Volunteer Center of New Trier Township July Project
Posted: July 2, 2009
By: Barb Tubekis
It's summer, but natural disasters don't take a vacation. That's why the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township would like to recommend that people support the American Red Cross and its many disaster relief efforts. ...
It's summer, but natural disasters don't take a vacation. That's why the Volunteer Center of New Trier Township would like to recommend that people support the American Red Cross and its many disaster relief efforts.
Give Time…
In addition to becoming trained as a Red Cross volunteer, adults can also help with recruiting, education and first aid, babysitter training and even pet first aid. With a 97 percent volunteer workforce, volunteers are needed in every department and have various commitments. There are substantial, meaningful volunteer experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. Training is provided where required.
Give Things...
There are wonderful opportunities for families and children to support the Red Cross efforts. Planning a block party? Have the kids organize a comfort kit assembly. Decorate and make comfort bags for adults or kids who may need them in the event of a disaster. They include toiletries, books and small games for kids. Share lifesaving tips for choking, CPR and fire safety with your neighbors. Or they can make no-sew fleece blankets for victims of disasters.
Volunteer Locations…
The Comfort Kits and blankets can, of course, be done off-site, but there are various Red Cross locations for training and administrative support:
• Chicago: Headquarters, Rauner Center - 2200 West Harrison St., 60612
• Arlington Heights: 544 West Northwest Hwy., 60004
• Chicago, South Side: 3302 West 87th St., 60652
• Hillside: 350 N. Mannheim Rd., 60162
• Mundelein: 535 North Lake St., 60060
• Romeoville: 1293 Windham Pkwy., 60446
Agency Contact…
Latoya Sewell Hall
Volunteer Recruiter, People Resources
American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
Phone: 312-729-6111
E-mail: SewellHallL@usa.redcross.org
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Update: Parkinson’s Fundraiser Exceeds ExpectationsPosted: June 30, 2009
By: Nina Vallone
Susan's family from the East Coast
Nearly $40,000 was raised for the Michael J. Fox Foundation at "Kickin' Parkinson's One Lap at a Time." The swimathon, created by Susan Kauffman and the Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, drew almost 150 swimmers and even more donors. ...
Susan's family from the East Coast
Nearly $40,000 was raised for the Michael J. Fox Foundation at "Kickin' Parkinson's One Lap at a Time." The swimathon, created by Susan Kauffman and the Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, drew almost 150 swimmers and even more donors.
Dr. David Schmidt and Susan Kauffman
Kauffman, a Lake Forest resident diagnosed with Parkinson's three years ago, was blown away with the total pledges.
"My goal was $20,000, and honestly, I was praying to get to $5,000," she says. "I am overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and community."
Jacque Heydorn and her son, Jack
Megan Morris and Fronzie Romer
Visit Kauffman's Team Fox page for more information about the event and how to donate.
For more information about the Michael J. Fox Foundation, you can go to http://www.michaeljfox.org or http://www.teamfox.org.
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Bikers Ride To Remember John C. OlinPosted: June 29, 2009
By: Lizzie Fort
John C. Olin, longtime owner of Higher Gear bike shop in Wilmette and Highland Park, was one of the good guys. As one friend put it: "He always had a good thing to say, a ton of positive energy and was always helping people."
In fact, according the obituary appearing in the Chicago Tribune, he even donated a kidney in 2002 to his friend Jeff Miller, who was suffering from a failing kidney.
So, to the people who knew him, it's no surprise that more than 200 cyclists gathered at Plaza Del Lago on Sunday morning to honor him—friend, colleague and fellow cyclist. ...
John C. Olin, longtime owner of Higher Gear bike shop in Wilmette and Highland Park, was one of the good guys. As one friend put it: "He always had a good thing to say, a ton of positive energy and was always helping people."
In fact, according the obituary appearing in the Chicago Tribune, he even donated a kidney in 2002 to his friend Jeff Miller, who was suffering from a failing kidney.
So, to the people who knew him, it's no surprise that more than 200 cyclists gathered at Plaza Del Lago on Sunday morning to honor him—friend, colleague and fellow cyclist.
Olin, 51, died suddenly of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, June 9, at Highland Park Hospital. Three days prior, Olin had participated in his riding group's usual 50- to 60-mile ride at an average pace of more than 20 mph.
Olin was a beloved member of the North Shore community, and the event organizers said the outpouring of support was indicative of how many people were touched by his spirit.
"It was really exciting to see how much a community impact he had," says Miller, who attended the ride on Sunday. "We knew how much of an impact he had on our lives, but it was amazing to see just how many lives he touched."
Higher Gear, which opened for business in 1992, is still open in Highland Park, but the Wilmette shop is closed temporarily.
"Those mechanics there have been around, some for over 15 years, and are really well known and liked by customers," says Tom Tench, one of the event organizers. "I hope it stays open, but it won't be the same without John."
That sentiment was echoed by cyclists who showed up Sunday in their Higher Gear gear.
The ride kicked off at Plaza Del Lago and continued up Sheridan Road to Lake Bluff. Money raised through donations went to benefit the National Kidney Foundation as well as the Olin Girls Educational Fund, a fund set up for Olin's two young daughters—Cecilia and Caroline.
Anyone wishing to donate money to the Olin Girls Education Fund can make checks payable to Smith Barney for the Benefit of Cecilia Olin and Caroline Olin, account No. 576-6916E. Checks can be mailed to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, attention Lynn Stryk, 10 S. Wacker Drive, Ste. 2800, Chicago, IL 60606.
Those wishing to donate to the National Kidney Foundation in John C. Olin's memory can donate online at www.kidney.org.
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Making ConnectionsA North Shore NetworkPosted: June 24, 2009
By: Jill Ciminillo
Are you naturally inclined to find help for your kid's school, favorite local business or charity? Have you ever introduced two friends because they both had kids the same age? No? Then what about buying your mom that dress in the store window because you know would be a perfect fit?
Well, the new Community Connectors program at Make It Better is kind of like that. The idea is to look for connections that would be a perfect fit. ...
Are you naturally inclined to find help for your kid's school, favorite local business or charity? Have you ever introduced two friends because they both had kids the same age? No? Then what about buying your mom that dress in the store window because you know would be a perfect fit?
Well, the new Community Connectors program at Make It Better is kind of like that. The idea is to look for connections that would be a perfect fit.
At Make It Better, community is key. We are seeking community members who will actively help us grow our content, support and outreach. The goal is for Community Connectors to do what they do every day, and just bring Make It Better into the loop.
At a recent meeting that rolled out our Community Connectors program, Wendy Irwin, director of business development at Make It Better, outlined how the program works. Community Connectors will be an inside line to the communities in our footprint, providing story ideas, not-for-profit matches, subscribers and ad leads. In return, they will get to be Beta testers for our new Web site before it launches in the fall, and they will earn a series of points that can be redeemed for prizes.
Growing relationships across the North Shore is part of the appeal as well.
From the 22 women who attended the first meeting, response has been overwhelmingly positive with most of the lovely ladies stepping forward already to take on the role of Community Connector. For instance, Tanja Rizai of Glencoe, quickly e-mailed not only her acceptance but also the photos that accompany this article.
The program officially rolls out at the beginning of September to coincide with the relaunch of Make It Better, but we are currently seeking connectors in Glenview, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Morton Grove, Northbrook and Skokie.
Are you a Connector? Then we invite you to join us. Contact Wendy via e-mail at wendy@makeitbetter.net for more information.
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