Summer of Service

Happy Wednesday! Here are a couple great Chicago service opportunities that I’ve come across!

7/11: From 10:45-2p, be part of an unique grocery shopping experience! Vital Bridges runs four grocery centers across Chicago that cater to the specific dietary needs of people living with HIV. Clients fill out their grocery menu and you shop the food pantry for the items. For the details, click here.

7/25-7/27: If you speak fluent Spanish and have great communication skills, then the National MS Society could use your assistance at the Latino Expo USA and Health Fair. They will be providing information about the disease and programs and services offered by the Society. Training will be provided prior to the actual event dates. Interested? Email sarah.gross@ild.nmss.org. (Not this week, but training needs to be scheduled soon)

As always, these are a verrrry small sample of the opportunities that are out there! If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, I would check out the following sites:

ChicagoCares.org

NewYorkCares.org

VolunteerMatch.org

Idealist.org

Serve.gov

DCCares.org

I also have some tips on jumpstarting your volunteer experience in my post “Just Volunteer. Period.“

If you have a summer volunteer opportunity that you would like for me to include, shoot an email over to kb@thefabulousgiver.com! I will post them every Tuesday (or Wednesday) at the latest!

-kb

What A Great Wednesday!

Cheers!

Tomorrow is one of those days in Chicago where there are a few after work events raising funds for charity! If you’re looking for someplace to unwind and grab a drink for a cause, consider one of these options!

TweetNetworking (For A Cause)

What: Master networker, Mark Carter, has created an off-shoot to his successful Networking for a Cause events. These tweetups will combine the power of social networking and philanthropy.

Where: Catalyst Ranch (656 W. Randolph) from 6-8:30p

Donation: $10, benefits Dream for Kids. Includes drinks, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches! More details are here!

Summer Flavors

What: The Planning Committee of the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball is hosting this summer event to raise funds for the ball and build the anticipation of the Ball happening on Friday, October 16, 2009.

Where: Rooftop of Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave) from 6-8p

Donation: $20, benefits Meals on Wheels. Donation will be waived if you purchase a ticket to the Celebrity Chef Ball. Includes cocktails featuring Milagro Tequila and Hendricks’ Gin along with new appetizers from Chef Cary Taylor! More details are here.

Recessionista Shoe Party

What: The Hello Stiletto Shoe Club is hosting a networking social/book signing with Gwendolyn Beck, the author of Flirting With Finance. I posted about this event on Friday!

Where: Vertigo Sky Lounge (660 N. State) from 6:30-9p

Donation: $25, benefits the Accelerated Cure Project for MS. Includes a copy of Flirting With Finance. More details are here!

Okay, so there you have it! Three great events…Three great causes! No matter which one you pick, I’m sure that you’ll have a GREAT time!

-kb

Let’s Talk Shoes…and Finances!

Remember my post on the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club? Well, Chicago ladies, get ready because there is an event next week that I think you’ll enjoy!

On Wednesday, June 17th, Hello Stiletto is inviting you to come out and show off the shoes that you got for an absolute bargain! So, those $300 pumps that you miraculously purchased for $75? Yep, put them on and strut down Hello Stiletto’s pink carpet from 6:30-9p at Vertigo Sky Lounge (60 N. State).

The Shoe Party will feature a book signing with Gwendolyn Beck, the author of Flirting with Finance, a nonfiction guide that weaves financial concepts with romance and real life stories to make understanding money matters so much more enjoyable than a text book. Attendees can also win some great prizes by participating in a Best Bargain Shoe Walk-Off contest!

Admission is $25, and includes a copy of Flirting with Finance, along with a donation to the Accelerated Cure Project for MS. So, grab your stiletto steals and come out for rooftop drinks and networking on the 26th floor of the Dana Hotel!

To attend, please RSVP by sending an email to sandra0509@shoeclub.us!

-kb

the Balm: Cheeky Beauty for a Cause

I stumbled across the Balm website last week and immediately fell in love with two things on the home page: the cheeky 40s/50s pop art and the image of the limited edition eyeshadow for charity. So, embracing my new obsession with beauty products, I decided to take a look at the collection and I found some products that I’m interested in trying (Bahama Mama bronzer and Hot Mama all-in-one). In addition to those products, there are the two which incorporate fabulous giving.

Kiss MS Goodbye – Overshadow Mineral Eye Shimmer ($15)

-Benefits The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NYC Chapter

 

 

 

 

 

the Balm to the Rescue – Vegan Lip Treatment ($16)

-Benefits Pug Rescue

 

 

 

 

 

You can learn more about this company and the product offerings on their website at thebalm.com.

-kb

“Hello Stiletto” Shoe Club

“There was an old lady who lived in her Choos…” 

That’s how the story starts in my head, and I’m sure that’s how it starts in some of your heads too! If you’re devoted to your shoe collection and are borderline obsessed, then you should look into joining the “Hello Stiletto” Shoe Club. No, this is not a drill. 

The shoe clubs meet all over the country for evenings of mingling, shopping, and, most importantly, FOOTWEAR! This club encourages members to wear their most fabulous shoes to events, and strut down the pink carpet for a chance to win prizes. So, those hot pink T-strap pumps with the feathers? Yep, now you have TWO places to wear them

The best part of Hello Stiletto (other than the name) is that every now and then, the events have a charitable twist. Check out these two upcoming events:

Thursday, February 19th – Naples, FL

The Naples club will be celebrating vintage footwear and collecting new and gently used women/children’s shoes for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children. 

Where: Fine Babka, European Bakery and Cafe (71 9th Street South)

When: 6:30-9:00p

For more information, please click here!

