Some awesome celebrities have teamed up with Piperlime in order to raise funds for The Art of Elysium, an organization dedicated to helping children through music and the arts. Piperlime asked Brooke Shields, Rashida Jones, Rachael Bilson and Kristin Bell to shop Piperlime.com and share what they are wishing for this holiday and what they want to give to others. The site has been revealing one celebrity gift list each week starting on November 23 and going until December 21. Ten percent of proceeds purchased from these lists will be donated to The Art of Elysium. Piperlime also made a $50,000 donation to The Art of Elysium.

This week’s celebrity is Kristin Bell and she’s picked some cute items. My favorites are the Juicy Couture Denim Side Zip Leggings ($98) and the Hive and Honey Truffle Shoes ($89). There’s only a week left, but I’m sure that you can find some great items!

Today is the third day in my 29-Day Giving Challenge, and I’m feeling great! Doing good deeds for others, no matter how small, really does deflect some of life’s pressures off of me. Here’s a recap of my gifts thus far:

• Day 1 – I bought a children’s book to donate to Borders’ Holiday Book Drive to benefit local children’s organizations.
• Day 2 – I volunteered to help find a venue for the Multiple Solutions (Auxiliary Board of MS Society) educational symposium and bowling fundraiser.
• Day 3 – I bought a cookie for a fellow intern.

As you can tell, the gifts don’t have to be big…They just have to come from the heart! I wonder what I’m going to give tomorrow…Hmm, you never know!

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UGG Australia has teamed up with Warner Bros. to help promote “Where The Wild Things Are” by creating a small line of limited-edition boots for children. What’s even better than the supercute designs is the fact that a portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The styles are available in the NYC flagship store or online at www.uggaustralia.com. So cute!

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As mentioned in last week’s post, this month is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Here in Chicago, there is a great organization that is extremely dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer through research funding and support of the families fighting the illness. Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is using this month to raise funds and awareness with their September “Support the Bear” drive.

This month, they have teamed up with some great local businesses.

• Dine and Drink: Stop by local restaurants and bars to support the cause in a tasty way. Participating spots include Junior’s Sports Lounge, Bleeding Heart Bakery, Salud Tequila Lounge, D’Agostino’s Pizza and more!
• Jewel Shop & Share: Stop by Jewel-Osco grocery stores 9/21-9/23 and 5% of your purchases will benefit Bear Necessities. You can print your coupon here!
• Need a Cut?: When you visit stylist Danny Valles at Mylissa’s Little Gallery (55 E. Washington) during the month, he will donate 20% of the proceeds.
• Shop and Give: Chic Gems and Gracie’s Gear and Training are donating a percentage of their sales during the month of September.

Not to mention, there are a series of great events planned throughout this month! To get more details about EVERY possible way that you can support Pediatric Cancer and Bear Necessities, please click here.

Bright Pink Gals

On Sunday, I spent my day walking around the city and checking out events held by two great organizations! First, I payed a visit to The 900 Shops on North Michigan Avenue. Bright Pink was hosting its charity shopping event, and I stopped by to grab some pictures and say “Hi!” From the giant sign out front to the smiling volunteer wearing a pink shirt, there was no mistaking the point of this day. DONATE…SHOP…SAVE…ENJOY!

Participating stores featured signs in the windows to highlight the deals AND also had a pink arrow leading patrons in. When I arrived, lululemon was hosting a free yoga class on the first floor while makeup artists beautified some faces under hot pink umbrellas.

Makeup and Yoga!

DJ Rock City played a great mix of music including a MJ tribute, which still makes me light up. Guests made their way throughout the stores grabbing great deals and taking advantage of all the free treats. Williams-Sonoma had a run on their free pink cupcakes, and guests enjoyed free mini-manicures courtesy of the Mario Tricoci Hair Salon (amongst all the other goodies). Look at all those cute pink colors below!

ZOYA Nail Color in shades of pink

Afterwards, I mosied on along to Erie Park for the Taste of River North. Bear Necessities, a great pediatric cancer foundation here, had a booth at the riverside festival. While children played on the hill and live bands entertained the crowds, we volunteered at the booth signing up people to help Bear Necessities’ programs. During my shift, I worked alongside two gents, one an intern and the other was a great volunteer like myself!

BN Table!

All in all, I had a great day seeing the city and meeting new people. Another summer Sunday Funday entered in the books

How were your weekends?

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La Rabida Hospital (SaintJohnsAbbey.org)

Tomorrow from 6-9p, La Rabida Children’s Hospital is opening their beautiful grounds to host “Summerfest 2009,” an outdoor concert to help raise funds for their Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

The CAC is a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have experienced psychological trauma and for alleged victims of sexual abuse and other violent crimes. All of crucial services are provided for free to the children and their families. THAT is why it’s so important to support this department!

The Summerfest will feature live performances from local talent, while spreading word of CAC’s commitment and service throughout the community. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. You can purchase them by clicking this link. I don’t need many excuses to listen to live music on the lakefront, so I definitely plan on attending. Grab a ticket. Grab some friends. Come on out and help this GREAT cause!

