I was flipping thru channels last night and saw jessica biel on cnn w/ larry king talking about how millions of children around the world don't have access to clean water, and thought about how when I was in 3rd grade at st clements, a speaker came in to teach us the same, and passed on many ways we can help conserve from as simple as turning the water off when brushing our teeth. That talk has actually stayed with me forever since couldn't fathom that water could ever be scarce anywhere, but realized although I was trying to follow the speaker's advice all these years, I never did any work to try and help share the message, so trying to help do that now.
charity Archives
Academy Awards in Chicago!
I know a lot of people throw academy award parties across the nation, but wanted to let you know of the 51 "official" academy award parties sanctioned by the academy of motion pictures, arts and sciences, chicago has had one of these "official" parties for the last 16 years!
One of my scariest press memories actually was when I hosted it about 5 years ago w/my buddy Amanda puck who dragged me in to do steve dahl's radio show absolutely terrified because for months he had been making fun of me live his show (even made my mom cry once when she heard him in the car)! In the end, glad amanda helped me face my fear, because ended up that steve and I realized we were actually two nice guys that totally didn't understand the other til we talked in person.. and we actually created a very nice friendship out of it!
Anywho, this year the official party celebrating the live simulcast of the 82nd annual academy awards will be from 6p-11p sunday march 7th at the gene siskel film center (164 n. state st) hosted by great friends like roger & chaz ebert, harold ramis, Betsey steinberg, mike mcnamyer, Amanda puck, david zapata, brook jay and more! tickets at ticketmaster (link that)are $100 & all proceeds will benefit the gene siskel film center of the school of the art institute of chicago- enjoy!
I know a lot of people throw academy award parties across the nation, but wanted to let you know of the 51 "official" academy award parties sanctioned by the academy of motion pictures, arts and sciences, chicago has had one of these "official" parties for the last 16 years!
One of my scariest press memories actually was when I hosted it about 5 years ago w/my buddy Amanda puck who dragged me in to do steve dahl's radio show absolutely terrified because for months he had been making fun of me live on his show (even made my mom cry once when she heard him in the car)! In the end, glad amanda helped me face my fear, because ended up that steve and I realized we were actually two nice guys that totally didn't understand the other til we talked in person.. and we actually created a very nice friendship out of it!
Anywho, this year the official party celebrating the live simulcast of the 82nd annual academy awards will be from 6p-11p sunday march 7th at the gene siskel film center (164 n. state st) hosted by great friends like roger & chaz ebert, harold ramis,Betsy steinberg, mike mcnamara, Amanda puck, david zapata, brook jay and more! tickets at ticketmaster are $100 & all proceeds will benefit the gene siskel film center of the school of the art institute of chicago- enjoy!
Chicago Designer & Artist Pair with Ronald McDonald House
If follow me on twitter you probably are watching me chase whales (or tequila, quac,..) off the coast of Mexico... But wrote this about some killer artist friends w/a great event happening earlier to share, so sending it in to my blog from the boat now!
Everyone checkout this true art infused event powered by a love of fashion, a knack for art and a bond over fellow women across the world. Wednesday, March 10th allow yourself to experience "Gold Rush" - a combination of an art exhibition and fashion in one, featuring local designer Sahar Dad and local artist Misa Verbeek.
Rockit Billboard Social Media Campaign
Rockit Billboard Campaign from A Chicago Thing on Vimeo.
Having grown up in the city looking at these billboards everday of my life, I certainly never thought I would have anything to do w/ one myself! Especially these days when it seems like social media is taking over every aspect of advertising & communication. Not until an opportunity presented itself that I just couldn't resist! So we combined our new social media strategies with this new billboard opportunity and created a whole fun contest on Rockit Wrigley's Facebook fan page so that all could be a part of it- literally- putting someone's face, logo, business, philanthropy,.. up on the billboard w/us after this weekend- and giving all who participate in the fun a $25 gift certificate!
tell your friends and family, company, philanthropy of choice, etc! All the details are on "WEBSITE" and I would highly recommend jumping on this as it ends this Friday!
Having grown up in the city looking at these billboards everday of my life, I certainly never thought I would have anything to do w/ one myself! Especially these days when it seems like social media is taking over every aspect of advertising & communication. Not until an opportunity presented itself that I just couldn't resist! So we combined our new social media strategies with this new billboard opportunity and created a whole fun contest on Rockit Wrigley's Facebook fan page so that all could be a part of it- literally- putting someone's face, logo, business, philanthropy,.. up on the billboard w/us after this weekend- and giving all who participate in the fun a $25 gift certificate!
tell your friends and family, company, philanthropy of choice, etc! All the details are on www.facebook.com/rockitwrigley and I would highly recommend jumping on this as it ends this Friday!
Chicago Big Brothers Big Sisters
Shout out to my buddies Jillian Harris & ed Swiderski of "The Bachelorette" who turned me on to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago Bowl for Kids' Sake 2010 that they are competing in... sounds like a blast! And all for an amazing cause... which I love...
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States - they've been connecting with and helping kids for over a century! Their main goal is to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people, ages 6 through 18. Here are some unbelievable stats that really impressed me even more so with this organization :
By participating in the young mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are :
More Confident in their schoolwork performance
Able to get along better with their families
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers dozens of programs altered to address specific needs, ethnicities and areas such as community-based, school-based, mentoring military children, etc.
To kick jillians and ed's butts in bowling and to support this amazing cause in a super fun way... click...
Shout out to my buddies Jillian Harris & ed Swiderski of "The Bachelorette" who turned me on to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago Bowl for Kids' Sake 2010 that they are competing in... sounds like a blast! And all for an amazing cause... which I love...
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States - they've been connecting with and helping kids for over a century! Their main goal is to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people, ages 6 through 18. Here are some unbelievable stats that really impressed me even more so with this organization :
By participating in the young mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are :
More Confident in their schoolwork performance
Able to get along better with their families
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers dozens of programs altered to address specific needs, ethnicities and areas such as community-based, school-based, mentoring military children, etc.
To kick jillians and ed's butts in bowling and to support this amazing cause in a super fun way... click... http://tr.im/NFi3
Chicago Blackhawks' Brian Campbell Foundation Texas Hold 'Em Event!
Shout out to Chicago Blackhawks' brian campbell for launching his new foundation "Campbell for Kids" raising funds for chicagoland charities helping children w/ learning disabilities, autism & other special needs!
Join brian, other pro-athletes & celebs tmrw/Weds (2/10) at Horseshoe Casino for a fun texas hold'em tournament charity launch party! Not only are there cash prizes, but I love that if you beat a Blackhawk or other celebrity player you get the jersey off their back!
Drinks, Food, Gaming, Live Entertainment, silent/live auctions,.. & more! Tickets at www.campbellforkids.org! roundtrip shuttles from Rockit Bar & Grill(22 W Hubbard) leaving at 4:20pm, 5:05pm, 5:50pm, 6:50pm & back for the Official AfterParty @ Rockit are free! Seeya there!
Shout out to Chicago Blackhawks' brian campbell for launching his new foundation "Campbell for Kids" raising funds for chicagoland charities helping children w/ learning disabilities, autism & other special needs!
Join brian, other pro-athletes & celebs tmrw/Weds (2/10) at Horseshoe Casino for a fun texas hold'em tournament charity launch party! Not only are there cash prizes, but I love that if you beat a Blackhawk or other celebrity player you get the jersey off their back!
Drinks, Food, Gaming, Live Entertainment, silent/live auctions,.. & more! Tickets at www.campbellforkids.org! roundtrip shuttles from Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W Hubbard) leaving at 4:20pm, 5:05pm, 5:50pm, 6:50pm & back for the Official AfterParty @ Rockit are free! Seeya there!
Chicago Equinox Cycle for Survival to Fight Cancer
Come out to celebrate the first annual Cycle for Survival race in Chicago! Cycle for Survival began in 2007 by Equinox member Jennifer Goodman Linn, who had been diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer. She credits her exercise regimen at Equinox gym with helping her get through her battle with cancer.
Over the past 3 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for cancer research with over 2,000 participants. Past proceeds have funded a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering resulting in a new chemotherapy regimen that has proven more effective at shrinking tumors in patients.
The Chicago event will take place on Saturday, February 6 at the Equinox in the Loop and will consist of 100 teams, each with up to 8 members. I'm especially proud to say that the rockit ranch family will have its own team participating in the event! To donate to the fundraiser through our team click.......(KR get from the other email Ben sent? Make sure it's a link we can use for raising money for our team) Hope to see you all there!
Come out to celebrate the first annual Cycle for Survival race in Chicago! Cycle for Survival began in 2007 by Equinox member Jennifer Goodman Linn, who had been diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer. She credits her exercise regimen at Equinox gym with helping her get through her battle with cancer.
