Cheeky Does Charity

After living on the east coast for the better part of the last decade, I am back in my sweet home of Chicago. My passion for the city of Chicago not only lead me back here, but lead me to giving back to those less fortunate and giving back to helping preserve the city. A large portion of my free time is donated to organizations such as The American Brain Tumor Association, The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and The Jane Addams Hull House. This has been the case for years now, and it looks like with the start of 2009, this year might be one of the most crucial years ever for giving back.

The first month of the year, more so than any other, we pause to admire where we have been in the last year and where we hope to go in the coming year. Aspirations lead us to renewing gym memberships, kicking bad habits and relationships to the curb and, perhaps, saving when we desire to be spending. For myself and others out there, I have decided to unfurl my charitable wings…this year I am going to see how far I can fly.

Fiscally, we all seem to have tripped over our own feet into 2009. The word charity makes my clutch shiver. 2009 is the time to balance donating and volunteering on the charitable teeter-totter. Our favorite non-for-profits, organizations and community endeavors tick and tock, not only by those who open their purses, but by those who open their schedules as well. The tickets I buy for charitable fundraisers and galas are just as important as the hours I spend face-to-face with the recipients of my favorite endeavors. My personal resolution for 2009 is that I support Chicago charitable organizations on a balanced teeter-totter of donating and volunteering and, perhaps along the way, I encourage and teach those around me to embrace doing the same.

Page one of my charitable date book leads me to attending the ‘The Big Top’ at The Signature Room at the 95^th for their annual Table of 12 Gala. Since 1993, The Signature Room at the 95^th has donated over $560,000 to Chicago charities and Chicago chapters of national charitable organizations. Each month of the year, this restaurant atop Chicago donates 10% of their monthly menu’s revenues to a different charity each month.

Amidst painted faces and turn of the century circus-esque tenting and characters, the Signature Room will celebrate the inauguration of its 2009 charity participants. Supporters of Project Linus, Special Olympics Illinois, Open Books, H.E.L.P., A Program of Jane Addams Hull House Association, BUILD Inc., The Land Connection, Lake County Haven, Children’s Home + Aid, Cases for a Cause, Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, The American Brain Tumor Association and Kids Fight Cancer will mingle, dance and dine, all while balancing cocktails 1,128 feet above the city lights. Come out for a good cause on January 21, 2009 at the Signature Room at the 95^th at the John Hancock. Tickets are available online at www.signatureroom.com until Friday, January 16^th for $75/person. After January 16^th, tickets will be available at the door for $80.

Revel in the possibilities that the coming year holds…appreciate not only what the year is going to bring to you, but what you can bring to the year. Happy 2009, ladies!