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This weekend during the Taste of River North, I’ll be volunteering inside the tent with supporters/staff of the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. On Sunday afternoon, I’ll be manning the booth while helping to raise awareness about the the strength of pediatric cancer fighters, sell raffle tickets and (of course) have some fun! It’s  supposed to be sunny and in the low- to mid-70s this week, so if you’re looking to sprinkle some service in your summer, come hang out with me! Or you can select another shift that may work for you.

To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Barbara at specialevents@bearnecessities.org or call 312.214.1200 Ext. 29 with your desired date and shift to volunteer! Currently, there is still a need during the following times!

Saturday, July 18th
Shift #3 – 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, July 19th
Shift #2 – 3:00pm – 7:00pm

Hope you can make it!

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P.S. Don’t forget that your volunteer efforts can earn you either a free or 50% off night in a Sage hotel!

Chicago All-Stars with Executive Director, David Cherry (bottom right)

Historically, children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have less opportunities than their counterparts. There’s no question about that. However, just because something is true, doesn’t mean that it can’t be changed. All it takes is a little opportunity, some dedication, and great talent.

Founded in 1981 in New York City, the All Stars Project is a nonprofit “dedicated to promoting human development through the use of an innovative performance-based model.” The program creates educational and performing arts activities for thousands of young people with the goal of opening more doors for their future.

In 2007, the All Stars Project brought its vision and mission here to the Windy City, under the guidance of Executive Director, David Cherry. Cherry has worked in Chicago communities for over 16 years, and has a deep passion for assisting the youth who come through All Stars. Chicago’s first All Stars Talent Show was held in March 2007. Since that initial show, over 1000 young people from across the city have had the opportunity to showcase their performing prowess.

Last Wednesday, I was invited to attend a benefit luncheon at the Metropolitan Club of Chicago and enjoyed an afternoon of learning more about the organization and its programs in Chicago. At each of our tables sat a youth host who’d previously participated in the Developmental School for Youth program. Being the curious young lady that I am, I asked her to tell me about her experiences within the program. She enthusiastically described workshops including resume building, training on business attire, and public speaking. These workshops were often developed and facilitated with the assistance of Chicago professionals volunteering their skills.

As the luncheon went on, I was very impressed by the way that members of Chicago’s business community have rallied around the All Stars to invest in the future of these deserving students. In addition to financial support, companies such as MetLife and Dun and Bradstreet, will provide summer internships for a dose of real-world experience. In college, I had the opportunity to intern in Corporate America and I can’t stress how important it was to me, both at that moment and even now.

“I can honestly say that I learned a lot during the program,” my table host told me. What’s beautiful is that this statement isn’t just limited to her experience. According to Cherry, one of the great things about All Stars is that they’ve created programs that the students “actually want to participate in.”

I would love for you guys to check out the All Stars Project, especially the talent show! During the luncheon, two of the cutest young ladies performed on stage, and they were good! The next shows will be held in August on the South Side of Chicago. To find out more, please visit www.allstars.org/chicago.html!

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Egg Yellow Stripe TOMS, $44

Want a pair of TOMS but have your own design that you would like to rock? Well, then head on down to AKIRA (1849 W. North) this Thursday, June 25th from 4-9p for “Style Your Sole.” At this painting party, you can have your TOMS customized by SARO, a local artist, or you can do it yourself!

With a purchase of TOMS, you’ll get a free gift bag courtesy of LUSH Cosmetics. The store will also offer drinks courtesy of Ultimat Vodka, raffle prizes, and giveaways. Whoo hoo! If you’re planning to attend, send an email to brittany@akirachicago.com.

Check out some of my TOMS’ picks in a previous post!

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Cheers!

Tomorrow is one of those days in Chicago where there are a few after work events raising funds for charity! If you’re looking for someplace to unwind and grab a drink for a cause, consider one of these options!

TweetNetworking (For A Cause)

What: Master networker, Mark Carter, has created an off-shoot to his successful Networking for a Cause events. These tweetups will combine the power of social networking and philanthropy.

Where: Catalyst Ranch (656 W. Randolph) from 6-8:30p

Donation: $10, benefits Dream for Kids. Includes drinks, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches! More details are here!

Summer Flavors

What: The Planning Committee of the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball is hosting this summer event to raise funds for the ball and build the anticipation of the Ball happening on Friday, October 16, 2009.

Where: Rooftop of Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Ave) from 6-8p

Donation: $20, benefits Meals on Wheels. Donation will be waived if you purchase a ticket to the Celebrity Chef Ball. Includes cocktails featuring Milagro Tequila and Hendricks’ Gin along with new appetizers from Chef Cary Taylor! More details are here.

Recessionista Shoe Party

What: The Hello Stiletto Shoe Club is hosting a networking social/book signing with Gwendolyn Beck, the author of Flirting With Finance. I posted about this event on Friday!

Where: Vertigo Sky Lounge (660 N. State) from 6:30-9p

Donation: $25, benefits the Accelerated Cure Project for MS. Includes a copy of Flirting With Finance. More details are here!

Okay, so there you have it! Three great events…Three great causes! No matter which one you pick, I’m sure that you’ll have a GREAT time!

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