“Aren’t You The Naughty One?”

March 3, 2014, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Writing love letters to a broken world

≪ Previous: Connect, Create, Celebrate, Collaborate, Communicate,

$

0

0

“Aren’t You The Naughty One?” - Carson the Downton Abbey Butler

Me, Jim Carter (who plays Downton Abbey butler “Carson”), my mother Virginia Blankenbaker, my daughter Skatie Noyes in the home of Madeleine and Freddy Mossanen

We met the charming, erudite Jim Carter, who plays Carson the butler on Downton Abbey at a lavish tea hosted by Madeleine Mossanen and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chair and Co-founder of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle in Madeleine’s stunning, meticulously renovated and art-filled home in London.

“Aren’t you the naughty one?” Carter correctly surmised when he met mom. He glanced over me, focused on my daughter, Skatie, and added with a grin, “I see it skipped a generation too.” Isn’t this the sandwich generation perfectly defined? They have all the fun; I take care of them… But really, lucky me. The more I have to love, the more love I have.

---

Writing love letters to a broken world

March 6, 2014, 6:30 am

≫ Next: Dancing Makes It Better – Thank You Arthur Murray

≪ Previous: “Aren’t You The Naughty One?”

$

0

0

"We’re writing love letters to a broken world." – Bonnie McElveen-Hunter

My favorite sentence of the entire, incredible Tiffany Circle International Weekend came from Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, American Red Cross Chair, former US Ambassador to Finland and Founder and CEO of Pace Communications as she described the gathering and the work of the Red Cross:

"We’re writing love letters to a broken world."

Isn’t that the work we are all meant to do? Amplify the good in our lives with love and help those less fortunate than us?

How proud I am to return home and realize that our Make It Better Philanthropy Award videos and other content do just that! Please see and enjoy too:

http://makeitbetter.net/make-a-difference/make-a-difference/5891-2013-philanthropy-awards

I thank MatchCut Video – particularly Producer Adam Rubin and Founding Partner David Canada – and Make It Better staff – CoFounder & VP Mindy Fauntleroy, EIC Julie Chernoff, Editors Lindsay Roseman, Coco Keevan and Anna Carlson, COO Sandy Tsuchida, and Ad Sales Manager Megan Holbrook and her talented staff of Patti Augustyn, Julie Carter and Jenny Newman. Their work is extraordinary.

This is my love letter to them. Their good work makes me want to jump for joy, just like these students at Philanthropy Award Winner Y.O.U.:

Dancing Makes It Better – Thank You Arthur Murray

March 10, 2014, 1:47 pm

≫ Next: Nurture Sparkle

≪ Previous: Writing love letters to a broken world

$

0

0

Dancing makes everything better. Lightens your mood, improves your fitness, makes you feel sexier.

Thanks to Arthur Murray Dance Studios, celebrities in Chicago make cancer research better by dancing too – in the annual “Dancing With Chicago Celebrities” fundraiser.

Not sure I merit the “celebrity” tag, but I’m positive that I loved the opportunity!

Particular thanks to my Arthur Murray partner, Charles White, and friend Bill Kirby for creating this video.

William shared a video with you! View video

© 2014 Dropbox

Nurture Sparkle

March 14, 2014, 10:24 am

≫ Next: These teens are The Bomb!

≪ Previous: Dancing Makes It Better – Thank You Arthur Murray

$

0

0

Nurture Sparkle

I love to see and feel emotional sparkle. Seeing my husband and daughter sparkling together above makes me sparkle too. So does connecting with others who are passionate about their work. Like designer Jason Wu:

Thanks to A Better Chicago, I enjoyed the Jason Wu fashion show at the Art Institute and dinner with the designer and others afterwards. Wu skyrocketed to fame when Michelle Obama wore his gown to her husband’s first inauguration. The first lady’s only design parameter was, “It has to sparkle.”

Fashion design makes Skatie sparkle too. She is already Creative Director of the Cashmere By Tania fashion house in London. Tania is the second from the left below. I will forever be her fan and friend because of the opportunity and support she gives Skatie. Tania is great fun to be with too!

Jason’s advice to Skatie was “Go for it! Start designing your dreams now.” His advice to me – nurture her fashion sparkle – of course.

These teens are The Bomb!

March 19, 2014, 2:33 pm

≫ Next: In Celebration of Wrigley Field’s 100th Birthday

≪ Previous: Nurture Sparkle

$

0

0

"You are The Bomb" = high praise in the Noyes Family

These New Trier teens are The Bomb for shaving their heads in support of pediatric cancer. Talk about courage!

