ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN CHICAGO

Over the past month, we've had 26 TV segments about Renaissance Social Services and their quest to end homelessness. Below are two NBC5/Rob Stafford pieces that tell an amazing story of Tommie Miller, who spent 18 years homeless in Chicago, 16 of those years he lived under a bridge. Meeting Tommie on a cold winter night and asking him to please consider taking an apartment was just a very small part of the 2 years of work it took Renaissance Social Services to convince Tommie to let them help him.  Tommie is a new man, and because of news coverage where we were able to tell his story, Tommie was later reunited with his family.  It just doesn't get any better than that.  The news media in Chicago is a powerful force, with many people who care about making a difference.  Take a look at these segments by Rob Stafford/NBC5.  Because of him and RSSI, Tommie found his family and has grandchildren to bounce on his knee.  Many thanks to all the TV and radio stations and newspaper columnists who take the time to cover homelessness in our city.  We can end homelessness in Chicago if everyone gets involved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98E1rvbn1ro&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv1FWlWn-_I&feature=youtu.be

Here is where you come in.  Come be a part of a huge fundraising initiative approved by the City Council.  We need volunteers. We need you!  Let's celebrate World Homeless Day with a solution and results in Chicago.  RSSI's weeklong initiative is all about DOING GOOD and RESULTS.

Volunteers, email us for more information about helping out Oct. 10 and 11, 2014 at endhomelessness@rssichicago.org

See more on my DO GOOD CHICAGO blog:  PRLouiseEdwards.blogspot.com

Chicago's Very Own: Book Author, Defense Attorney and Adult Literacy Advocate and Teacher

Rob Shindler's Book "Hot Dogs & Hamburgers" is changing the future for illiterate adults and kids.  The power of one person person's passion to help others is a lesson for us all.

Visit his site at www.robshindler.com to order the book.  And make sure to watch the amazing TV segment we did on WGN's "Chicago's Very Own!"(link below) A great way to start September.

http://wgntv.com/2014/08/22/chicagos-very-own-rob-shindler

Rob's journey started when his son was diagnosed with a disability.  He and his wife were told their son would never read past the 1st grade level. We all know the power of "Never say Never," and suffice it to say their son is heading off to a noted university when he graduates from high school next year.

 Rob, as a father, felt it was his responsibility to make a difference in his son's life and he volunteered at Literacy Chicago to learn how to teach his son to read. He never stopped volunteering and he has developed the most unique, entertaining methods of teaching that spark enthusiasm and results among his adult students.  His son and daughter (they are twins) accompany him to class sometimes because reading is a very special bond for them.

Doesn't that just want to make you volunteer somewhere?  (Read the next post!)

Ending Homelessness in Chicago

There is no reason for homelessness in Chicago.  Renaissance Social Services is Ending Homelessness with Prevention, Affordable Housing and Supportive Services.

 I am so honored to be a small part of their work.  Look for something big for World Homeless Day where we can all change the tide of homelessness.

It only takes a little to give a lot.  Don't point fingers at others for not doing enough.  Look in the mirror and see someone who can make it happen.

If you'd like to be part of a big initiative by donating a few hours of your time on Friday, October 10 or Saturday, October 11, we guarantee your heart will be in a good place.

Email homelessfreechicago@rssi.org and I'll be in touch.  Be inspired.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98E1rvbn1ro&feature=youtu.be

Back 2 School

Make sure to support Illinois Currency Exchange Charitable Foundation (ICECF) with its Back 2 School initiative, providing free school supplies to children in need.  Visit your local currency exchange or donate online at www.icecf.org.  NBC5's Stefan Holt did a fabulous job again emceeing this year's kickoff event and Executive Director Matthew Kurtzman pulled off another awesome luncheon honoring exceptional educators, great corporate partners, a phenomenal high school graduate/college scholarship winner and more. Congrats on this 10th year initiative.  Louise Edwards PR team enjoyed attending!

Also, congrats to Andrea Metcalf for launching a Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies Boot Camp to get 700 kids in shape through this new foundation program with ICECF.  And, best wishes to Daniella Guzman/NBC5 who helped with this program for the past two years and has just relocated to L.A. for her new NBC morning post.

 It takes a village to build outstanding programs. Thanks to everyone involved that continues to move ICECF forward.

 

Icebreaker Blast

What happens when a New Zealand brand comes to Chicago's Gold Coast?  We SHOP!  Thanks Icebreaker, we loved creating your opening party and publicizing your brand. (We even forgot how rotten winter was because we were layered up in fabulous Merino Wool apparel from Icebreaker!)

Check out just some of the publicity... CHICAGO  SOCIAL/the gorgeous Trench coat!

And FrontDesk feature!

and Splash/Chicago Sun-Times...

and Chicago Magazne....

Plus Chicago Tribune, NBC5, WCIU TV, Womensforum.com, purewow.com, tackedchicago, TCW magazine, Skyline, Sauganash Sounds and more!

Thank You Chicago P.D. and Icebreaker Merino

Congratulations to Jason Beghe and everyone on NBC's "Chicago P.D."  It's great having so many crews filming in Chicago and Jason and the cast have really embraced Chicago.  (Sorry about the weather!) Special thanks to Jason Beghe who is a big fan of Icebreaker Merino and attended our grand opening party at the New Zealand Merino clothing store at 44 E. Walton on the Gold Coast.  How fun to shop / chat with this amazing actor...I had a ball planning this Icebreaker VIP party! 

And some of the cast and supporting crew are surviving the cold wearing Icebreaker.  It was model/actress Allie Papp that created the heat wave.  Sophia Bush and others couldn't believe she wasn't cold on the set and liked the stylish clothes.  Layering and Merino wool from the Southern Alps is great to keep warm on those outdoor sets and so perfect for Chicago!

Jason was a great investigative shopper, he explored and learned a lot about layering and had a ball at the Icebreaker store. He looked fab in a blue hooded jacket and so many other Icebreaker items. A few folks posed photos with Jason and and were texting pictures of all their bags together with Jason.  It was hysterical... He is a true delight and seems to be loving Chicago!  All the store staff are huge fans after that great surprise visit.

I love Chicago P.D.   I love Icebreaker.  A double addiction for me this winter!!! 

Keep up the great work fighting crime, Jason Beghe.  And, thank you Jeremy Moon (and amazing Merino sheep from the Southern Alps of New Zealand who gladly donate their wool via infrequent haircuts).

Thumbs up "Chicago P.D." and Icebreaker.  Who said winter is so bad?  We're armed and ready!

 

 

 

RSSI Chicago is Ending Homelessness

Many thanks to all supported "Music to Our Ears: Ending Homelessness in Chicago."  The annual fundraising gala for RSSI Chicago.  NBC 5 meteorologist Alicia Roman and news anchors Allison Rosati and Rob Stafford did an incredible job as emcees.  Local models and personalities Allison Papp and Magdalena Martinez added beauty and fun, and the talented synchronized "Harp Twins" helped rock the party.  We loved helping to develop this event.  Stay tuned for future fun.  Together, we can end homelessness in Chicago!