Over the past 3 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for cancer research with over 2,000 participants. Past proceeds have funded a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering resulting in a new chemotherapy regimen that has proven more effective at shrinking tumors in patients.
The Chicago event will take place on Saturday, February 6 at the Equinox in the Loop and will consist of 100 teams, each with up to 8 members. I'm especially proud to say that the rockit ranch family will have its own team participating in the event! To donate to the fundraiser through our team click http://tr.im/MPjZ Hope to see you all there!
Chicago Big Brother Jeff Schroeder heading for Amazing Race
shout out to my new chicago buddy, Big Brother Season 11's Jeff Schroeder - who was just announced as a contestant on the next Amazing Race...check out story at....http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/bio/jordan_and_jeff_16/bio.php?season=16
i also attached a random video clip of us in the kitchen of Rockit Wrigley during the Haiti Fundraiser I hosted with Bachelorette, Jillian Harris last saturday where the possible new show was mentioned... congrats man and thanks for getting more chitown representation out there!
A Karaoke Fundraiser to Fight Hunger
Its tomorrow! And we need you there! Serious- Its only a $20 donation & I am buying drinks & food from 9-10p, at rockit Wrigley- so stop by and support! I have been talking about helping Haiti & hunger locally on radio & tv all week- see past couple posts- my video of me on drex & Mancow live are particularly impactful- and the video here where I am on tv Comcast sports net / chicago tribune live was one of the more calmer ones where not so rushed, and could explain more.
All proceeds benefit the chicago food depository, chicago's nonprofit food bank working to end hunger where new records for individual pantry visits in recent months are up almost 20% versus a year ago- and sadly- donations are down!
So you know, the poverty rates for cook county (14.8%) & chicago (20.6%) continue to rise and are higher than the national average (13.2%). the unemployment rate in cook county was 10.7% in november, 4% higher than last year (6.7 percent). obviously times are tough for all, but w/ hunger & starvation in our own community & neighborhoods, we need to all help... so please join me at my karaoke fundraiser tmrw/friday night by rsvp'ing to info@rockitwrigley.com .. see you there and thank you!
Its tomorrow! And we need you there! Serious- Its only a $20 donation & I am buying drinks & food from 9-10p, at rockit Wrigley- so stop by and support! I have been talking about helping Haiti & hunger locally on radio & tv all week- see past couple posts- my video of me on drex & Mancow live are particularly impactful- and the video here where I am on tv Comcast sportsnet / chicago tribune live was one of the more calmer ones where not so rushed, and could explain more.
All proceeds benefit the chicago food depository, chicago's nonprofit food bank working to end hunger where new records for individual pantry visits in recent months are up almost 20% versus a year ago- and sadly- donations are down!
So you know, the poverty rates for cook county (14.8%) & chicago (20.6%) continue to rise and are higher than the national average (13.2%). the unemployment rate in cook county was 10.7% in november, 4% higher than last year (6.7 percent). obviously times are tough for all, but w/ hunger & starvation in our own community & neighborhoods, we need to all help... so please join me at my karaoke fundraiser tmrw/friday night by rsvp'ing to info@rockitwrigley.com .. see you there and thank you!
Support Haiti vs/& Home Live on Mancow WLS Radio
Friend of mine on twitter @stealx & a ton of others hit me during my interview on Mancow wls radio Friday expressing how much of a stressful scary situation I was caught live on air! Well, I got it on video for those that missed it. Did my best- was a little thrown off- but got my point across- we need to support both!
Thanks to all who supported jillian harris from "the bachlorette" & I with our Haiti benefit, and please all, support the hungry here in the chicagoland area as well by joining me this Friday night! details on yesterdays blog post, or simply click here.... Oh, and btw, will be back on Mancow this Friday, follow me on twitter and will shoot the time out when hit the studio.
Friend of mine on twitter @stealx & a ton of others hit me during my interview on Mancow wls radio Friday expressing how much of a stressful scary situation I was caught live on air! Well, I got it on video for those that missed it. Did my best- was a little thrown off- but got my point across- we need to support both!
Thanks to all who supported jillian harris from "the bachlorette" & I with our Haiti benefit, and please all, support the hungry here in the chicagoland area as well by joining me this Friday night! details on yesterdays blog post, or simply click here.... Oh, and btw, will be back on Mancow this Friday, follow me on twitter and will shoot the time out when hit the studio.
Fight Hunger in Chicago-Support The Chicago Food Depository
If you follow me on twitter & facebook, you may recall a couple weeks ago I asked for suggestions on how I can help fight hunger in chicago- and everyone jumped on it w/ amazing suggestions! Thank you all- hope you will also jump on spreading the word, supporting, helping,.. joining me w/ the following fundraising efforts we crafted to fight hunger!
all this week at both rockit locations we're serving up amazing gourmet chili at "chilifest" ending in a big blow out karaoke party I'm hosting this Friday night (1/22) at rockit Wrigley from 8p-10p... with proceeds from both to benefit thegreater chicago food depository who are Chicago's nonprofit food bank working to end hunger where new records for individual pantry visits in recent months are up almost 20% versus a year ago- and sadly- donations are down!
The poverty rates for Cook County (14.8%) & Chicago (20.6%) continue to rise and are higher than the national average (13.2%). The unemployment rate in Cook County was 10.7% in November, 4% higher than last year (6.7 percent). Obviously times are tough for all, but w/ hunger & starvation in our own community & neighborhoods, we need to all help... so please join me at my karaoke fundraiser especially on Friday night by rsvp'ing to info@rockitwrigley.com! (click "read more" below for more info)
Live on KISS FM w/ Drex about Chicago Haiti Support
Chicago, and the U.S. in general, has really done an amazing job to support the victims in Haiti in this tremendous time of need - as discussed in this behind the scenes video of me & Drex live in KISS radio this morning, in case didn't catch it. In the end, real dollars sent is what matters right now - at any level - and motivating people to join you. See my last post for a number of ways that can help....thx all!
"Bachelorette" Jillian Harris & Billy Dec TweetNMeet Fundraiser Party to Benefit Haiti
Sounds random I know- long story short- my buddy jillian & I had a tweetnmeet party set for our twitter followers this Saturday- many friends on twitter and facebook asked me to use my network, venues, ideas,... whatever I could, to host a fundraising event fast to immediately help victims in Haiti. I quickly proposed to jillian that we turn our tweetnmeet into a fundraiser- not only to raise money quick, but to work with our network to call people to action fast- it was a no brainer for both of us- and its on- We are hosting our tweetnmeet/fundraiser event this Saturday January 16th at rockit Wrigley (3700 n clark) to benefit the redcross/haiti. drinks & apps on us from 9-10p where we are asking for $20 minimum at the door. If can't make it early, of course come when can, donations accepted until we close at 2am. Info & rsvp at info@rockitwrigley.com If can't come at all, please spread the word any way you can, as that's half the battle, and try to make a donation to any of the many other options that exist out there. I have pulled together some suggeestions off my facebook, twitter & the internet- sure there are way more out there- but hopefully this is a good start- thanks all- and good luck- The American Red Cross has set up a text message donation account enabling anyone in the US to text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the recovery effort. The fully deductible donation will be billed to your mobile phone account. YELE.ORG or text 'YELE' to '501501' and a donation will be made and charged to your cell phone bill American Red Cross redcross.org; 800-RED-CROSS CARE care.org; 800-521-CARE Catholic Relief Services crs.org; 800-736-3467 Operation USA opusa.org; 800-678-7255 Salvation Army salvationarmyusa.org; 800-SAL-ARMY U.S. Fund for UNICEF unicefusa.org; 800-FOR-KIDS World Vision worldvision.org; 866-280-6587 Le passage fri 1/15 6p-9p accepting donations of all kinds, buddy joel barnes donating tips at bar too Saturday at 7pm. Let's buy every bottle of water in the Chi and bless our brothers and sisters in Haiti. 2950 W Washington. 