Ian Mitchell cutting the hair of Rachel Goldstein and Julian Good cutting the hair of Robert Kennedy

Kudos too for The Scissors Edge for providing stylists to help.

Annie Newman and Rachel Goldstein being shaved by Scissors Edge stylists.

Of course, the organizers deserve props too.

Organizers Tom Lanphier, Jack Vorwald, John Brady, Kyle Schulze

These youth give all of us hope that a better world is coming. Thank you for the inspiration.

In Celebration of Wrigley Field’s 100th Birthday

March 22, 2014, 9:57 am

≫ Next: Love, love, love these kids!

≪ Previous: These teens are The Bomb!

$

0

0

So excited! Just received our Cubs season tickets in a gorgeous tin filled with memorabilia and special offers celebrating the 100th birthday of Wrigley Field.

Whatever their record, it will be a great season. We ‘re part of history in the making.

Go Cubs Go!

Love, love, love these kids!

March 22, 2014, 1:39 pm

≫ Next: Thank you Scott Holstein and Crave Bar!

≪ Previous: In Celebration of Wrigley Field’s 100th Birthday

$

0

0

My nephew and niece – Cooper and Jo Blankenbaker – at Ed Denevic’s.

Thank you Scott Holstein and Crave Bar!

March 26, 2014, 1:40 pm

≫ Next: The Best Investors Of All – Top Chicago Women Philanthropists

≪ Previous: Love, love, love these kids!

$

0

0

The Crave Bar is locally owned and world class delicious! Thank you to owner Scott Holstein for delivering samples to our office just now.

---

The Best Investors Of All – Top Chicago Women Philanthropists

April 3, 2014, 6:34 am

≫ Next: 6 Easy Ways To Make A Big Difference For Others With Children – Brava Kristina Tober.

≪ Previous: Thank you Scott Holstein and Crave Bar!

$

0

0

“We think investing in young people is the best investment of all” – Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson joins 10 other inspiring women on Make It Better’s Best Chicago Female Philanthropists list, published yesterday in honor of the #WomenLeading Philanthropy Symposium and Women’s Philanthropy Week in Chicago. Alphabetically listed, these women are:

Frances Comer

Sister Mary Connelley

Paula Fasseas

Francia Harrington

Joan Harris

Mellody Hobson

Liz Lefkofsky

Ann Lurie

Diana Mendley Rauner

Shirley Welch Ryan

Bernarda Wong

We agree that investing to create a future where all kids can feel safe, loved, educated and prepared to meaningfully contribute to the world is a great investment. But we’re also enthusiastic about the other causes supported by these strategic thinkers too – from humane treatment of animals to the environment to help for Asian immigrants.

Learn more about these women and their impact: click here

6 Easy Ways To Make A Big Difference For Others With Children – Brava Kristina Tober.

April 8, 2014, 5:11 am

≫ Next: Cast Your Votes for Advocate!

≪ Previous: The Best Investors Of All – Top Chicago Women Philanthropists

$

0

0

6 Easy Ways To Make A Big Difference For Others With Children

“The reality is, everyone, at one time or another, will have to deal with some sort of adversity.

And while you may not be in the same shoes as a special needs person, you can certainly learn how to appreciate their perspective and do what you can to support them and their families. Because chances are, you may need some extra support yourself someday.”

- Kristina Tober, Make It Better writer and mother to a special needs child.

Kristina Tober

Talented writer Kristina Tober offers sage advise for how to react to children with special needs and their families in her article, “Small Ways to Make A Difference for Someone With Special Needs.” Really though, it’s advise that works in situations with with all children too – not just those involving special needs kids.

1. Learn the right lingo.

2. Try not to stare.

3. Offer to help.

4. Remember that this is someone’s child who is loved.

5. It’s ok to laugh.

6. Always look for the good, regardless of ability.

There have been more times than I care to remember than my kids were misbehaving in public, and I not only appreciated, I desperately needed a response by strangers that reminded me to laugh, love and look for the good instead of scold.

Brava Kristina!

Read more: click here

“

Cast Your Votes for Advocate!

April 9, 2014, 8:04 am

≫ Next: Why I Say Yes & The Winners

≪ Previous: 6 Easy Ways To Make A Big Difference For Others With Children – Brava Kristina Tober.

$

0

0

Please vote for Advocate Children’s Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center too. This could bring additional funds to help sick kids in our hometowns.

Thank you.

