Chicago Countdown to Icebreaker TouchLab Opening

Allison Papp takes a break during a fun day at a filming of the new NBC show "Chicago PD" in the Windy City. The local model was featured as a jogging stroller mom and was decked out in Icebreaker. "Everyone kept asking me why I wasn't cold, " she laughed. "I kept saying because I'm wearing Icebreaker!" Soft, not scratchy. Breathable. Merino from the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

And so the countdown begins. Just 30 days away. Icebreaker TouchLab in the Windy City. 44 E. Walton. Opening Dec. 5. www.icebreaker.com. 

Back 2 School 2013 Scores High

What an honor to work with the Back 2 School program created by the Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation.  This year's event was bigger than ever --and it's already the largest program in Illinois.  We held it at the Broadway Armory in Chicago.  Many thanks to returning supporters Stefan Holt of NBC 5 (2nd photo), fitness guru and TV inspiration Andrea Metcalf (bottom photo), nutrition and fitness gal Lisa Payne (4th photo), Windy City Reptiles and more!  Over 500 students in need were inspired to achieve and be creative, and they scooped up awesome school supplies.  Before the school year begins, we'll have distributed 750,000 school supplies to 25,000 kids.This includes the homeless, working with DFSS.  Plus, military families, working with Operation Homefront. Kudos to Executive Director Matthew Kurtzman and President Abby Hans and the countless volunteers who make the program work.

It was a feel great day...and the Chicago Tribune saw it worthy of page 4... and, that's why I love what I do!

 

 

ICECF "Back 2 School" Kickoff Another Success!

Summer is officially in gear when we help launch Back 2 School, the Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation's initiative to provide FREE school supplies for students in need.  Thursday's luncheon event was rewarding, with many thanks to our great emcees Daniella Guzman and Stefan Holt of NBC5 Chicago. 

New alliances were announced to help reach homeless families through DFSS and military families through Operation Homefront, providing additional school supplies to those in need.   Recognition awards were also given to Urban Prep Academies, Ounce of Prevention and Kits for Kidz.  And, the YMCA continues to be a valued partner.

 We're looking forward to the upcoming Distribution Event in August, where hundreds of kids get the first free school supply boxes.  A record year, 25,000 students in need will be given 750,000 free school supplies, empowering them with the necessary tools to learn. 

Congratulations to our client, the Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation.

If you'd like to help a child achieve at school, please drop by one of almost 400 Illinois Currency Exchanges in the area and donate $11 to fund a box full of supplies.  You will be smiling too!

Read this Book: "The Show Must Go On"

Chicagoan Marion Elisberg Simon's memoir, "The Show Must Go On" is a page turner.  Her philanthropic efforts date back nearly a century yet her message is clear to all of us today. (And you may recognize some names in her book if you are a true Chicagoan and love society events).

From bringing educational opportunities to disadvantaged young people at Cabrini-Green to helping to create the Kidneymobile program and raising money to ensure that Lincoln Park Zoo will always be a free zoo, this no-nonense gal gets things done.

Simon threw herself into helping others, often masking personal sadness, and over her lifetime and today showcases a positive, focused, inspirational power and contagious spirit to get things done. I say "hurrah!"

Simon is speaking at The Women's Athletic Club on April 11 and other locations in the future. I hope to see you there. 

In the meantime, Simon's book is available on Amazon.com. Two thumbs up!

Homes 4 the Homeless

 Homes 4 the Homeless - Come April 11!

Isn't it time to take note of the homeless?  Please join our "Homes 4 the Homeless" social event with: Proco Joe Moreno/1st Ward Alderman in Chicago; Anthony Milano, jazz pianist and YouTube sensation; renown astrologer Sylvia Friedman and Bill, a formerly homeless inspiration.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

5:30 - 7:30 pm

The Drake Hotel - Drake Room

140 E. Walton, Chicago, IL 60611

 

Ticket Cost:  $30 (includes wine, beer, extraordinary cheeses & fruit, live music)

Discounted parking available--up to 8 hrs/$26 at The Drake

 

Come network for the homeless.

RSVP by March 29  773.645.8900 (ext 107/Sandra) or register online at www.rssichicago.org.

        Join or charity in ending homelessness in Chicago through Prevention, housing and      supportive services.

 

RENAISSANCE SOCIAL SERVICES

 





Thank You Dan Edelman...

Public Relations pioneer Dan Edelman passed away this week.  His memorial was befitting of his greatness.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke as well as Richard Edelman-- who not only followed in his father's footsteps but has indeed filled his shoes.

Thank you Dan for welcoming me into Edelman, fresh out of college at age 20.  I loved PR.  I loved pitching new business. I loved winning awards. I loved the PR business. I was so proud of  the four years I spent at Edelman, learning from so many talented people.

When Dan read something that I wrote for the vice president, suddenly I was promoted overnight and had to honor of working directly with the president Joe Dragonette.

I loved Dan's famous memos...he always thanked someone for a job well done and then made sure to include a piece of advice.  I've used that masterful tactic throughout my career, hopefully inspiring others.  I also always insist that every intern, every employee has paper and pen in hand when going into a meeting or interview. 

I'm still right where I belong--Passionate about PR.

Rest in Peace Dan.

We can never thank you enough for all you have done for the industry we love.