me, “You know one thing that I never saw coming? Wearing t-shirts with random sayings on them. I just don’t get it.” And, we had a great laugh about it. But, in all actuality, tees with catchphrases or eye-grabbing logos/designs have virtually cemented themselves in our society. I mean, how many different versions of Obama shirts exist in the world?

From school pride to peaceful demonstrations, here is a posting of some of my favorite tees out here raising money for some great causes!

Save The Tatas

These sassy tees not only draw attention to the wearer but they also raise breast cancer awareness in a fearless way. Five percent of all sales of the tees will be donated to The Save the Ta-Tas Foundation. Proud partners of the Concern Foundation and the Revlon Run/Walk for Women, the foundation exists for the advancement of cancer awareness, education and prevention, and to aid in the fight to find a cure. You can find this shirt and more at www.savethetatas.com!

Gold Metallic Tank, $25.95

First Lady High

This tee is not just a nod to Whitney M. Young High School, the oh-so-great institution responsible for First Lady Michelle Obama’s high school education, but is also a fashionable means to raise scholarship funds for the students. WY alum and Redefine the Tee owner, Monique Spence, created the shirts to give back in a proud way. As a WY alum myself, I’ve decided that I must have one of these tees. Browse the collection at www.redefinethetee.com.

First Lady High Tee, $35

peacepower

The eco-friendly tees playfully display the peace symbol with hopes that you will help spread awareness about world causes. The tees are 100% organic and the company is working on being completely green. For every shirt sold, the company donates 1% to Doctors Without Borders. If you’re looking for one of these crafted tees, you will either have to locate a retailer nearest you OR send the company an email to arrange a transaction (via MC, Visa, or Paypal).

Peace Cap Tee, $34

Common Threadz

Common Threadz’ plan is pretty simple. For every tee that you purchase, they will provide a school uniform to a child in Africa. For the most part, children are required to wear uniforms and sometimes something that seems simple to us can stand in the way of an education. The t-shirt designs are often done by artists, but in the case of the shirt below, the children in Africa also lend their talents to the cause. You can learn more about Common Threadz, as well as view the collection here.

Designed by Thatdo Zonndi, $38

Have a cool tee that I missed? Email me a pic…I’d love to see them and share!

-kb

LaLa’s a Fab Giver!

This weekend, LaLa Vasquez, the host of Charm School, tipped her hat to charity in two great and fabulous ways. First, she put her super-fabulous 2006 custom pink Range Rover up for auction, in order to raise funds for US Doctors for Africa.

The current bid on the SUV is $27,100, and the auction closes on June 21. For the details and to place your bid, click here.

Now, yesterday, she embraced her inner glam punk goddess and shaved off the side of her head, in a remix to a style displayed by singer, Cassie, a few weeks ago!

LaLa posted a picture on Twitter, and also stated that she donated the shaved hair to “Locks of Love,” an organization which makes and provides wigs for disadvantaged children living with long-term illnesses.

I’ve always been a big fan of Lala’s, so I’m very happy to give her a TFG thumbs up for her charitable deeds!

-kb

Lilly Pulitzer “A Colorful Cause” Collection

Brooke Printed Caftan, $268

The Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation has partnered with Lilly Pulitzer clothing to commemorate their 50 years with “A Colorful Cause” Collection. The EBMRF is a volunteer, non-profit foundation dedicated to helping medical scientists learn more about epidermolysis bullosa, a group of diseases characterized by blister formation after minor trauma to the skin. Individuals with EB have extremely fragile skin, as any trauma will cause chronic sores, and most individuals affected by the disease have little hope of living past 30 years.

The Lilly Pulitzer Spring ’09 line will feature clothing designed for adults and children by Brooke Shields, Gwyneth Paltrow, Bridget Moynahan, Catherine Bell, Angie Harmon, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Marcia Cross and Debra Messing. You can find the collection at Lilly Pulitzer stores and online at www.lillypulitzer.com.  A percentage of the sales from these designs will go to the EBMRF and Lilly Pulitzer has also made a generous donation to the organization.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection:

Paltrow Print Bikini, $178

So Cal Solid Shift, $298

Regency Strapless Bubble Dress, $268

Out with the Old (Jeans), In with the New (Jeans)!

