As I get older and older, I continue to gain a greater appreciation for wine. But, I’m still scared to venture too far out of my wine comfort zone, lest I relive a horrible night from Sophomore year of college. Any ILLINI familiar with Wine Night at Clybourne’s?

Anyways, I digress.

The Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph) is giving me a great reason to expand my wine knowledge with its’ tasting sessions for charity, “Flights for Causes.” The series launches today with former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah’s ASAP Foundation. Azumah has selected his a few of his favorite red wines for the flight ($15) and a portion of the proceeds from each one ordered during the month of June will benefit ASAP.

If you’d like to learn more about ASAP, you can visit their website or stop by the Tasting Room this evening. Representatives from the organization will be around from 7-9pm to discuss their mission and scholarship program.

Can’t wait to sample these wines…Hopefully, Mr. Azumah has a great taste in vino!

-kb

Last weekend, Red Bull kicked off its Summer Skyline Series at Chicago’s NV Penthouse Lounge. The series combines staples of a day party (colorful cocktails, great music) with the amazingness of Chicago’s rooftop scene. What makes the Skyline Series even better is that each event raises funds for a different charitable organization!

The Red Pump Project was last week’s recipient  and we had a blast! The weather was beautiful and we camped out in a cabana for most of the event enjoying Red Bull and Ultimat Vodka cocktails. This weekend, a portion of proceeds will benefit the Matteson Bears, a suburban Chicago youth athletic organization.

There are two more series planned for the month of June in support of Swish Dreams and Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng’s foundation. For event information and RSVPs, you can check out www.royalteinc.com.

-kb

Photo: Getty Images (CNN.com)

Last week on Twitter, I talked about how I represented Haiti superhard in college. I’m not Haitian, but I was an aspiring French minor and wanted all of my classmates to know about the tiny country of freed slaves who had a beautiful culture and spoke French. I had a flag in my bedroom, and even tried to teach myself Kreyol. I never learned, but when I graduated, I had a greater sense of appreciation for the people and history of Haiti.

Fast forward to today, and I think that I’m still absorbing the effect of the devasting earthquake on the country. But, I am encouraged and inspired by the way that the world has responded by donating funds, supplies, attention, and prayers. Here in Chicago, there are plenty of businesses that made donations last week, and many more who are continuing their efforts this week. Here is a roundup of some upcoming events:

1/18-1/24: Wake of the Quake Restaurant Event

Local restaurants will give guests the opportunity to add $1 or more to their checks. All funds collected with be donated to Heartland Alliance, a nonprofit that has set up an emergency fund to aid survivors.

1/18-1/24: AKIRA Shoe Drive

AKIRA Chicago will be collecting used shoes and socks to send to Haiti. You are asked to donate work boots, sport shoes, children’s shoes, and rain boots. The stores hope to collect 1000 pairs of shoes!

1/20: Sushi Samba Meet ‘n Tweet

Sushi Samba locations nationwide will host Meet ‘n Tweets with discounted food and drink specials. 100% of sales of the special TwitteROLL will benefit Haiti relief efforts.

1/21: Wake of the Quake Benefit and Afterparty

In addition to the weeklong restaurant drive, there will also be an event held at English Chicago (444 N. LaSalle) from 6-9p. For a suggested $20 donation, guests will a complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres. There will be an afterparty at Sushi Samba (504 N. Wells) and sales from a specialty roll and signature drink will be donated to Heartland Alliance.

1/30: Fundraiser at Duffy’s Tavern

Come out to Lincoln Park bar, Duffy’s Tavern (420 W. Diversey), and enjoy a drink package and raffles for Blackhawks/Bulls tickets, all while raising funds for the Red Cross. Tickets are $30.

1/30: Hope for Port-au-Prince, Haiti at Yehia & Co Hair Salons

One of my favorite Chicago salons, Yehia & Co., will be donating all salon services to the Red Cross on January 30th. That’s right. Come out and get your hair styled, and they will donate what you pay to Haiti aid. The stores will also collect food, water, and clothing. There are four locations and you can participate at any one of them.

As always you can donate by texting “Yele” to 501501 ($5 donation to Yele) or texting “Haiti” to 90999 ($10 donation to the Red Cross).

If you know of more events happening across the city, please feel free to add them to the comments or @ me on Twitter (@thefabgiver). As long as we continue to do what we can and keep the country in our prayers, then it will get better. Not overnight, but it will definitely happen.

-kb

I love birthdays and I love when people commemorate their special day with some kind of charitable/kind act. So, you guys can imagine how excited I was to hear about DJ C-Lo’s “A Night of Fame” birthday bash and benefit being held TONIGHT (11/6) at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN. Not only is DJ C-Lo one of Nashville’s top DJs but he is now serving as a spokesperson for Soles 4 Souls, an organization that facilitates the worldwide donation of shoes to those in need.

DJ C-Lo hopes that this event will bring awareness of the organization’s need and role within the African-American community.  Not only will a portion of the proceeds benefit S4S, but partygoers can also donate shoes (donation goal: 500 shoes).  As this weekend is Tennessee State University’s Homecoming, it is safe to say that there will be plenty of people partying for a cause.

To find out more information on the event, please visit www.nightoffame.com. Doors open at 9p and you can still grab tickets at the door for $40. Have a great time if you’re going. Can’t make it? Don’t worry…The wonderful Tracey over at BlackGivesBack.com is the media partner for the event and will be sure to snap plenty of pics!

Thanks to Aerial of Urbane Imagery for the details!

-kb

Kimpton Hotels is no stranger to my site as they are always doing something great to support one of many causes. During the month of November, you can enjoy “Cocktails for a Cure” at any Kimpton restaurant or lounge.

When you purchase one of the amazing featured cocktails, Kimpton will donate $1 for each drink to one of their 2009 Red Ribbon Beneficiaries (listed below).