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OrganizationName of SpokespersonEmailPhoneNeighborhood LocationAbout the Person/OrganizationStory Ideas
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Anelya Beverly Kiminfo@anelyarestaurant.com773-692-2192 Avondale Anelya is a modern Ukrainian restaurant from James Beard Award Winning Chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim. The restaurant represents a best-of-its-class dining experience in the exploration of Ukrainian cuisine. Opened in 2023 following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Anelya aims to preserve Ukrainian culinary traditions, as well as provide an introduction of the cuisine to a larger national audience. The cooking at Anelya features traditionally inspired Ukrainian dishes with a modern approach. Chef Johnny Clark taps into all the new and exciting things happening in the Ukrainian culinary scene, which is experiencing a resurgence since formerly suppressed under Soviet occupation. The restaurant is the most personal project Clark has launched, and named after his grandmother, Anelya.
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Art Institute of ChicagoMegan Michienzimmichienzi@artic.edu954-290-9346The LoopFounded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s great art museums, renowned for its iconic collection of objects that represent 5,000 years of human creativity.The museum presents landmark exhibitions featuring art from across the globe, spanning ancient objects through works made by today's leading and emerging artists. An array of engaging programs—including artist talks, hands-on art making, and in-gallery discussions—connect visitors to the innovative storytelling, groundbreaking research, and conservation initiatives behind each artwork. The museum is also proud of our ever-growing civic partnerships with cultural leaders and organizations throughout Chicago that foster deep and meaningful connections between the residents of our city and the art in our galleries.
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Brown Sugar BakeryStephanie Hartbrownsugarbakery75@gmail.com773-224-6262Greater ChathamBrown Sugar Bakery is a Southern Styled Bakery and Chocolate Candy ManufacturerEstablished in 2002, Brown Sugar Bakery embodies the soulful essence of Southern desserts, a tribute to cherished family recipes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. They have become a pillar in the Greater Chatham community, and their famous Obama Cake is shipped worldwide.
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Chicago Loop Alliance Ariella Gibsonariella@chicagoloopalliance.com708-543-4002The LoopSole service provider and economic development organization aimed at attracting and retaining investment to the Loop. Also mission-focused on leading the community by creating and supporting inclusive programs that attract people to live, work and visit in the Loop. Economic development opportunities along the State Street retail corridor that create an inviting sense of place for DNC guests, but also are sustainable for the Loop's future resiliency and success. Our goal is to set the city up for a beautiful display of our unique spirit and fortitude as a world-class destination with impact on arts and culture, business, culinary and hospitality sectors.
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Chicago Neighborhood InitiativesDavid DoigDdoig@cnigroup.org312-296-2101Pullman, Roseland, West Pullman, N. LawndaleChicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) was formed in 2010 to coordinate resources, economic development and neighborhood revitalization efforts in Chicagoland’s low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. CNI seeks to revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs by developing high impact projects, providing financial resources to entrepreneurs and sustaining long-term community partnerships.CNI has helped many small businesses by providing low cost capital and we brought thousand of new jobs to the Far South Side through economic and industrial development
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Greater Chatham InitiativeNedra Sims Fearsnedra@greaterchathaminitiative.org773-644-1451Greater ChathamGreater Chatham Initiative (GCI) is a place based non-profit community development organization that strategically invests in four significant Chicago neighborhoods to continue the legacy as communities of opportunities and choice. In 7 years, GCI has enhanced retail and commercial corridors; stabilized restaurants and food businesses; and advanced homeownership arts and culture, community recreation, and tourism.Chatham is Chicagoland’s Soul, Caribbean, and West African Food District with $84 million in total food sales for 86 restaurants. This food district attracts and serves its 117,000 residents, 28,501 employees, and 2 million visitors.

Greater Chatham is stabilizing. Come see ‘Mahalia’s Mile,’ at 0-800 E 79th Street, Chicago. This new State of Illinois Cultural District, Mahalia’s Mile, is named for Mahalia Jackson, who was the 20th Century Queen of Gospel, a Civil Rights activist, and a Chatham resident.

The Greater Chatham Initiative anchored the district with Mahalia Jackson Court on the west, with an 8,500 square feet community Public Outdoor Plaza at 1 E 79th Street, Chicago that has a food truck park, farmers’ market, and walking tours. View The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court video, which won a Midwest Emmy.