Tired of looking at your old jeans and itching to buy some new ones? Bring the former pair into The Blues Jean Bar (2210 N. Halsted) from now until the end of month and receive a discount on your new purchase!

The Blues Jean Bar carries lines from Seven, Paige, True Religion and more! If you bring in one pair, you’ll get 10% off the purchase off of a new pair. Bring in two pairs and you’ll get 20% off; bring 3 and you’ll get the max discount of 30% off one pair.

The donated denim will be donated to the Brown Elephant Resale Shops, the official charity thrift store for the Howard Brown Health Center. Howard Brown is committed to provide health and wellness services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals!

Now, I’ve never been to The Blues Jean Bar, but word on the street is that they are very attentive and helpful when it comes to picking out a pair of jeans that look great on you! There’s only one way to find out though! Go check them out, but DON’T forget your old denim!

-kb

“Join The Bite Against ALS” in May!

I don’t know how I’ll ever get ready for swimsuit season if I keep getting information about “eating for charity!” My newest challenge will be to make it out of May WITHOUT doubling my body weight. Of course, I’m exaggerating but the Les Turner ALS Foundation is tempting me with its “Culinary Crusade: Join The Bite Against ALS” initiative! 

Throughout the month of May, diners who visit twelve Chicago restaurants will be doing their part to donate to the fight against ALS, a neuromuscular disorder that causes muscle weakness and impaired speaking, swallowing and breathing, and eventually total paralysis and death. The funds raised will go towards supporting scientific research, ALS patient and family services, and educational and advocacy programs.

Participating restaurants are listed below. When you’re at one of these places, inquire about their “Culinary Crusade Special” for specifics on exactly how the restaurant will support the Les Turner ALS Foundation. 

- Adobo Grill (2005 W. Division, Chicago)

- Bluegrass (1636 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park )

- Graziano’s Brick Oven Pizza (5960 W. Touhy Ave., Niles)

- Ina’s (1235 W. Randolph, Chicago)

- Tuscany (1425 W. 22nd, Oak Brook)

- Tuscany (550 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling)

- Unrefined Café (24 N. Washington, Valparaiso, Ind.)

- Vinci (1732 N. Halsted, Chicago)

- Wishbone (1001 W. Washington, Chicago)

- Wishbone (3300 N. Lincoln, Chicago)

Sign me up for a late weekday breakfast at Ina’s, a weekend brunch at Wishbone, and happy hour fajitas and margaritas at Adobo Grill. Have any of you guys ever been to the other places on the list? 

-kb

eNVe Designs Delivers Beauty and Optimism

With the dangle of an earring or the glimmer in a ring, our style and even our mood can be transformed in a way that’s hard to explain. For Ngan, the brain and heart behind eNVe Designs, her jewelry did all of that and more. She used her jewelry-making as a creative outlet while going through a difficult time and decided to devoted her craft to sharing positivity and optimism in life and its possibilities.

Pretty Peas Necklace, $52

Her beautiful thinking is certainly represented in these simple yet elegant designs! Through her “From Blue to Beautiful” campaign, Ngan donates 10% of her sales each year to a charity with a focus on psychological well-being, particularly depressive disorders. This year’s recipient is The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. 

In addition, she will be donating 100% of the sales of selected earrings to the American Liver Foundation. Her husband is running in the 2009 Boston Marathon and the sales of these items will support his fundraising efforts! If you’d like to learn more, you can visit his fundraising site (www.run-alex-run.com)!

 

 

Below are a couple of items from the “Earrings for Charity” collection! To browse more of Ngan’s designs, you can visit her Etsy shop or you can see the full collection at envedesigns.com.

Copper/Amazonite Earrings, $14

'Barely There' Wire and Glass Earrings, $22

 

 

 

 

 

 

-kb

P.S. Make sure you check out her clearance section! Great deals at 50% off!

Lots of Chicago Events This Thursday!

Okay…I was looking at my iCal today and noticed that Thursday, the 26th is about to be a CRAZY night for Chicagoans. Literally. I don’t want to take up anymore space, so I’m just going to list them out for your reading pleasure!

Parties…!