7pm (Boys and Girls Club of Chicago) Soul Veg (chicago) is collecting non-perishable vegan food clothing etc. 4 Haiti humanitarian relief call 773 224 0104 @ChicagoRedCross fundraising effort in your Chicago home/business for #Haiti, contact 312-729-6120 /ChicagoFD@usa.redcross.org @WholeFoodsCHI Whole Foods Market Chicago If you are looking to support a local group helping with Haiti earthquake relief, please... http://bit.ly/6DMwCX @MonicaGaspard: ATTN CHICAGO: Relief efforts for Haiti local changed to the LEVY CENTER 7:30p 300 Dodge Ave Evanston anybody wanna go? @gslivingston: Save Haiti! Press Conf. & Prayer Vigil - Today @ 5pm RainbowPUSH Headquarters - 930 E. 50th Street, ChicagoSounds random I know- long story short- my buddy jillian & I had a tweetnmeet party set for our twitter followers this Saturday- many friends on twitter and facebook asked me to use my network, venues, ideas,... whatever I could, to host a fundraising event fast to immediately help victims in Haiti. I quickly proposed to jillian that we turn our tweetnmeet into a fundraiser- not only to raise money quick, but to work with our network to call people to action fast- it was a no brainer for both of us- and its on-We are hosting our tweetnmeet/fundraiser event this Saturday January 16th at rockit Wrigley (3700 n clark) to benefit the redcross/haiti. drinks & apps on us from 9-10p where we are asking for $20 minimum at the door. If can't make it early, of course come when can, donations accepted until we close at 2am. Info & rsvp at info@rockitwrigley.comIf can't come at all, please spread the word any way you can, as that's half the battle, and try to make a donation to any of the many other options that exist out there. I have pulled together some suggeestions off my facebook, twitter & the internet- sure there are way more out there- but hopefully this is a good start- thanks all- and good luck-The American Red Cross has set up a text message donation account enabling anyone in the US to text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the recovery effort. The fully deductible donation will be billed to your mobile phone account.YELE.ORG or text 'YELE' to '501501' and a donation will be made and charged to your cell phone billAmerican Red Cross redcross.org; 800-RED-CROSSCARE care.org; 800-521-CARECatholic Relief Services crs.org; 800-736-3467Operation USA opusa.org; 800-678-7255Salvation Army salvationarmyusa.org; 800-SAL-ARMYU.S. Fund for UNICEF unicefusa.org; 800-FOR-KIDSWorld Vision worldvision.org; 866-280-6587Le passage fri 1/15 6p-9p accepting donations of all kinds, buddy joel barnes donating tips at bar tooSaturday at 7pm. Let's buy every bottle of water in the Chi and bless our brothers and sisters in Haiti. 2950 W Washington. 7pm (Boys and Girls Club of Chicago)Soul Veg (chicago) is collecting non-perishable vegan food clothing etc. 4 Haiti humanitarian relief call 773 224 0104@ChicagoRedCross fundraising effort in your Chicago home/business for #Haiti, contact 312-729-6120 / ChicagoFD@usa.redcross.org@WholeFoodsCHI Whole Foods Market Chicago If you are looking to support a local group helping with Haiti earthquake relief, please... http://bit.ly/6DMwCX@MonicaGaspard: ATTN CHICAGO: Relief efforts for Haiti local changed to the LEVY CENTER 7:30p 300 Dodge Ave Evanston anybody wanna go?@gslivingston: Save Haiti! Press Conf. & Prayer Vigil - Today @ 5pm RainbowPUSH Headquarters - 930 E. 50th Street, Chicago
Wonder what it's like to do live Chicago radio? Here's the behind the scenes...
After being a guest on a ton of talk shows last week from oprah radio to wgn 720a live... a bunch of people hit me with great questions on twitter intrigued about what its like to do live radio shows for millions (which totally freaked me out while on air) so I thought I would flip my cam on and show you what its like visually! If want to hear the whole audio interview click here. Fyi, this interview was part of a new segment on 720am where www.ChicagoNow.com bloggers shout out a whole lot of fun Saturdays from 9a-12p- so tune in!
As for my upcoming press dates, this week I am at this same location doing bob sirott's show at exactly 12:35p during most people's lunch hour so please walk by the infamous wgn radio tribune tower glass and wave hi to us! (If anyone stages a flash mob I will celebrate you- haha!). Will be talking about the fun cub-aholic fan party we are doing this Thursday night at rockit Wrigley with media hosting like my buddy david kaplan (from trib, Comcast sportsnet tv, radio,...),some cub player friends (it's a secret for now who's coming), a ton of fans who miss the cubs,... all to kick off the cub convention this weekend! I'm also on Mancow this Friday 9am to talk about my fight against hunger with a fun karaoke party on Friday 1/22 from 8p-10p benefiting the chicago food depository... please tune in!
(oh, and rumors are true- my 1ST tweet N meet got rave reviews to point that some are making me do it again! Especially those that missed the first one- so it's this sat 1/16 9-10p contact katierose@rockitranch.com)
After being a guest on a ton of talk shows last week from oprah radio to wgn 720am live... a bunch of people hit me with great questions on twitter intrigued about what its like to do live radio shows for millions (which totally freaked me out while on air) so I thought I would flip my cam on and show you what its like visually! If want to hear the whole audio interview click here. Fyi, this interview was part of a new segment on 720am where www.ChicagoNow.com bloggers shout out a whole lot of fun Saturdays from 9a-12p- so tune in!
As for my upcoming press dates, this week I am at this same location doing bob sirott's show at exactly 12:35p during most people's lunch hour so please walk by the infamous wgn radio tribune tower glass and wave hi to us! (If anyone stages a flash mob I will celebrate you- haha!). Will be talking about the fun cub-aholic fan party we are doing this Thursday night at rockit Wrigley with media hosting like my buddy david kaplan (from trib, Comcast sportsnet tv, radio,...),some cub player friends (it's a secret for now who's coming), a ton of fans who miss the cubs,... all to kick off the cub convention this weekend! I'm also on Mancow this Friday 9am to talk about my fight against hunger with a fun karaoke party on Friday 1/22 from 8p-10p benefiting the chicago food depository... please tune in!
(oh, and rumors are true- my 1ST tweet N meet got rave reviews to point that some are making me do it again! Especially those that missed the first one- so it's this sat 1/16 9-10p contact katierose@rockitranch.com)
Opening this Friday...Chicago Photography Collective
An amazing chicago photographer by the name of Sandy Steinbrecher took this shot while I stood in front of fenger highschool a couple months ago greeting students when I voluteered as fenger high school "principal for a day!"Â
I blogged about the eye opening experience right after (scroll back and check it out!), but could not have done a better job of capturing the magic than this incredible artist sandy, so thought I would turn you all on to her (website here) and some of the artists she rolls with, like at this event she is a part of tonight!
It's the opening of a new exhibit by the Chicago Photography Collective (CPC) tonight (12/18) from 5-7pm at 29 e. madison! (also open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm for a limited time) The CPC is a group of local Chicago professional photographers who strive to build a sense of community among fellow photographers. Â The current exhibition offered by the CPC is a salon-style exhibition featuring works from a group of 30 established photographers, whose subject matter ranges in photographic passions from music, political and social documentary, and culinary arts to architecture, aerials, portraiture, still life and abstraction.Â
It's also pretty cool how CPC chooses random empty storefront properties in the center of the city for their exhibition space, which accomplishes their goal of offering cultural encounters for the public in unexpected places. Â For more info on the event, check out their website at: http://chicagophotographycollective.com . Â Hope to see you all there!Â
An amazing chicago photographer by the name of Sandy Steinbrecher took this shot while I stood in front of fenger highschool a couple months ago greeting students when I voluteered as fenger high school "principal for a day!"Â
I blogged about the eye opening experience right after (scroll back and check it out!), but could not have done a better job of capturing the magic than this incredible artist sandy, so thought I would turn you all on to her (www.sandrasteinbrecher.com) and some of the artists she rolls with, like at this event she is a part of tonight!
It's the opening of a new exhibit by the Chicago Photography Collective (CPC) tonight (12/18) from 5-7pm at 29 e. madison! (also open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11am to 5.30pm for a limited time) The CPC is a group of local Chicago professional photographers who strive to build a sense of community among fellow photographers.  The current exhibition offered by the CPC is a salon-style exhibition featuring works from a group of 30 established photographers, whose subject matter ranges in photographic passions from music, political and social documentary, and culinary arts to architecture, aerials, portraiture, still life and abstraction.Â
It's also pretty cool how CPC chooses random empty storefront properties in the center of the city for their exhibition space, which accomplishes their goal of offering cultural encounters for the public in unexpected places.  For more info on the event, check out their website at:http://chicagophotographycollective.com .  Hope to see you all there!Â
Chicago to Make A Wish for the Holidays by guest blogger : Bo Osacky, Team Rockit Ranch
The holidays are here - Tis the season to make wishes come true! No organization makes that happen more often than the Make-A- Wish Foundation, which granted 702 wishes last year to terminally ill children throughout Illinois. In December, Make-A-Wish will grant close to 100 wishes alone! Â The organization has been fortunate to have great supporters but, like most organizations, the economy has had a direct impact on the number of wishes they are able to grant this holiday season. Â Make-A-Wish is extremely proud that in their 23 year history, they have never had to turn down a wish child due to lack of funds. They are all working very hard to honor that record and be able to grant 700 more wishes this coming holiday season and into 2010. Â Here is a great local Make-A-Wish success story with a way you can help make those wishes come true...(kr see if can condense this nxt paragraph down half the size)
Robert Heidkamp III - Bobby is a charismatic eighteen-year-old boy. While Bobby has many good friends, he remains reserved and what his family calls, "an old soul." He loves to play his guitar, write songs and is an avid reader. In November of 2008, Bobby was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He underwent a first round of chemotherapy and just started a second rotation of treatment. Although it makes him weak, Bobby continues to put up a good fight - all the while maintaining his amazing sense of humor. When asked to wish BIG, Bobby wanted his band, A City Sunrise, to perform at the Warped Tour. Thanks to the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, his wish was granted! Bobby and his band mates got to sing for twenty minutes in front of a 200-person crowd. Bobby's parents said, "It helped Bobby stay positive in a way no one else could." Thank you for giving Bobby and his family the priceless gift of hope. You have turned his dream into reality!
