Networking

Who doesn’t love a good music fest in the summer? Indie Pop, Rock, Electro, Hip Hop, Dubstep, Folk, you name it – Metropia has it!

Sarah Levy, owner of Sarah's Pastries & Candies here! One of the few things I love more than a good pastry is a good party. And that’s exactly what we’ll be having on Thursday, June 7 at A Night of Summer Light, the first-ever event hosted by the Young Friends of The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation.

Friday, June 1st promises to be a one-of-a-kind night at Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo’s auxiliary board is hosting their signature fundraiser, Zoo-ologie, in the heart of the Zoo. All the proceeds raised during this unique event will go towards helping care for the animals, keep up exhibits, as well as continue education initiatives all while keeping the zoo free to the public. Lincoln Park Zoo is currently one of only three free zoos in the entire country – and we want it to stay that way! If you live anywhere near Chicago, chances are you’ve enjoyed the beautiful grounds of the LP Zoo at some point in your life. As a DePaul Alum, I walked through the zoo countless times on my way to and from the beach just because I could; not much is free these days, so you have to take advantage and enjoy those few things that are.

In 2009, All Pro, Former Chicago Bear, Jerry Azumah and I attended a charity event at the House of Blues for President Bill Clinton. During our visit with the former White House resident, President Clinton said something that would stick with me forever. He mentioned contributions from American households comprise 75% of all giving to nonprofits every year. I looked at my friend and event co-chair, Jerry and smiled knowing the work we did for the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) that included small donations from our tight and influential network, was a piece of that 75% and our efforts were a part of a bigger picture. A picture that includes over 1,300 listed charities in the Chicagoland area alone!

The CANstruction A-CAN-emy Awards & Gala was last night at Merchandise Mart and it was such a fun event! I attended and wanted you to give you readers a behind the scenes experience… so click away! As you know from our previous entry, CANstruction is a unique charity event that raises donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository by having teams build amazing creations out of cans and other food items. It is the largest donation of food in a single food drive in the city of Chicago – pretty impressive!

I love the city of Chicago! No, really I do. Especially in the summer time! There’s always something going on, right? Well, if you didn’t know that and find yourself bored on the weekends you can look forward to festival season. It’s quickly approaching and the city and burbs (yes, I know it’s suburbs) offer a variety of activities during the warm months. From the middle of May till the end of September, you can catch something every weekend.

Hi Readers, Ryan Beshel here! Ahhh, spring. A time of change, renewal and celebration! Here at 900 North Michigan Shops, we don’t always need an excuse to celebrate – but, this month – we feel it only right to honor all the fabulous women in our lives. (And what woman doesn’t like a bit shopping?) To do just that, we present to you “A Day For Her” – an all-day shopping event featuring exclusive discounts, activities, treats and raffle prizes on Saturday, May 12th from 10a.m. - 6:30p.m. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Prentice, the fundraising board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. A special ticket price $20 (pre-sale) and $30 (at the door) leads the way to 20% off at Michael Kors, Mark Shale, L.K.Bennett, Karen Millen, Intimacy Bra Fit Stylists, Preggers and many more of our stellar retailers!

Hey Readers! It’s Sarah Vargo from Maven and Social Gravity. Are you looking to help children and travel through time while simultaneously mingling with Chicago’s non-profit, fashion and social scene? Look no further…One Hope United’s “Eras of Hope” event is this Saturday at Mercedes at 1520 West North Avenue, 7-11PM. One Hope United is celebrating a 117-year history of protecting children and strengthening families with this inaugural fashion event. April is Child Abuse Prevention month. We are gathering to raise awareness and funds to support One Hope United’s efforts to prevent these horrific events from happening, or happening again.

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!

Three phrases I’m sure everyone in the working world can relate to. These statements resonate with me more than ever as I prepare for Chicago’s LARGEST Latino professional networking event this Wednesday. For the 12^th year in a row, the Chicago Latino Network is hosting, "Schmoozefest”…