Friday, March 6th – Boston, MA

Genevieve Boston, and shoe designer, Kristina Kozak, partner with the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club for the 2nd annual “Glow and Behold Winter Enchanted Ball.” The “Shoe Ball” raises funds for the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. 

Where: Ritz-Carlton Boston Common (10 Avery Street)

When: 7:30p-12:00a 

For more information, please click here!

Of course, these aren’t the only Shoe Club happenings. To find out when an event will be heading to your neck of the woods, or how to become a member, simply visit www.shoeclub.us!

-kb

KB’s Journey: Can’t Tell a Story Without a Voice

Okay, folks. I have a confession to make. In the past, I haven’t been good at fundraising for the causes closest to my heart. Now, I’ll volunteer all of my time and give my own money in a heartbeat, but I never really been comfortable asking others for their time or money. Why? Well, because that requires a bit of story-telling. You know, sharing with others my connection to the cause. And, until recently, I’d tell a soft story in a small voice. I’d simply say something like “Oh, my mom has/had MS.” Well, who does that really motivate? Who does that really inspire?

This morning, my mind drifted back to a conversation that I had with my uncle. A couple of summers ago, we were walking along the Chicago River, and he said that he couldn’t understand why his sister (my mother) had to live with this disease. He asked the question that we had all asked ourselves at one point in time, “Why her?” As the warm wind blew across our faces, I turned to him and said, “Through it all, she’s never stopped being positive, loving, or caring. God is using her story to inspire people.”

When my mother passed away at the age of 49, I asked myself a very serious question, “If I had only 25 more years left on this Earth, what is the story that I want others to tell about me?” Better yet, “What is the story that I want to start telling?” Once I knew the answer, I was able to find my voice. The unshakable, unwavering voice of a person who knows what she wants to say and won’t be silenced.

This year, I’m REALLY pushing myself to step it up as it relates to two issues: multiple sclerosis and young caregivers. I’m going to tell my story in hopes that it will motivate others to find their passion, follow their dreams, and support their causes. And, I refuse to let it stop there…

I know that we lead some very busy lives, but I’m challenging all of you to find a cause that you believe in and start thinking about how your story can make a difference. After all, you never know who’s listening or being inspired at that moment…

-kb

KB’s Journey: Scholarships with the MS Society

Last year, when my mother passed away, my sister and I decided that we wanted to make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s scholarship program, in her honor. The scholarships assist high school students who either have a parent living with MS or who have MS themselves. My mom was a very big believer in all things education, so it was such a natural decision!

Now this year, in addition to planning events to keep my Mom’s scholarship alive, I’ve been asked to assist the Greater Illinois Chapter with their scholarship drive campaign! I’m actually heading over to the Chapter office now to help craft a letter explaining why it’s so important to support these scholarships. The letter will be sent to various donors, so am going to really make sure that my voice/POV are heard in that letter! It definitely won’t be hard for me to think of reasons! I’m very grateful to have this opportunity and really hope the campaign does well!!!

To find out more about the MS Society’s scholarship program, you can click here!

I’ll talk to you all later!

-kb

MS Cocktailin’ for A Cause!

On November 15, Multiple Solutions, the junior board of the MS Society – Greater Illinois Chapter, will host the 5th annual MS Cocktailin’ for a Cause event at the Hard Rock Hotel (230 N. Michigan). 

Attendees will be treated to appetizers, a premium open bar and a variety of music. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a big-ticket item raffle and a spectacular silent auction featuring a selection of upscale merchandise, gift baskets, Chicago sports memorabilia and much more.

We hope to raise over $65,000 at this year’s event, and the funds will be used to benefit the Greater Illinois Chapter’s research and programs, which in turn benefit the more than 20,000 individuals living with MS across Illinois.

 The tickets are $100 each and can be purchased online at www.multiple-solutions.org.

KB’s Journey 07/20/2008

In “KB’s Journey,” I will talk about some of the initiatives and causes that I support, and keep you posted on my philanthropic journeys.

In September, I’ve accepted the challenge to participate in the Capital Challenge Walk, a two-day 50K walk in Washington D.C designed to raise funds for the fight against multiple sclerosis. I’ve been training for two weeks and all I can think about is how much I need a deep tissue massage. To add insult to injury, I’ve started the healthy eating lifestyle again, so not only do my muscles hurt, but I also want six glazed donuts! Whew…I digress!

When I’m training, I’m not walking the full amount but hitting the trail for 5-6 miles at a time in the Chicago summer can make it feel like I’m walking FOREVER! I’m not complaining though because I do my walks on the lakefront so I have some beautiful scenery (and my iPod) keeping me company!

I’m really excited to participate in this walk because it’s all about challenging yourself for the greater good. Plus, I’m doing it in celebration of my mother who tirelessly fought multiple sclerosis for almost 30 years. If she could do that and keep the faith, I surely can walk these kilometers/miles and keep mine. That doesn’t mean that I won’t get tired along the way, but I know that I’ll make it! Now that I’ve ridded myself of any and all excuses not to participate, I’m officially starting my fundraising plan this week. Each participant must raise at least $1500 so in addition to the usual email/phone campaign, I’ve also planned some fun activities (of course) to get folks excited about giving! If you’re interested, stay tuned for the details!

Alright, enough chatting on my end, I have to walk 4 miles at 6a, and my body’s still recovering from the 6 miles this weekend. I’m off to drink a cup of nighttime tea and drift away to La La Land. For more info on the Capital Challenge Walk, visit this site: www.msandyou.org!

Sweet dreams…

-kb