One way you can help is to join us this Thursday night (12/17) for the annual The Grinch Who Gave Back X-Mas @ the underground. Â A donation of $20 is suggested at the door with a private reception from 9 to 10pm. Â DJ Eric CubeeChee from Bravo's hit show "Launch My Line" will be spinning all night long for this great occasion! Â RSVP: VIP@rockitranch.com
The holidays are here - Tis the season to make wishes come true! No organization makes that happen more often than the Make-A- Wish Foundation, which granted 702 wishes last year to children with life-threatening diseases throughout Illinois. In December, Make-A-Wish will grant close to 100 wishes alone!  The organization has been fortunate to have great supporters but, like most organizations, the economy has had a direct impact on the number of wishes they are able to grant this holiday season.  Make-A-Wish is extremely proud that in their 23 year history, they have never had to turn down a wish child due to lack of funds. They are all working very hard to honor that record and be able to grant 700 more wishes this coming holiday season and into 2010.  Here is a great local Make-A-Wish success story with a way you can help make those wishes come true...
Robert Heidkamp III - Bobby is a charismatic eighteen-year-old boy. While Bobby has many good friends, he remains reserved and what his family calls, "an old soul." He loves to play his guitar, write songs and is an avid reader. In November of 2008, Bobby was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He underwent a first round of chemotherapy and just started a second rotation of treatment. Although it makes him weak, Bobby continues to put up a good fight - all the while maintaining his amazing sense of humor. When asked to wish BIG, Bobby wanted his band, A City Sunrise, to perform at the Warped Tour. Thanks to the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, his wish was granted! Bobby and his band mates got to sing for twenty minutes in front of a 200-person crowd. Bobby's parents said, "It helped Bobby stay positive in a way no one else could." Thank you for giving Bobby and his family the priceless gift of hope. You have turned his dream into reality!
One way you can help is to join us this Thursday night (12/17) for the annual The Grinch Who Gave Back X-Mas @ The Underground.  A donation of $20 is suggested at the door with a private reception from 9 to 10pm.  DJ Eric CubeeChee from Bravo's hit show "Launch My Line" will be spinning all night long for this great occasion!  RSVP: VIP@rockitranch.com
Philippine Island love in Chicago by guest blogger : Aeron Lancero, GM of Sunda
I am of Filipino decent and had the opportunity of receiving my education in the Philippines and living there a great deal of time. My Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot was born there and raised in Hawaii, Rockit Ranch Productions' founder and CEO Billy Dec is half Filipino and has been there over a dozen times, and our sushi chef Jesse is Filipino American as well. As we all have ties to the Philippines, clearly it was a priority to do something to help the victims of the terrible typhoons so tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 15, beginning at 6 p.m., Sunda will co-host a very special dinner with Gawad Kalinga, benefiting Operation:Â
Walang Iwanan (Leave No One Behind) in our new Sunda private room on the second floor.Â
I am of Filipino decent and had the opportunity of receiving my education in the Philippines and living there a great deal of time. My Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot was born there and raised in Hawaii, Rockit Ranch Productions' founder and CEO Billy Dec is half Filipino and has been there over a dozen times, and our sushi chef Jesse is Filipino American as well. As we all have ties to the Philippines, clearly it was a priority to do something to help the victims of the terrible typhoons so tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 15, beginning at 6 p.m., Sunda will co-host a very special dinner with Gawad Kalinga, benefiting Operation:Â
Walang Iwanan (Leave No One Behind) in our new Sunda private room on the second floor.Â
I am of Filipino decent and had the opportunity of receiving my education in the Philippines and living there a great deal of time. My Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot was born there and raised in Hawaii, Rockit Ranch Productions' founder and CEO Billy Dec is half Filipino and has been there over a dozen times, and our sushi chef Jesse is Filipino American as well. As we all have ties to the Philippines, clearly it was a priority to do something to help the victims of the terrible typhoons so tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 15, beginning at 6 p.m., Sunda will co-host a very special dinner with Gawad Kalinga, benefiting Operation: Walang Iwanan (Leave No One Behind) in our new Sunda private room on the second floor. Â
I need bail! Help!
help! Â caught on video above- i'm locked up in "clara's house" shelter at 63rd & paulina in west englewood- i need $1000 to get bailed out! Â "clara's house" benefits woman & children that don't have a warm bed, clothes & hot food... so i am doing this to benefit them.. make any size donation of whatever you can to the clara's house by calling 312.315.2223.. denalda will help you.. together we can give a holiday gift of atleast $1000 to them from me & you! Â til then, you know where i'll be!
I overdosed on Best Chocolate in Chicago!
This is so random I know, but with all the events going on for the holidays... I feel like I have been everywhere in the last week, and wanted to share a clip of it with you... so here is a crazy video of my favorite event so far! It was from the "world of chocolate" event to benefit aids last Thursday where I had to judge 30 of the best chocolate dishes from the best chefs in chicago!
As you will see, its packed, the music is pumping, the crowd is fun, and there was chocolate everywhere! You probably can also tell I was flying high on sugar doing my best to take it down as a judge- and omg- it was way harder to physically eat that much chocolate, and to think straight while doing it in effort to pick who was best out of all our chicago talent!
Anyway, sorry it looks crazy, but did it on the fly w/my flip for ya by myself... I wasn't planning on it, but just got so impressed w/the experience, and wanted to share... and not just because there were so many sweets, but because there were 1700 ish people who came through, selling the event out, donating over $200,000!!!! How great is that! So happy to be a part of it...
Speaking of my role as judge, I guess I can say who I voted for now... I think it's been announced? But first, shout out to terry's toffee, truffle truffle, sweet margy & everyone else who knocked me out w/the best dessert experience ever! As for the best of the best? I voted for the Peninsula hotel! and a little tip, they have a full on gourmet chocolate buffet & live jazz every Friday & Saturday night... so it's all right there for you to experience too! Enjoy!
This is so random I know, but with all the events going on for the holidays... I feel like I have been everywhere in the last week, and wanted to share a clip of it with you... so here is a crazy video of my favorite event so far! It was from the "world of chocolate" event to benefit aids last Thursday where I had to judge 30 of the best chocolate dishes from the best chefs in chicago!
As you will see, its packed, the music is pumping, the crowd is fun, and there was chocolate everywhere! You probably can also tell I was flying high on sugar doing my best to take it down as a judge- and omg- it was way harder to physically eat that much chocolate, and to think straight while doing it in effort to pick who was best out of all our chicago talent!
Anyway, sorry it looks crazy, but did it on the fly w/my flip for ya by myself... I wasn't planning on it, but just got so impressed w/the experience, and wanted to share... and not just because there were so many sweets, but because there were 1700 ish people who came through, selling the event out, donating over $200,000!!!! How great is that! So happy to be a part of it...
Speaking of my role as judge, I guess I can say who I voted for now... I think it's been announced? But first, shout out to terry's toffee, truffle truffle, sweet margy & everyone else who knocked me out w/the best dessert experience ever! As for the best of the best? I voted for the Peninsula hotel! and a little tip, they have a full on gourmet chocolate buffet & live jazz every Friday & Saturday night... so it's all right there for you to experience too! Enjoy!
Chicago Artists are "One of a Kind"
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It's still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it's rightfully called "one of a kind!" I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff... (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan's art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up... his site is . also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need... say hi to her there, or check her at .
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills - unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you... and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful... I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets... click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass... use code "ECPFriend." Enjoy!
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It's still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it's rightfully called "one of a kind!" I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff... (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan's art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up... his site is . also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need... say hi to her there, or check her at .
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills - unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you... and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful... I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets... click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass... use code "ECPFriend." Enjoy!
I went to support our local art scene at this killer art holiday show (& sale) last night- you have to go! It's still going on for the next 3 days on the 8th floor of the Merchandise Mart & it's rightfully called "one of a kind!" I actually was so excited I flipped my handcam on and rapped w/2 of my fav artists in the city that happened to be there! Check it out above, sorry if so random, but was off the cuff... (although from what I hear, a lot of you prefer it that way?)
