WHO WHAT WEAR BOOK LAUNCH--Il Sole

I follow WhoWhatWear on twitter and was very excited when they announced they were going on a book launch tour(this is their second book). One of their first stops was in West Hollywood at Il Sole restaurant. Co-Founders Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power celebrated with some of fashions PYTs including: über stylist Rachel Zoe & Rodger Berman, Whitney Port, Lauren Conrad, Fashion Police and New face of Madonna's fashion line Kelly Osborne, Jessica Alba & Cash Warren, Nicole Chavez, Carlos Lopez. They had Jenga at their party how retro fun! I believe the ladies are planning a Chicago Stop will update when I get more info.

STEVE SHAPIRO EXHIBIT--Edelman Gallery

THE DREAM FOUNDATION

I had never heard of the Dream Foundation until I was invited to a shopping event at Park Hyatt Chicago hosted by Hollye Jacobs and Whitney Lasky for designer Lyn Devon. I am very impressed by what the Foundation does to fulfil the dream of adults battlign terminal diseases. I even got to meet the founder Mr. Thomas Rollerson who was so gracious.

Dream Foundation, founded in Santa Barbara in 1994 by Thomas Rollerson, is the first national wish granting organization for adults suffering life-threatening illness
The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families who are battling life-threatening illness.

Dream Foundation helps adults find peace and closure with the realization of a final wish.
The work of Dream Foundation is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Odyssey VistaCare HealthCare Foundation

There are many ways you can get involved with this great organization

Make a monetary donation

If you are able to help faciltate a dream 

Become a member

THE RED PUMP PROJECT

The Red Pump Project™ Founded in March 2009 by Luvvie Ajayi and Karyn Watkins, Red Pump believes that if HIV affects one, it affects us all. We use the red shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent the strength and courage of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The incorporation of fashion into the message of HIV prevention is our contribution as we hope to show that Awareness is Always in Style!™
The Red Pump Project was born… Out of their desire to get the conversation started on the issue of HIV/AIDS and ask others to do the same.

These ladies are truly serving an oft neglected peopulation. Please help them continue to empower women, girls and even men affected by HIV/AIDS

Their 2nd Annual Rock the Red pump fashion show will take place Thursday March 24,2011. For more information click HERE

YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES

This was the first organization I got involved with when I moved back to Chicago, albeit  a short period of time. I was a part of their Auxilliary Board which is under the YOS umbrella.
Youth Outreach Services has been a leader in youth-focused services for 50 years. Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is a nonprofit human service agency dedicated to caring for youth in and around Chicago, inspiring positive development in their lives, families and communities. Founded in 1959, YOS has served nearly 300,000 youth through a wide variety of child welfare, counseling, juvenile justice and prevention services. We believe all kids are capable of excellence and are committed to providing the community-based support they need to overcome challenges and succeed.

If you would like to donate please visit: http://www.yos.org/
tweet YOS: http://twitter.com/yoschicago
Contact Executive Director Rick Velasquez

WHAT I'M TAKING UP FOR LENT

Before Ash Wednesday I had been grappling with  something to take on -I'm giving up eating sweets, meat and alcohol-that might help others in some manner. First I thought perhaps I would volunteer daily at a shelter or something along the lines but my schedule is too hectic. Instead I decided to spotlight a charity each day during Lent. Some you may have heard of and others might be obscure but one thing they all share in common is that they are empowering or aiding a much needed population. Some of these charities have big fundraising goals that are met and/or exceeded and some need your donation more than ever. Please take the time to read through and donate whichever way you can(Money, Company Give, Time, Supplies). Thank you

JW MARRIOT CHICAGO GRAND OPENING

Harrison & Shriftman PR orchestrated a flawless grand opening of the JW Marriot Chicago. Hosted by Shameless star Emmy Rossum who also performed. Delectables from Crumbs Bakery, Grey Goose were enjoyed by the many guests in attendance. DJ Kiss made sure guests danced the night away.

Joffrey Ballet Dancers