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Driehaus MuseumJulie Treumannjtreumann@driehausmuseum.org312-874-5909Magnificent MileWe are a museum of art, architecture, and design housed in an 1883 Gilded Age-era historic home. We have an exquisite collection of late 19th and early 20th century decorative arts and temporary exhibitions on related themes.The Driehaus Museum endures as a testament to a crucial chapter of Chicago's history, the period directly following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 when newcomers arrived to make their mark on an evolving city and the lucky ones made great fortunes. The building that houses the Driehaus Museum is richly ornamented, has 17 different kinds of marble, and must be seen in person to truly appreciate all of the loving hands who laid the floors, carved the wood, and quarried the marble. That the building survives is a testament to great civic pride, for in 1919 a group of 100 Chicago civic leaders banded together to buy the building, thereby saving it from a fate that many other Gilded Age homes met-- their demolition.
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Greater Roseland Chamber of CommerceAndrea D. Reedinfo@greaterroselandchamber.org773-785-4000Roseland, Pullman, and surrounding areasThe Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce was established in April 2009 to transform and revitalize Roseland and its neighboring communities.As recent years have brought significant challenges to local businesses in the Roseland/Pullman area, the Greater Roseland Chamber has supported the businesses that are the lifeblookd of the community. One of those businesses is the Ware Ranch Steakhouse- this restaurant has a rich history and is now owned by an African American family who also live in the community. This is a great example of the community efforts to preserve and support legacy businesses.
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Illinois Restaurant AssociationChip Bouchardchip@kinshipcompany.com202-329-2178StatewideWe represent restaurants throughout the state of Illinois.The impact of the DNC on Chicago's restaurant industry.
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Illinois Hotel & Lodging AssociationKristen Curnynkcurnyn@illinoishotels.org404-210-6240StatewideIHLA serves as the premier statewide trade association for hotels and other stakeholders in the Illinois hospitality and tourism industries. We represent the more than 1,500 properties throughout the state, as well as the 51,000 hardworking men and women who are employed by Illinois hotels.Hospitality jobs supported by the DNC; the ability for Chicago to handle major events including conventions; the benefit to Chicago's economy that the DNC will have both in the short- and long-term; state of the industry in Chicago
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Increase The PeaceBerto Aguayoberto.aguayo94@gmail.com773-407-2603Back of the Yards, Pilsen, Little Village, Brighton Park, Gage Park, New CityIncrease the Peace is a volunteer-led organization that develops young leaders and promotes peace through leadership development and community organizing.Using his own lived experiences leaving a gang, Aguayo has dedicated to his entire life to transforming narratives and providing youth employment and leadership opportunities through his organization: Increase The Peace. In addition to founding and leading one of the most notable organizations aiming to reduce youth violence, Aguayo is also a recognized multicultural coalition builder who was the founder of the Black and Brown Unity Parade, now in its 5th year.
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The Joffrey BalletBrian Smithbsmith@joffrey.org773.443.0705Performances in the Loop and educational programs throughout ChicagoThe Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chciaog and the greater Midwest region.Education and community engagement, World-class dance company, Company Artists as athletes, inspiring stories about children
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Justice of the PiesMaya-Camille Broussardmcb@justiceofthepies.com312-209-3852Avalon, South Shore, Chatham and surrounding areasJustice of the Pies is a social mission-based bakery located in the Avalon neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Chef Maya-Camille and the non-profit arm of the bakery, the Broussard Justice Foundation, focuses on food-related and health-related issues. It works to eradicate food insecurity and decrease health disparity issues in underserved communities. Justice of the Pies, an award winning-bakery helmed by Chef Maya-Camille Broussard (Esquire Magazine's 2023 Pastry Chef of the Year), opened her flagship bakery in the Avalon neighborhood in a building that was once her mother's childhood dentist office. Chef Maya-Camille was intentional in bringing her bakery to the South Side of Chicago and making its home in a neighborhood that is considered to be a "blighted corridor". In doing so, the bakery is an early adopter in adding high value to a lower-income/middle class pre-dominantly Black community that does not typically see development and improvement from private investment.
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KOVAL DistilleryAshley McCarronashley.mccarron@kovaldistillery.comRavenswoodKOVAL Distillery creates an extraordinary line of whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits using unique grains and signature “heart cut” techniques with only the absolute best quality distillate. Founded by husband-and-wife team Sonat and Robert Birnecker, KOVAL began as the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s.KOVAL Distillery, which began as Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s, has grown into one of the largest fully independent and woman-owned craft distilleries in the US.