Speaking of the two artists in the video, I have actually been collecting dolan's art work for 7ish years, and had him design the backbars at both rockit locations! You should definitely see him there, as he says in video, mention me and he will hook you up... his site is www.dolangeiman.com -- also check out sarah who you will see, she is a major talent, and does huge philanthropic work for Chicagoans in need... say hi to her there, or check her at www.sarahraskey.com.
The real beauty of the show is that all 500ish artists are present for all 4 days to show their skills - unlike galleries or traditional retails, so you can physically meet the person whose creativity and craftsmanship inspires you... and take that art home! Btw, its really affordable, and I think the best gifts ever for the holidays because becomes way more personal, not to mention supportive and beautiful... I think you need to go to it so bad, that I have your tickets... click HERE for more info and for your complimentary pass... use code "ECPFriend." Enjoy!
Chicago has chocolate talent! And a ton of heart...
Today is World AIDS Day, a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Â In Chicago, our own AIDS foundation (the AFC) does its part to contribute to World AIDS Day by holding its signature holiday extravaganza, "The World of Chocolate!" (pic above making chocolate ice cream w/ liquid nitrogen!)
This super sweet event allows guests to indulge in chocolate treats from over 30 of Chicago's finest chocolatiers & restaurants.. serving up chocolate bread pudding with a chocolate vodka sauce, flourless chocolate cake with a brandy cherry center topped with Amaretto, Frangelico or Jack Daniels ganash, chocolate hamburgers and meatballs, chocolate and butter cream frosting shots, spiced chocolate layer cake with raspberries and chilies,.. and much much more!
And of course with all that talent & sweetness, someone needs to point out who's is the best- right? Â So I of course had to agree to be a judge! Â I know, tough job... fact is, I am really doing it for the cause... and yes, because it will all be super fun! Â So join me at the Hilton Chicago, this Thursday 12/3 from 6-10pm (for more info, go to www.aidschicago.org)Â
Today is World AIDS Day, a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Â In Chicago, our own AIDS foundation (the AFC) does its part to contribute to World AIDS Day by holding its signature holiday extravaganza, "The World of Chocolate!" (pic above making chocolate ice cream w/ liquid nitrogen!)
This super sweet event allows guests to indulge in chocolate treats from over 30 of Chicago's finest chocolatiers & restaurants.. serving up chocolate bread pudding with a chocolate vodka sauce, flourless chocolate cake with a brandy cherry center topped with Amaretto, Frangelico or Jack Daniels ganash, chocolate hamburgers and meatballs, chocolate and butter cream frosting shots, spiced chocolate layer cake with raspberries and chilies,.. and much much more!
And of course with all that talent & sweetness, someone needs to point out who's is the best- right?  So I of course had to agree to be a judge!  I know, tough job... fact is, I am really doing it for the cause... and yes, because it will all be super fun!  So join me at the Hilton Chicago, this Thursday 12/3 from 6-10pm (for more info, go to www.aidschicago.org)Â
chicago's "rock for kids!"
If you've been down w/the Chicago Music scene over the past 20 years, maybe you've heard about this great non-profit organization called Rock for Kids (RFK) started by volunteers in Chicago's music and entertainment industry, who wanted to give back to the community. RFK provides support, hope, inspiration and assistance to underserved children and teens, and since they believe that music can be a positive influence in kids lives, they offer free year-round music education for children in need. Â
Even though RFK started out as a holiday shopping program that gave holiday assistance to agencies in need while also supplying Chicago's homeless children with toys and necessities for the holidays, the volunteers realized they all shared a love for art and music especially, so the organization shifted gears and started bringing free, quality music education into the lives of Chicago's under-served children.
On 12/4, I will be supporting RFK at their 21st Annual Rock and Roll Charity Auction, as I do every year, at the Park West (322 W. Armitage), and you should join me! Â At the event, they auction off some pretty cool items, featuring autographed guitars, posters, and experiential packages, mostly related to the music world. Â Participants will have the chance to bid on items from famous musicians including Led Zeppelin, Elton John & Billy Joel, Wilco & Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, Steely Dan, AC/DC, The Swell Season and many more...but most importantly, the proceeds go to the support of free music education to at risk kids, predominantly in shelters or other similar living environments. Visit http://rockforkids.org/ for more info!Â
If you've been down w/the Chicago Music scene over the past 20 years, maybe you've heard about this great non-profit organization called Rock for Kids (RFK) started by volunteers in Chicago's music and entertainment industry, who wanted to give back to the community. RFK provides support, hope, inspiration and assistance to underserved children and teens, and since they believe that music can be a positive influence in kids lives, they offer free year-round music education for children in need. Â
Even though RFK started out as a holiday shopping program that gave holiday assistance to agencies in need while also supplying Chicago's homeless children with toys and necessities for the holidays, the volunteers realized they all shared a love for art and music especially, so the organization shifted gears and started bringing free, quality music education into the lives of Chicago's under-served children.
On 12/4, I will be supporting RFK at their 21st Annual Rock and Roll Charity Auction, as I do every year, at the Park West (322 W. Armitage), and you should join me!  At the event, they auction off some pretty cool items, featuring autographed guitars, posters, and experiential packages, mostly related to the music world.  Participants will have the chance to bid on items from famous musicians including Led Zeppelin, Elton John & Billy Joel, Wilco & Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, Steely Dan, AC/DC, The Swell Season and many more...but most importantly, the proceeds go to the support of free music education to at risk kids, predominantly in shelters or other similar living environments. Visit http://rockforkids.org for more info!Â
Join Your Chicago Chefs who Grow, Teach & Feed! by guest blogger : Amanda Downing, Rockit Chef Team
A lot of what goes into being a chef is giving something back to others; usually it is in the obvious form of creating wonderful food for guests to enjoy. Another part, is giving back to our community and Chicago is one of the greatest communities out there.Â
Â
There are so many opportunities to give back to the community throughout the year and many where chefs and restaurants take center stage to help support various causes. Some events that myself and Rockit Ranch executive chef James Gottwald and our entire crew have been a part of have been: Meals on Wheels Chicago (www.mealsonwheelschicago.org), Grand Chefs Gala (www.grandchefsgala.com), Â Taste of the Nation (www.strength.org/) as well as many events and classes supporting Common Threads (www.commonthreads.org ).
Â
New to us earlier this year has been the Organic School Project (OSP) where we were invited to a mac and cheese sMACdown, which was a fun community event where local novice cooks competed with local chefs for the Mac daddy title; there was more than enough cheesy noodles to go around. (and we are proud to say, we are the Mac daddys!). Â Since then we have been invited to participate in their Fall Harvest Community Dinner happening Friday November 20th from 6-8pm at Leslie Hall (1111 North Wells St).Â
Â
This event will be a celebration of the season with a community dinner showcasing the fall's harvest using all organic products. Â Rockit will be serving an organic version of our roasted butternut squash soup. Â It will be a fun way to support such a great program where all the funds raised will support the OSP's Grow, Teach, Feed after school program for children.Â
Â
The mission of OSP is to combat childhood obesity and related health epidemics through the Grow Teach Feed model, laying the foundation for urban youth to build sustainable lifestyles. To learn more about their work with over 3,500 kids since their founding in 2005, please visit www.organicschoolproject.orgÂ
Â
To show your support: tickets for the Fall Harvest are $35 for adults through Nov. 13th and $40 thereafter.Â
A lot of what goes into being a chef is giving something back to others; usually it is in the obvious form of creating wonderful food for guests to enjoy. Another part, is giving back to our community and Chicago is one of the greatest communities out there.Â
There are so many opportunities to give back to the community throughout the year and many where chefs and restaurants take center stage to help support various causes. Some events that myself and Rockit Ranch executive chef James Gottwald and our entire crew have been a part of have been: Meals on Wheels Chicago, Grand Chefs Gala,  Taste of the Nation as well as many events and classes supporting Common Threads.
New to us earlier this year has been the Organic School Project (OSP) where we were invited to a mac and cheese sMACdown, which was a fun community event where local novice cooks competed with local chefs for the Mac daddy title; there was more than enough cheesy noodles to go around. (and we are proud to say, we are the Mac daddys!). Â Since then we have been invited to participate in their Fall Harvest Community Dinner happening Friday November 20th from 6-8pm at Leslie Hall (1111 North Wells St).Â
This event will be a celebration of the season with a community dinner showcasing the fall's harvest using all organic products. Â Rockit will be serving an organic version of our roasted butternut squash soup. Â It will be a fun way to support such a great program where all the funds raised will support the OSP's Grow, Teach, Feed after school program for children.Â
The mission of OSP is to combat childhood obesity and related health epidemics through the Grow Teach Feed model, laying the foundation for urban youth to build sustainable lifestyles. To learn more about their work with over 3,500 kids since their founding in 2005, please visit www.organicschoolproject.orgÂ
To show your support: tickets for the Fall Harvest are $35 for adults through Nov. 13th and $40 thereafter.