TheChiGuide.com Launch Party (9p-12a) - Landmark (1633 N. Halsted)

TheChiGuide spotlights Chicago’s best events in music, dining, nightlife, arts & culture, sports, and everything in between. This red carpet launch will benefit Imerman Angels, a Chicago-based non-profit supporting cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door.

Who Gives A Shot (8-10p) – Angels and Kings (710 N. Clark)

Guest bartenders will be serving up $5 specialty cocktails to benefit Rock for Kids, a nonprofit providing free year-round music education for children in need. 100% of drink sales and tips will benefit Rock for Kids and Chicago’s own Flosstradamus will not perform on the 1s and 2s to keep the party going!

 

March Madness…!

March Madness with the Les Turner Young ProfessionALS (6p) – McFadden’s (1206 N. State)

Come and watch the NCAA games and enjoy drink specials and a silent auction to benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Keith Van Horne (from the shufflin’ 1985 Bears championship crew) will be guest bartending as well! A $10 donation earns you a wristband and access to alllll of the shenanigans. 

RedHot March Madness 2009 (6-8p) – Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard)

This hot tourney event benefits the Primo Center for Women and Children. Guests will enjoy an open bar and hors d’oeuvres at the event, co-hosted by Chicago Bears’ Jason McKie. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Hoops for Youth (6-9p) – Rebel Bar & Grill (3462 N. Clark)

What better way to support the dreams and future of Chicago children than by hanging out with friends and having some tourney time? This watch party benefits Youth Guidance, is one of Chicago’s oldest and most established social service agencies dedicated to providing academic and youth-development programs to at-risk, Chicago public school students. The $30 tickets include a 3-hour open bar, and can be purchased by clicking here.

 

 

Whew! Yesterday, I told you guys that the spring was ushering in busy season If there’s anyone out there, who attends all four of these events on Thursday, I will buy you two drinks at your favorite bar. Seriously! Email me if you’re up for the challenge!!!

-kb

P.S. Don’t forget that all the events listed above will be happening this Thursday, March 26th!

Some Sparkle Here, Some Charity There!

Two great jewelry designers are using their beautiful designs to help raise money for various causes…

TFG friend, Sarah of Chic Gems, will be donating March online sales to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation of Chicago. The foundation provides support and educational materials to the medical community, the newly diagnosed, survivors, family members, friends and the general public regarding the facts, treatment options, and recovery process for brain aneurysms. To take part in this great offer, you can visit ChicGemsEtc.com and enter the discount code BAF at checkout!

Also…

Me&Ro Jewelry (61 East Oak Street, Chicago) will be joining up with the Junior Board of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago on Thursday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. for a champagne reception. This event is the kick-off for the Make a Statement: Design for the Cure fashion show (post forthcoming)! Me&Ro will donate 20% of all jewelry purchases made this evening to Make a Statement: Design for the Cure. Event tickets will also be available for purchase. In addition, To RSVP for this kick-off event, you can email cmatthews@aidschicago.org.

Me&Ro Mother of Pearl Fringe Neckalce

Me&Ro Lotus Flower Earrings

-kb

KB’s Journey: I Need A Red Dress!

This Friday, I’ll be volunteering at the Macy’s Go Red for Women Luncheon, which is actually at Macy’s (in case you were wondering). Now, I suspected that I would have to wear some red, but now I’m thinking that I will more than likely need to be in all red

The frowny face is due to the fact that I’ve never been a big fan of red clothing. I have plenty of red shoes and a couple of red handbags, but nothing red to wear! So, not only do I need a red dress, it needs to look professional and not make me gag. Here are some of the ideas that I’ve come up with thus far:

A classic sheath dress is perfect luncheon attire…

 London Times Sheath Dress, $39.99

Or…I could wear a nice red sweater over a black sheath dress or with dress slacks!

Belted Cardigan, $32
 Pearl Cardigan, $29

Or, if I had time to have a dress shipped to me, I’d order this one and channel my inner (First) Lady O!

 Addicted to Love Dress, $74.99

Whatever I choose, I better do so QUICKLY! This week is filling up with volunteer assignments and meetings (and bikram yoga classes!)…so I better hop to it and SOON!

-kb