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Lincoln Park ZooJillian Braunjbraun@lpzoo.org312-931-5117Lincoln ParkLincoln Park Zoo is the nation's only privately managed free admission zoo! The 49 acres in the heart of Lincoln Park along the lake is home to western lowland gorillas, African lions, Jamaican iguanas, Bali mynas and more. While a small zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo hosts the largest zoo-based conservation center with more than 40 full-time scientists helping to save species. A leader in animal welfare, nutrition, care, and more, there is always something to learn at Lincoln Park Zoo. Learn more at lpzoo.org.Urban wildlife, urban planning, climate change, living wildlife-friendly, conservation, combatting wildlife trafficking, animal welfare and wellbeing, conservation science, Captive Primate Safety Act, animal/wildlife advocacy, things to do in Chicago, cultural institutions, free things to do, and more!
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Little Black Pearl WorkshopZakeya N. Cartmanzcartman@blackpearl.org773-690-5502Kenwood/OaklandLittle Black Pearl Workshop is a dynamic, inclusive hub, where diverse communities explore and transform the business of art, innovation, and leadership. They serve the community through a catering kitchen, event space for 15-200 people, public cafe, and arts programming.Little Black Pearl has used art and culture as a vehicle to address disparities within BIPOC communities, creating a safe space to educate over 10,000 at-risk youth in the business of art, at the same time offering resources to support creative leaders to elevate as entrepreneurs and small business owners. They have provided full ride scholarships to high school seniors, created workforce training and job placement opportunities in the arts and nonprofit management, and created a Thriving Leaders Center to nurture and elevate Leaders in the arts, creative industries, and Racial Healing communities.
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Little Village Chamber of CommerceJennifer Aguilarjennifer@littlevillagechamber.org773-521-5387Little VillageThe Little Village Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of local businesses since 1989. Its mission is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of our local businesses and to leverage the community’s assets, contributions and unique Mexican identity cultural identity to generate new business opportunities. Little Village, or "La Villita", is a vibrant Mexican-American community, and its 26th Street Corridor is sometimes referred to as the second Magnificent Mile. The LIttle Village Chamber of Commerce provides an anchor to the community byorganizing the largest Mexican Independence Day Parade in the Midwest and supporting the building and growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs in Little Village. CEO Jennifer Aguilar is born and raised in Little Village
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League of Chicago TheatresMarissa Lynn Jonesbusiness@chicagoplays.com312-554-9800CitywideTheatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.Stories about the impact and importance of arts & culture and cultural tourism to the city as a whole and how important arts & culture is to the cultural identity of Chicago.
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mHUBKim Blomquistkim@mhubchicago.com872.222.5279Near West SidemHUB is a startup incubator and independent innovation center for hardtech and manufacturing-based products and solutions that has supported over 500 companies in generating over $1.5B in revenue and $1.8B in capital. The organization serves hardtech startups building technologies that will advance humanity and solve challenges in the physical world while revitalizing America’s manufacturing base.Innovators who are changing the world through technology call mHUB home, many moving from other parts of the country to access its hyper-resourced environment and build towards commercialization. Learn about the diverse founders making impact in climate, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Meet other ecosystem partners, from corporates to research institutions to government officials, that convene around mHUB to support startups and reclaim America’s legacy of economic opportunity through manufacturing things.
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The Magnificent Mile AssociationDenise Chudydchudy@themagnificentmile.com(312) 375-5448The Magnificent Mile, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Navy Pier, and River North.The Magnificent Mile® Association champions businesses in the District, crafting an exceptional experience for residents, employees, and visitors. We are home to iconic architecture, renowned brands, luxury hotels, a thriving workforce hub, and unparalleled shopping. We are the heart of Chicago's vibrant core.The Magnificent Mile boasts architectural gems like The Wrigley Building, the Water Tower and its Pumping Station, and DuSable Bridge. In time for the DNC, we'll unveil an AR experience for 5, offering a glimpse into The Avenue's past and future. Visitors can also enjoy 10 butterfly sculptures as part of ""Flight of Butterflies"" on Michigan Avenue.
Consumer spend in our District exceeded $16.3B from January 2019 - July 2023, which is $6.2B more than the next neighborhood. We also provide 21% of all jobs in Chicago.