Champions for Children's Memorial Hospital 2009
I am and always will be a huge supporter of anything that benefits our youth and Children's Memorial Foundation is one of those groups! Thursday, November 19th is the inaugural Champions for Children's event with an all-star line up! Hosted by an old friend of mine, Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah, this event will bolster some great names : A.J. Pierzynski, Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, Jim Thome, Ryne Sandberg, and many more. Plus it's emceed by super funny comedian, Jim Belushi!Â
Â
The night will include interactive entertainment, like you can play "old school" fast pitch with some of Chicago's greatest past and present stars. Event the auction sounds amazing since it includes private pitching lessons with my pal Ryan Dempster. I'd suggest to hit up the Palmer House on the 19th if you want to run elbows with town's most athletic and most importantly, support a great cause for Chicago's future.
When I interviewed celebrities from across the nation earlier this year about why chicago should get the olympics, one of the many obvious answers all shot back at me, was that we are the greatest sport town ever with the greatest sports teams, fans & athletes!  I completely agree, but not only because of what happens on the field, but also for what our sports culture contributes to our city off the field.
One example of that can be seen in a special event that I love and have worked on in the past Champions for Children's benefiting the Children's memorial foundation, hosted by my old friend former Chicago Cub Kerry Wood and his wonderful wife Sarah. This year Kerry and Sarah are joined by an all-star line up including; A.J. Pierzynski, Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Denis Savard, Chris Chelios, Jim Thome, Ryne Sandberg, and many more. Plus it's emceed by super funny comedian, Jim Belushi!Â
Â
This year the event falls this Thursday nov 19th at the Palmer house w/ everything from "old school" fast pitch with some of Chicago's greatest past and present stars, to an amazing silent auction (which I am addicted to) w/private pitching lessons from my homie ryan dempster and all kinds of sports experiences you can't get anywhere else!  That and you get to help children in need, which is my fav part... Click here for more info and tickets!Â
Hugh Hefner Runaway Help Goes Beyond Chicago
Heard this really great story about how back in the day playboy's hugh hefner, one of the biggest world entertainment industry influencers ever who happens to be from chicago, accidentally made a call to the wrong number, and accidentally got the "National Runaway Switchboard" (NRS) which was also based in Chicago. Intrigued, he asked what they were all about, was compassionate about their vision, and began to help them grow their services and good deeds!
nrs started ('71) in chicago as a local crisis intervention for young people, but then grew fast into a national 24-hour hotline, which now handles more than 100,000 calls each year. The NRS provides support, respects confidentiality, collaborates w/volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth & their families 24hrs a day. The saddest part? with family financial problems up this year, so are runaways!
Anyway, because I love the cause, work & vision... I'm sharing their story, especially since November is National Runaway Prevention Month, and youth is our future. On Friday, November 13th, join their Cocktail Award Reception to help raise money, donate, spread the news that they exist, become a volunteer, visit their website at: http://www.1800runaway.org/
Heard this really great story about how back in the day playboy's hugh hefner, one of the biggest world entertainment industry influencers ever who happens to be from chicago, accidentally made a call to the wrong number, and accidentally got the "National Runaway Switchboard" (NRS) which was also based in Chicago. Intrigued, he asked what they were all about, was compassionate about their vision, and began to help them grow their services and good deeds!
nrs started ('71) in chicago as a local crisis intervention for young people, but then grew fast into a national 24-hour hotline, which now handles more than 100,000 calls each year. The NRS provides support, respects confidentiality, collaborates w/volunteers, and responds to at-risk youth & their families 24hrs a day. The saddest part? with family financial problems up this year, so are runaways!
Anyway, because I love the cause, work & vision... I'm sharing their story, especially since November is National Runaway Prevention Month, and youth is our future. On Friday, November 13th, join their Cocktail Award Reception to help raise money, donate, spread the news that they exist, become a volunteer, visit their website at: http://www.1800runaway.org/
Art, Culture, Film & Entertainment.....and my roots
A lot of people who follow me on twitter freaked out this week when I mentioned that I liked the little kid in the movie "up!" because he was half asian like me! Â people couldn't believe I was half asian? Â it was so crazy to me... but guess I maybe I don't talk about it a lot out side of my asian restaurant sunda, so figured I would here, in my normal tone of celebrating chicago culture, art, entertainment, performance,... especially when for a good cause...
Â
My mom is from the philippine islands, and not only have I visited many many times, but I still have family there. Â Well, as you may have been watching on the news, starting in September, the Philippines has suffered through 4 devastating typhoons that have caused immense damage to a tremendous amount of people. Â The first typhoon alone drenched the island with its heaviest rainfall in 40 years, and three more have hit over the past month. Needless to say, it has been a priority for me to help the struggling victims get back on their feet in my own way, which I have done through gawad kalinga (www.ancopusa.com), but wanted to share a great way for all to get involved if can locally with some amazing people and entertainment. Â
Â
Some energetic, fun, and driven local Chicagoans have put together a special benefit to raise money for this cause on this Saturday, November 7th. Â The benefit "Kapwa" is an Arts-Infused fundraiser for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines, and should be a blast, w/drinks, food & entertainment! Â The event includes a Gala event and ends with a pay-what-you-can Variety Show complete with Lam Jam and the Sexy Blues Band (who come from Copenhagen where they represented Chicago for the 2016 Olympic bid!) Â For more info about this event, or to RSVP, email: kapwabenefit@gmail.com and lets show our support for people in need!Â
Â
And for those into even more of an artistic look into my family's Filipino community & culture, check out the 6th annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival starting this Friday the 6th going until the 8th at portage theatre. If you hit up www.cfaff.org you can get the film lineup, view trailers and rsvp to the after parties! Mabuhay! (our way to say.. live long and prosper!)Â
A lot of people who follow me on twitter (if missing out, click here to follow me) freaked out this week when I mentioned that I liked the little kid in the movie "up!" because he was half asian like me!  people couldn't believe I was half asian?  it was so crazy to me... but guess I maybe don't talk about it a lot outside of my asian restaurant sunda, so figured I would here, in my normal tone of celebrating chicago culture, art, entertainment, performance... especially when for a good cause...
Â
My mom is from the philippine islands, and not only have I visited many many times, but I still have family there. Â Well, as you may have been watching on the news, starting in September, the Philippines have suffered through 4 devastating typhoons that have caused immense damage to a tremendous amount of people. Â The first typhoon alone drenched the island with its heaviest rainfall in 40 years, and three more have hit over the past month. Needless to say, it has been a priority for me to help the struggling victims get back on their feet in my own way, which I have done through gawad kalinga (www.ancopusa.com), but wanted to share a great way for all to get involved if can locally with some amazing people and entertainment. Â
Â
Some energetic, fun, and driven local Chicagoans have put together a special benefit to raise money for this cause on this Saturday, November 7th. Â The benefit "Kapwa" is an Arts-Infused fundraiser for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines, and should be a blast, w/drinks, food & entertainment! Â The event includes a Gala event and ends with a pay-what-you-can Variety Show complete with Lam Jam and the Sexy Blues Band (who come from Copenhagen where they represented Chicago for the 2016 Olympic bid!) Â For more info about this event, or to RSVP, email: kapwabenefit@gmail.com and lets show our support for people in need!Â
Â
And for those into even more of an artistic look into my family's Filipino community & culture, check out the 6th annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival starting this Friday the 6th going until the 8th at portage theatre. If you hit up www.cfaff.org you can get the film lineup, view trailers and rsvp to the after parties! Mabuhay! (our way to say.. live long and prosper!)Â
Dare To Dream Chicago w/ Gavin Rossdale from Bush!
Talent and philanthropic efforts go hand in hand in the great city of chicago... if you follow me on twitter, you know i give the behind the scenes from those efforts all the time... speaking of, tomorrow (11/5) at chicago's historic house of blues, there is an amazing party/concert that is a great example of that, when Gavin Rossdale of the band "Bush" hosts & performs live at a super successful annual event called "dare to dream" to support pediatric cancer research!
I am a huge supporter of the effort, and give major props to gavin for coming in to throw down for it, so would like to treat some of you, my much loved readers and facebook fans, to some tickets to this amazing experience & his private vip afterparty at the underground! It's best for the kids suffering to give the tix to whoever helps the organization the most, so go to www.facebook.billydec.com and tell me what you are doing to spread the word on twitter, fb, myspace, email,... whatever you can! (you can also tell your friends to do the same!) I will pick winners tmrw/Thurs... so check my fb then and good luck!
