Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s Pointe of Departure Art Exhibition Benefit

Hi, this is Terrence Chappell. I'm the event chair for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, and I'm writing to tell you about the Joffrey Auxiliary Board's Pointe of Departure art exhibition benefit. Art begets style and American legends as the Joffrey Auxiliary Board hosts their 3rd annual Pointe of Departure benefit on Thursday, Feb. 7. Located at 108 N. State St., and just overlooking the Joffrey Tower, Block 37’s raw, loft penthouse space will welcome the city’s jet set of budding philanthropists, tastemakers and artists for an evening of commissioned art themed after American legends and inspired by the movement of dance, custom cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, exclusive silent auction gifts, and above all a celebration of the Joffrey Ballet.

Get in your workout before Kick-off: CHI-TOWN BIG GAME 5K/10K

Before the Harbaugh brothers battle it out in New Orleans, get your Super Sunday off to a great start with a fun filled 5K/10K run with your family and friends. Each participant will receive a L/S tech event tee and an embroidered fleece beanie. The Bears may not be playing, but Soldier Field will be hosting the post race party; including a free drink and food item inside the WARM United Club. Party includes music, games, food/drinks and cooking demonstrations by The Centered Chef. For those interested in going to Sunday brunch, head over to Rockit Bar & Grill for food and drink specials that support our Charity.

Clean out your closet: Closet Angels turns clothing to cash for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Hey Chicago!!! It's Jayna Cooke- Founder of Closet Angels! I'm guest blogging to tell you all about my organization and how we can help each other. It’s a New Year and time to get rid of that all those clothes and accessories you have not worn for 2+ years. That is the rule of thumb – if you have not worn it in 2 years it is time to get rid of it! Donate to Closet Angels and instead of getting a few bucks from consigning your items you get a valuable tax write off AND you are supporting St. Jude Chidlren’s Research Hospital! Win, win & win.

Come Out and Play with Urban Initiatives!

Cristobal Martinez is a Senior Program Associate with Urban Initiatives. Coach Cris implements the Work to Play Program, which encourages kids to live active and healthy lives through the sport of soccer across 5 Chicago Public Schools. They'd like to tell you about a great event that's right around the corner:

South Shore Drill Team Selected to Perform in Presidential Inauguration Parade!

Chicago’s South Shore Drill Team was recently notified that they were one of twenty-four groups selected nation-wide to perform in President Barack Obama’s inaugural parade on January 21st, 2013 in Washington D.C. The team was one of over 2,800 to apply for the honor, and will send 54 of its senior members to the nation’s capital to represent the City of Chicago.

Freezin’ for a Reason this Season!

It’s a well known fact that Chicago has some of the coldest winters around (well, with the exception of this one, anyway). And when I say cold, I mean COLD. Like, -30 degrees, frigid COLD (or so it feels). Sadly, many homeless and abandoned dogs are forced to endure these conditions for nights on end, all alone. So, in honor of these precious pups, Project Rescue Chicago (PRC) is “Freezin’ for a Reason” and asking you to do the same!

Sweetwater and The Boundary Are Ringing in the Holidays with Toys for Tots!

Hey! It’s James and Catherine from XA and we would like to thank our buddy Billy for allowing us to spread some holiday cheer on behalf of Sweetwater and The Boundary. Guests are invited to get into the spirit – of giving! But what would giving be on an empty stomach? Sweetwater and The Boundary are rewarding the holiday spirit with Tots for Tots!

Strike a Pose Celebrity Fashion Show to benefit the David DeJesus Family Foundation

A catwalk, the latest fashions, batting averages. You’ll find all three when current and former Cubs players take to the runway for the first Strike a Pose celebrity fashion show to benefit the David DeJesus Family Foundation on Thursday, January 17th at the River East Art Center. Kim and David DeJesus will co-chair the event and all funds raised will benefit ALS research, patient care and family support for those afflicted by the disease, a cause near to their hearts.

SOUTHSIDE BOXING ICON IN THE FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE!!!

Martin McGarry, native of Co Mayo, Ireland spent his youth fighting for his place among his many brothers and sisters. His teenage years were spent in boxing rings spanning several continents. As an adult he devoted his life to training boxers and taking kids off the streets, giving them an outlet to box and a safe place to channel their energy. Now he is the one in need.