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Maman ZariMariam Shahsavaranimariam@mamanzari.com773-345-9968Albany ParkMaman Zari is a restaurant in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago serving a Persian-inspired tasting menu. The stretch of Kedzie Avenue in Albany Park in which Maman Zari is one of the most diverse dining areas in Chicago, including many Persian restaurants and stores that carry items related to the cuisine and culture. Opened in 2023, Maman Zari brough something new to the area with Chicago's first Persian tasting menu. Guests at the restaurant who are both thrilled to have a place they view as someplace they can walk to in their neighborhood for special occasions, as well as people who go out of their way to seek it out as a destination and it's their first time learning of that commercial corridor's existence.
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My Block My Hood My City Nathaniel Viets-VanLearNathaniel@mbmhmc.com708-529-1154North Lawndale, Austin, Bronzeville, Chatham, South Shore, among others.My Block My Hood My City’s (M3) mission is to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world one block at a time. The organization actively engages in this mission through community based programs on the south and west sides of Chicago.My Block My Hood My City has transformed Chicago's communities, with specific initiatives including empowering youth through training them to be tour guides of their own community, organizing a march against gun violence on Madison street, recruiting volunteers for massive neighborhood clean ups and beautification projects
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Northwest Side CDC Jason Estremera Jestremera@northwestsidecdc.org773-238-3888Belmont Cragin and the Northwest Side of Chicago. The Northwest Side CDC provides the Northwest Side of Chicago and the Belmont Cragin neighborhood with the tools and resources to preserve affordable housing and prevent displacement and provide business development assistance to local small businessesThe Northwest Side CDC works to support Chicago's Latinx community, including by welcoming new arrivals and supporting them with housing and other resources while recognizing their importance to our city's future
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Puerto Rican Agenda/Diaspora Designs LLCCristian J. Roldancontact@cjroldan.com312-315-1524Humboldt Park The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago is non-profit organization comprised of local Puerto Rican leaders ensuring the self-determination of Puerto Ricans in Chicago, throughout the diaspora, and in Puerto Rico through policy and advocacy. The Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago is non-profit organization comprised of local Puerto Rican leaders ensuring the self-determination of Puerto Ricans in Chicago, throughout the diaspora, and in Puerto Rico through policy and advocacy. Over the past two decades, the Agenda continues to develop and execute a community-driven vision for the Humboldt Park Area, where most Puerto Ricans in Chicago live, and Paseo Boricua, a business and entertainment district on Division Street between California and Western. Recent efforts have expanded to coordinating strategic relief and rebuilding efforts as a result of the natural disasters and climate emergencies impacting Puerto Rico and the diaspora.
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SidetrackBradley Balofbrad@sidetrackchicago.com783-425-8227Northalsted/LakeviewSidetrack is long-standing LGBTQ Bar and Night Club owned by political pioneers Arthur Johnston and Pepe Peña. Open since 1982, Sidetrack is famous for their sprawling layout (it encompasses multiple levels and rooms that fit more than 1,000 party-goers) and huge video screens playing new and classic music videos. The owners are also local activists who helped pass local anti-discrimination legislation in the 1980s.
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Still Searching ProjectDamon Lamar Reeddamonlamar@prodigy.net773-835-1832South Shore, Chatham, Rogers Park, Marquette ParkThe Still Searching Project uses art to raise awareness about missing women and children of color in Chicagoland, including by creating portraits and murals of the missing and hosting events for the families and the communityThe Still Searching Project is about empowering the community and raising awareness about the plight of missing women. They also work to foster community safety, making sure that women and children are aware and equipped so they don't go missing.
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Sweet Beginnings, LLC / North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN)Brenda Palmsjessica@nlen.org773-265-7944North LawndaleThe North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) and its wholly owned subsidiary social enterprise, Sweet Beginnings LLC, provide workforce development, certified credentials, social-emotional learning and hands on job experience to residents of North Lawndale with high employment barriers, including formerly incarcerated individuals.Both the NLEN and Sweet Beginnings, LLC are dramatically improving the quality of life in the North Lawndale community by offering a safe space for residents to receive financial coaching, skills building, and environmental education through transitional green jobs. Our local beehives are helping to pollinate urban gardens throughout the West Side and the honey that is being produced provides engagement opportunities for formerly incarcerated citizens that have high barriers to securing permanent employment.