Talent and philanthropic efforts go hand in hand in the great city of chicago... if you follow me on twitter, you know i give the behind the scenes from those efforts all the time... speaking of, tomorrow (11/5) at chicago's historic house of blues, there is an amazing party/concert that is a great example of that, whenGavin Rossdale of the band "Bush" hosts & performs live at a super successful annual event called "dare to dream" to support pediatric cancer research!
I am a huge supporter of the effort, and give major props to gavin for coming in to throw down for it, so would like to treat some of you, my much loved readers and facebook fans, to some tickets to this amazing experience & his private vip afterparty at the underground! It's best for the kids suffering to give the tix to whoever helps the organization the most, so go to www.facebook.billydec.com and tell me what you are doing to spread the word on twitter, fb, myspace, email... whatever you can! (you can also tell your friends to do the same!) I will pick winners tmrw/Thurs... so check my fb then and good luck!
Chicago Designers make a "DIFFA" (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS)
   This week, I was invited to a great series of events hosted by DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Chicago chapter. DIFFA is a "not-for-profit fundraising and grant making foundation that distributes funds to Chicago area HIV/AIDS service agencies that provide direct service, preventive education and outreach to people who are HIV positive, living with AIDS or at risk for infection." This is an incredible group that over the past 15 years has granted more than $38 million to hundreds of organizations. DIFFA is made up of volunteers from the fashion industry, interior design, furnishings and architecture so it makes perfect sense that my buddy, fashion designer, Maria Pinto will serve as the Honorary Chair by designing a table for 20 people with Believe Tables, featuring 10 of Chicago's top Residential Interior Designers!  Dining by Designs is a 3-night event starting this Thursday (Nov 5th) and ends on Saturday night with the annual DIFFA Gala. Â
       oThurs, Nov 5th  - Cocktails by Design - spectators have the chance to view close to 1,000 tables and meet with table designers
o    Fri, Nov 6th - Public Viewing with exposure to the art open to the general public
o    Sat, Nov 7th - Table Hop and Taste: an amazing selection of some of Chicago's best restaurants for an exciting food and wine tasting. Â
o    Sat, Nov 7th - Dining by Design GALA Dinner - a chance for sponsors to invite colleagues, friends, and clients to experience the event and dine in the table setting
- 2008 DIFFA Gala Table Designed by Chicago's Kara Mann
This week, I was invited to a great series of events hosted by DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Chicago chapter. DIFFA is a "not-for-profit fundraising and grant making foundation that distributes funds to Chicago area HIV/AIDS service agencies that provide direct service, preventive education and outreach to people who are HIV positive, living with AIDS or at risk for infection." This is an incredible group that over the past 15 years has granted more than $38 million to hundreds of organizations.
DIFFA is made up of volunteers from the fashion industry, interior design, furnishings and architecture so it makes perfect sense that my buddy, fashion designer, Maria Pinto will serve as the Honorary Chair by designing a table for 20 people with Believe Tables, featuring 10 of Chicago's top Residential Interior Designers!  Dining by Designs is a 3-night event starting this Thursday (Nov 5th) and ends on Saturday night with the annual DIFFA Gala. Â
       :: Thurs, Nov 5th  - Cocktails by Design - spectators have the chance to view close to 1,000 tables and meet with table designers
       :: Fri, Nov 6th - Public Viewing with exposure to the art open to the general public
       ::  Sat, Nov 7th - Table Hop and Taste: an amazing selection of some of Chicago's best restaurants for an exciting food and wine tasting. Â
       :: Sat, Nov 7th - Dining by Design GALA Dinner - a chance for sponsors to invite colleagues, friends, and clients to experience the event and dine in the table settings
a toast to today's chicago woman
I used to write a monthly entertainment column for "today's chicago woman" because I have always loved that this wonderful local magazine keeps a strong commitment & focus not only to the unique character of our great city of chicago, but to the hard working talented women that deserve all the credit in the world for making us that great! Â I also am a fan of that they give back through their "tcw foundation" that raises funds for women & children focused organizations in chicago!
Speaking of, this Wednesday Oct 28th  (my bday!), join tcw at the "chopping block" for an exciting event featuring 3 of chicago's top female chefs... radhika desia, jennifer gavin, and elaina Vazquez... as they go head to head in a "cook off" benefitting the TCW Foundation!  The party will be emceed by my good buddy the "hungry hound" steve dolinksy, w/ specialty hors d'oeuvres & signature cocktail created by sunda's mixologist, sherrie geslak. Tickets can be found at www.tcwmag.com. Enjoy!
I used to write a monthly entertainment column for "today's chicago woman" because I have always loved that this wonderful local magazine keeps a strong commitment & focus not only to the unique character of our great city of chicago, but to the hard working talented women that deserve all the credit in the world for making us that great! Â I also am a fan of that they give back through their "tcw foundation" that raises funds for women & children focused organizations in chicago!
Speaking of, this Wednesday Oct 28th  (my bday!), join tcw at the "chopping block" for an exciting event featuring 3 of chicago's top female chefs... radhika desai, jennifer gavin, and elaina Vazquez... as they go head to head in a "cook off" benefitting the TCW Foundation!  The party will be emceed by my good buddy the "hungry hound" steve dolinksy, w/ specialty hors d'oeuvres & signature cocktail created by sunda's mixologist, sherrie geslak. Tickets can be found at www.tcwmag.com. Enjoy!
Chicago's best chefs come together to help Meals on Wheels
Chicago's most renowned chefs and public figures come together to feed and entertain you all to benefit a fundraiser I have loved and supported for years called... Meals on Wheels! You really need to see this video to be reminded at how impactful, engaged & talented our culinary scene is in this city, and to know how important this initiative of theirs is... and yes, the two total goofballs of all the chefs are from sunda & rockit... of course...
Anyway, this Celebrity Chef Tasting Party is a blast (and super delicious!) complete w/ premium cocktails, wine, beer, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth, live and DJ entertainment.... From 8p-1230a this Friday Night 10/16 at Macy's on State St! tix & info are on www.MealsOnWheelsChicago.org .. And as always, since I appreciate all that visit my blog & help support philanthropic efforts, I got 2 tix for the first person that comments below about how they helped spread this info to over 1000 people! See you all at the party!
Chicago's most renowned chefs and public figures come together to feed and entertain you all to benefit a fundraiser I have loved and supported for years called... Meals on Wheels! You really need to see this video to be reminded of how impactful, engaged & talented our culinary scene is in this city, and to know how important this initiative of theirs is... and yes, the two total goofballs of all the chefs are from sunda & rockit... of course...
Anyway, this Celebrity Chef Tasting Party is a blast (and super delicious!) complete w/ premium cocktails, wine, beer, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth, live and DJ entertainment.... From 8p-1230a this Friday Night 10/16 at Macy's on State St! tix & info are on www.MealsOnWheelsChicago.org .. And as always, since I appreciate all that visit my blog & help support philanthropic efforts, I got 2 tix for the first person that comments below about how they helped spread this info to over 1000 people! See you all at the party!
CNN Interviews Billy Dec Live from Copenhagen about Chicago 2016 Loss
Thanks for all the nice comments on twitter about this interview... it was a tough one. Btw, who cool is skype? It's amazing that they can just dial me up free to my hotel room and just put me on live like that... I sort of freaked on the one from russia a posted about a week ago but I had never done it before... blew my mind.
Anyway, as I said here, I truly am proud of our city, we did the best job we could. I am happy for rio and looking forward to enjoying the games there in 2016. As for my total thoughts on the experience, too big for words for me right now, I am just happy that I was on your team. I will be sending some final thoughts on all soon...
oh, and since I mentioned the chicago public schools' "principal for a day" program here, I will blog about that soon too... if anyone knows of any other great programs, initiatives, volunteer work,.. that regular people like me and you can get out there and do to help... comment below and will try to integrate that in... so that everyone can actually jump in and get involved... thanks all!
b
Thanks for all the nice comments on twitter about this interview... it was a tough one. Btw, how cool is skype? It's amazing that they can just dial me up free to my hotel room and just put me on live like that... I sort of freaked on the one from russia i posted about a week ago but I had never done it before... blew my mind.
Anyway, as I said here, I truly am proud of our city, we did the best job we could. I am happy for rio and looking forward to enjoying the games there in 2016. As for my total thoughts on the experience, too big for words for me right now, I am just happy that I was on your team. I will be sending some final thoughts on all soon...
oh, and since I mentioned the chicago public schools' "principal for a day" program here, I will blog about that soon too... if anyone knows of any other great programs, initiatives, volunteer work,.. that regular people like me and you can get out there and do to help... comment below and will try to integrate that in... so that everyone can actually jump in and get involved... thanks all!
b
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ FX's "Rescue Me" Larenz Tate
Larenz is talented & fun, has been a great friend for years, but I have to say, I think I respect him most for his philanthropic work with his brothers... they are so committed to giving back... they talk about it in this video... along with their other love... Chicago... and the idea of having the Olympics here in 2016!
as for me & the olympics, if you are following me on twitter (click here to follow), you know i just left russia, landed in sweden, and am soon to be in copenhagen to meet president obama & my fellow chicago 2016 olympic committee members for the official 2016 olympic host announcement on oct 2nd where i am sure chicago will win! especially if everyone helps to spread our enthusiastic spirit!
you can do this by just sharing all the celebrity messages on this site w/ your friends, family, coworkers & everyone else you can for the next couple days... by email, phone, facebook, twitter, chatboards,... which helps these celebrities virally get the word out to the world that chicago (and the u.s in general) will be the perfect place to hold the 2016 olympics, and that americans are all very excited to host all who can join us (including the 4.4+ billion people watching on tv) for the most amazing sport, cultural & friendship strengthening event ever! thank you for your help everyone & keep spreading the news!
Larenz is talented & fun, has been a great friend for years, but I have to say, I think I respect him most for his philanthropic work with his brothers... they are so committed to giving back... they talk about it in this video... along with their other love... Chicago... and the idea of having the Olympics here in 2016!
as for me & the olympics, if you are following me on twitter (click here to follow), you know i just left russia, landed in sweden, and am soon to be in copenhagen to meet president obama & my fellow chicago 2016 olympic committee members for the official 2016 olympic host announcement on oct 2nd where i am sure chicago will win! especially if everyone helps to spread our enthusiastic spirit!
you can do this by just sharing all the celebrity messages on this site w/ your friends, family, coworkers & everyone else you can for the next couple days... by email, phone, facebook, twitter, chatboards,... which helps these celebrities virally get the word out to the world that chicago (and the u.s in general) will be the perfect place to hold the 2016 olympics, and that americans are all very excited to host all who can join us (including the 4.4+ billion people watching on tv) for the most amazing sport, cultural & friendship strengthening event ever! thank you for your help everyone & keep spreading the news!
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ Actor Joey Slotnick
Joey Slotnick has been one of my best friends for over a decade and to this day still makes me die laughing everytime I'm with him as you can see in this video! You have seen him in "nip/tuck" "single guy" and all kinds of other shows and movies, but I love him best on stage and can't wait to see his new play "animal crackers" about the marx brothers at the Goodman theatre that he talks about in the video! (hear everyone is already raving about it!)
I'm actually bummed because I'm going to miss the big opening night festivities since I am in Moscow on my way to copenahagen for the big olympic announcement on oct 2nd (hope you are following me on twitter for the 411 out here!)... but don't worry, I'm not letting my two awesome tix go to waste! I am treating one of you, my supportive readers and friends, right now with my two tix to the grand opening night!!!! Just comment below on why you want to see joey, and besides his video obviously, what is your second favorite olympic celebrity video and why! We will review all comments in 48hrs and pick the winner of my tix... good luck and thank you!
Oh, and speaking of big events, if want to get Olympics
Joey Slotnick has been one of my best friends for over a decade and to this day still makes me die laughing everytime I'm with him as you can see in this video! You have seen him in "nip/tuck" "single guy," "boston public," "family guy" and all kinds of other shows and movies, but I love him best on stage and can't wait to see his new play "animal crackers" about the marx brothers at the Goodman theatre that he talks about in the video! (hear everyone is already raving about it!)
I'm actually bummed because I'm going to miss the big opening night festivities since I am in Moscow on my way to copenahagen for the big olympic announcement on oct 2nd (hope you are following me on twitter for the 411 out here!)... but don't worry, I'm not letting my two awesome tix go to waste! I am treating one of you, my supportive readers and friends, right now with my two tix to the grand opening night!!!! Just comment below on why you want to see joey, and besides his video obviously, what is your second favorite olympic celebrity video and why! We will review all comments in 48hrs and pick the winner of my tix... good luck and thank you!
Oh, and speaking of big events, if want to get Olympics - my celebrity interview blog post a day until I get to Copenhagen on oct 2nd is almost coming to an end... we only have 8 days left!!!! Now more than ever we all need you to share these videos by phone, face to face, email, facebook, twitter... to let the world know how great chicago (& the usa in general) is and how much we want to welcome the world for the greatest sport, cultural and friendship making event in history!
Michael Jordan & Other Olympians Support Chicago 2016
As part of our sport-celeb Olympic video week here on aChicagoThing, I had to bring this Michael Jordan classic back into the mix....seriously gets me pumped up about our city, and our talent!
Remember, if you want to help bring the Olympics to Chicago (and USA in general) share these celebrity videos on email, facebook, twitter.....as fast as you can, wherever you can! Only 20 days to go until I land in Copenhagen for the official decision on Oct 2nd as to whether America wins or not!
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng
As you saw w/ urlacher yesterday, of all the celebrity interviews hyping chicago and our olympic bid being posted here once a day until the official 2016 olympic host announcement in Copenhagen on Oct 2nd, this week I am posting interviews with all my favorite athletes! Today I thought I would put my man luol deng up from the chicago bulls to share an overseas "visitor" perspective as the international olympic committee needs to find a host city that is full of diversity always embracing visitors from cultures all over the world... and no one is better than us in that category for sure!I also thought i'd address some questions I got last night from some friends on twitter about what the benefits would be to our city & country if we got awarded the olympics... know I thought about going on and on about it myself from the beginning, but I imagined I would only lose people in the pure mass of positive personal opinion... so thought, why don't I have people (these celebs in videos) with millions of fans who want to hear them talk, tell the benefits in a fun way (that and I can add my opinions in here and there on film and in blog text)! I personally think it is best to go to the facts and get almost anything you want answered in my opinion from www.chicago2016.org ...so I always tell people to start there... but, if really want a quick punch list... here is one a friend sent out last week I liked....
hospitality...olympics...rally!
I'm supposed to be writing my speech for the huge chicago hospitality industry rally today at 4pm but think I'd rather wing it and just write here a bit? Wonder if coach mike ditka is doing the same? He is speaking too... It's sorta one of those things where you are so passionate about it you have way too much to say in 5min... combined with being so immersed that you don't feel like it's something you write down...? oh I am procrastinating bad... that and I am designing a new dj booth which you cant really do unless you get into the heads of millions of customers in millions of scenarios to see what they like and dislike about its design and placement... all when they don't really exist yet... hmmm, no wonder I am delaying this speech... think will mention how 4.4billion olympic viewers equates to 3+million tourists a year for chicago.... oh, I'm also really excited about this gathering I have in 10min where I donated my time (and lunch!) too speak with some high school kids looking for advice in becoming an entrepreneur... wow, hope they atleast enjoy the food? Still not writing the speech... although should mention the $22.5billion economic stimulus to the city/state the games bring and 315,000 jobs will give all here a nice boost... although don't see ditka really writing stuff like down? or a speech in general for that matter? He's cool like that... After lunch, off to cubs/sox game front row dugout w/a new friend who is teaching me about social media (who would cringe at what I am doing right now) to sit and enjoy game with the good folks at tribune... maybe network... maybe will think of speech then? Gotta remember to jump in cab at 330p to get to mccormick place to speak at 4p in front of thousands of rowdy excited people! And give that speech im not writing.... Which I think I should just go on about how much I love to serve this city and hope people cheer... And then off to work til 3am making sure we contribute to chicago hospitality in the highest levels to keep this city on top! (bet by then I come up with what I should have said in my speech for sure)... good times!
The Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom.. 151 w wacker drive today 4-6p.... Seeya there!!!!
chicago 2016 olympics w/ "the green mile" michael clarke duncan
love michael's story...from his early days of being raised on the south side by a single mom...to being nominated for oscars and golden globes...to winning a critic's choice award for his role in "the green mile!" i also love how when i met michael at the superbowl a couple years ago when the bears sorta got whooped, and everyone looked down, he still smiled big in a very sweet and contagious way, so the rest of us understood that it was still just a blessing to be there.
thankfully i ran into him again at sunda for dinner a bit ago (blogged about it a bit back) where he invited me out to a wnba chicago sky celebrity basketball game he was playing in for charity! he loves coming home, especially to support chicagoans, and as you can see from this video, loves the idea of having the olympics in chicago in 2016! enjoy....
remember all, how can you show your love for the chi (& the usa as a whole?) take one minute today to tell all your friends & contacts by email, twitter, facebook, phone calls, whatever.....& ask all to listen to these wonderful personalities share their stories so the rest of the world knows how great our city (& country) is and how we want to share & strengthen friendships with the rest of our world! don't forget, i am posting one new celeb interview per day here until the oct 2nd announcement that chicago (& the usa) will be the home of the 2016 olympics! so keep checking out who's next! thx and....best of luck to all!