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The Puerto Rican Cultural CenterJose E Lopezjoseelopez@prcc-chgo.org773-394-4935Humboldt Park The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is a non profit organization which serves socio economic and cultural needs of Chicago's Puerto Rican communityThe Puerto Rican Cultural Center has worked hard to create a distinct historic and cultural community in the Humbold Park area, encouraging economic development and supporting entrepreneurship, encouraging the preservation and development of historic and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages, and providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community and promoting growth and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality
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The Silver RoomEric Williams Mica@thesilverroom.com773-343-8446 Hyde ParkWith a showroom in Hyde Park, the Silver Room serves as a vibrant platform for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs. The Silver Room is a Chicago Institution and brand whose mission is to create a global community through art and culture. Events like the annual Block Party is a showcase for Chicago's creative class and is a celebration of arts and culture.
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Uptown United & Uptown Chamber of CommerceSarah Wilsonsarah@exploreuptown.org773-878-1064UptownUptown United brings local businesses together with a shared mission to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community -- all to nurture a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Uptown community.Uptown United assists local businesses, investors, and community organizations, helping stimulate economic development to strengthen the community’s economic base, and address broad issues pertaining to quality of life for Uptown’s diverse population. They also use public art to bring beauty to underutilized spaces.
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Urban JunctureBernard Loydbloyd@urbanjuncture.com773-891-4159BronzevilleUrban Juncture works to revitalize Bronzeville by using our talent and culture to advance our enterprises, reestablish our cultural hubs and elevate our retail corridors Urban Juncture has worked to revitalize The Forum, the first major assembly assembly hall build on the mid-South Side. THey are also utilizing refurbished shipping containers at Boxville to provide community entrepreneurs a place to start, and buidling building a culinary destination around Black cuisine from around the world
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Virtue Hospitality Group - Virtue, Daisy's Po-Boy, Mustard Seed Kitchen and Top This Mac and Cheese Laura Collinslaura@bettiebomb.com773-218-3462Hyde Park and South LoopVirtue Hospitality Group is a group of restaurants created by James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner Erick Williams. Its mission is to create a positive impact in the communities that they serve while also providing delicious fare and offering equitable opportunities for its team.In addition to delivering world-class dining to Chicago's South Side, the Virtue Hospitality Group gives back to community by creating opportunity to those in need and using mentorship opportunities to pave the way for future entrepreneurs
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Illinois Office of TourismMarla Cichowskimarla@timezoneone.com312-497-1871StatewideThe Illinois Office of Tourism leads tourism industry efforts to inspire visitation to, and within Illinois, resulting in significant economic impact and quality-of-life benefits for all Illinois residents. We are committed to making Illinois a model of inclusivity and celebration of diversity. Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft, surprise and creativity. Whether domestic and international visitors are traveling for business or leisure, the Illinois Office of Tourism is their trusted guide in crafting an unforgettable experience. To learn more visit EnjoyIllinois.com.
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Teatro ZinZanniKerry Sheehanksheehan@zinzanni.com312-203-5508Chicago LoopLive cabaret-style show featuring music, dance, comedy and circus performers. Set in an antique circus tent accompanied by a fine-dining experience.
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Chicago Magic LoungeCynthia Ferkolcynthia@chicagomagiclounge.com773-425-6521AndersonvilleChicago Magic Lounge is a state-of-the-art, luxury magic theater and speakeasy lounge, dedicated to Chicago's contribution to the magical arts. You'll find magic around every corner – from the secret doors to teh magicians performing impossible feats right before your very eyes. A place like no other, Chicago Magic Lounge offers guests an unforgettable experience.Chicago Magic Lounge's dedication to Chicago-style magic is reviving and retelling an almost-forgotten piece of this city's cultural history. Chicago Magic Lounge is a post-pandemic success story for live theater.
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AIRE Ancient BathsEleni Georgiouegeorgiou@beaire.com(347) 749-3203River WestAIRE Ancient Baths is a unique relaxation oasis in the heart of the busy city. The AIRE Experience features various baths set at different temperatures as well as massages and body treatments for total mind and body relaxation.AIRE Ancient Baths strives to deliver residents and visitors to Chicago with a unique space to find total mind and body relaxation and wellness. Our unique experience inspired by ancient traditions invites guests to disconnect from the world around them for a few hours, submerge in various baths at different temperatures and experience body rituals to allow them to feel their very best.
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Jovie Nannies and SittersLaura Horwitzlhorwitz@jovie.com773-697-9326Chicago and surrounding suburbsJovie provides nannies and sitters in the Chicago area for in home care as well as hotel room care and group event care. Our caregivers are fully vetted, reference checked, background screened, and employed legal by Jovie for the safety and security of the children..
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Poetry FoundationLiz O'Connell-Thompsonmedia@poetryfoundation.org312-799-8065We are based in the River North neighborhood, but are a inter/nationally recognized organization.The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry.More poetry for more people.
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City Pass Inc.Meg Heinenmeg@citypass.com208-419-9647Downtown, Museum CampusThe Chicago CityPASS® tickets save visitors 48% off admission to a choice of five of the Windy City's most iconic attractions, including Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, and a choice of three more of the following: Shoreline Architecture River Tour, Field Museum, 360 Chicago, Griffen Museum of Science, Art Institute of Chicago and Adler Planetarium.If your looking to experience some of best things to do in Chicago, the Chicago CityPASS® offers visitors and locals alike, admission to five iconic attractions in one simple and convenient mobile ticket. All at a 48% savings from normal gate prices. Use the MyCityPASS to make and manage your reservations and see attraction details at your fingertips.
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Chicago's First Lady Cruises and Mercury Chicago CruisesRamsey Careycruises@pcipr.com773-480-7872Downtown ChicagoFor over 80 years, Mercury Cruises Chicago and Chicago's First Lady Cruises have been iconic fixtures on the Chicago River, among the first permanent tenants of the Riverwalk. As fourth-generation, family-owned operations, they have enriched the city's cultural landscape and host the official Chicago Architecture River Cruise in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center.As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, Chicago First Lady Cruises and Mercury Cruises can highlight their contributions to Chicago's maritime industry. Their popular Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise, the only architectural cruise partnered with the CAC, supports the Center's nonprofit educational mission. A portion of proceeds from each CAC River Cruise ticket supports the CAC’s nonprofit educational mission; the purchase of two CAC River Cruise tickets helps fund sketching materials and drafting tools for a student.
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She-nannigans (part of Lodge Management Group)Eliza Poznanskieliza@lmgchicago.com847 894 5881Gold CoastFounded in 1970, She-nannigans was the first bar in all of Chicago to employ all female bartenders at a time it was considered illegal—hence the “She” in She-nannigans. It all began at a time when a decades-old ordinance — informally known as the “Barmaids Ordinance” — made it illegal for any woman who was not related to a bar’s owner from tending bar. In a modest act of civil disobedience, She-nannigans began to employ some of the airline stewardesses who lived in the neighborhood to tend bar on their days off. Arrests were made, tempers flared and in 1974, a suit was filed against Mayor Daley, et al.; the case went to U.S. District Court and judges concluded that the ordinance violated the ConstitutionHospitality stories / focus on women-owned businesses
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United Way of Metro ChicagoSean Garrettmarketingcommunications@liveunitedchicago.org312-906-2291
Auburn Gresham, Austin, Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Englewood, Roseland/Far South, Garfield Park, Little Village, South Chicago (also present in 9 suburban communities)United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual, and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. United Way has worked side-by-side with community-based organizations for 90 years and in individual neighborhoods across the region since 2013 through the Neighborhood Network Initiative. We work alongside our partners to address community priorities and build local infrastructure to respond to their neighborhood’s most pressing needs, and then we help scale that across the region. We also connect donors and organizations that want to invest in the Chicago region with opportunities to make an impact.
United Way of Metro Chicago is a driving force behind many of the transformative projects, programs, and initiatives taking place across the City of Chicago and Cook County. United Way funds 140+ nonprofit partners providing critical basic needs for all residents.
United Way supports and invests in 18 Neighborhood Network communities in the city and suburbs, working alongside community leaders to address community priorities. Most recently, United Way invested in the new BUILD Community Hub in Austin; The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in Austin; the Healthy Lifestyle Hub and Campus in Auburn Gresham; a new community center in Little Village; and a new community center Brighton Park.
United Way partnered with the Chicago Community Trust to launch one of the nation’s most successful COVID relief funds – raising $35 Million and investing in 400+ agencies.
United Way partnered with the City of Chicago and Cook County to launch 211 Metro Chicago in 2023, providing a 24/7 hotline for Cook County residents to access critical basic needs. Since launching in January 2023, the hotline has served more than 180,000 contacts.
United Way helped to launch Chicago Connected, which provided 228,000 CPS students with digital access. United Way of Metro Chicago is a leader of community-led efforts to create a region where all individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods can meet their defined success.
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