Vote now! Advocate Children’s Hospital and Advocate Christ Medical Center have been named finalists in the LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project and we need your help to win! The hospitals with the highest number of votes in each region will receive training and funding to replicate a LIVESTRONG program that has demonstrated success in supporting people affected by cancer. Thank you to everyone who has already voted! If you haven’t there is still time. VOTE FOR BOTH! Details and voting information below…

F

Why I Say Yes & The Winners

April 10, 2014, 5:23 am

≫ Next: LIFTing for a good cause

≪ Previous: Cast Your Votes for Advocate!

$

0

0

“The more you put into something, the more you get out of it. Always. Every time. Guaranteed.

“If you or your children are involved with something, you have an obligation to give back in some way at some time. It’s what makes the world go around.

“By actively participating and showing up, you become connected to the causes, places and people you care about in ways that are far richer and more tangible than the feeling you get when you write a check. [But we appreciate and need those check writers too.]

“Everyone has a story. A wonderful story. By giving of your time you get a chance to learn and share in those stories. You build community.

“I have been blessed to be able to do this because of my husband, who always says ‘You should go for it. We’ll make it work.’ “

- Charlotte McGee, accepting the Woman of the Year Award at the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce’s 37th Annual Recognition Lunch.

Charlotte & Jim McGee at the Awards Luncheon

Congratulations to Charlotte and the other honorees at yesterday’s inspiring Annual Recognition luncheon:

Woman Of The Year: Charlotte McGee

Man Of The Year: Jim McNitt

Business Leaders Of The Year: Paul Zurowski & Bill Hiscott of Sawbridge Studios, Ann Heinz & Kate Rooney, Three Tarts

Educator Of The Year: Rose Marchuk

Public Safety Officer Of The Year: Firemedic Chris Kopecky

Park District Employee Of The Year: Costa Kutulas

And thank you to Winnetka-Northfield Chamber Director Terry Dason, and real estate firm Caldwell Banker who always say yes to the best community building ideas too!

With Winnetka-Northfield Chamber Director Terry Dason. And with ongoing appreciation for the support of community-centric real estate firm Caldwell Banker.

LIFTing for a good cause

April 11, 2014, 3:23 pm

≫ Next: Please join me for wine, hors d’oeuvres & gorgeous, comfortable shoes on Wednesday

≪ Previous: Why I Say Yes & The Winners

$

0

0

“When we feel like the sky is falling, we need people LIFTing us up.  At LIFT we listen.  I think our logo should be a giant ear. All of us in this room can be part of changing the game.  It’s happening here in Chicago on the ground every day.”

      – Ben Reuler, Executive Director of LIFT at the hip fundraiser last night

“We can change the world, with our own two hands.”

       - Ben Harper, in this song he performed at the LIFT event last year.

“I can make it better, with my own two hands…” 

” They’re changing the world every day, with their talents and time”

       – Susan B. Noyes about the super talented women below:

Please join me for wine, hors d’oeuvres & gorgeous, comfortable shoes on Wednesday

April 12, 2014, 8:31 am

≫ Next: Ike Hong fixes lives and the food desert just beyond his own backyard.

≪ Previous: LIFTing for a good cause

$

0

0

Thanks to Stuart Weitzman, we will be raising money in memory of my dear friend, Julie W. Schaffner, former COO of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Please join us!

Ike Hong fixes lives and the food desert just beyond his own backyard.

April 13, 2014, 5:04 am

≫ Next: Should you live for your resume… Or your eulogy?

≪ Previous: Please join me for wine, hors d’oeuvres & gorgeous, comfortable shoes on Wednesday

$

0

0

"Affect lives within a 10 mile radius of where you live."

Ike & Grace Hong, of Bannockburn

For Ike Hong, of Bannockburn, a few inspiring words by his pastor motivated him, “Affect lives within a 10 mile radius of where you live.“

Hong was “blown away" when he started looking just beyond his own back yard and saw a food desert in North Chicago. He was also mindful of the growing number of people struggling with diabetes, like his father. So as a board member of NorthShore University HealthSystem, he worked with the Be Well-Lake County diabetes program and the Auxiliary at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, to launch the Community Garden at the North Chicago Community Health Center.

This weekend’s glorious weather is a reminder that the garden will soon be providing fresh produce to residents again. It has grown to become a valuable educational resource for more than 500 patients struggling with controlling their diabetes as well as more than 54,000 adult Lake County residents diagnosed with diabetes. That is a lot of lives made better by Hong just beyond his own backyard!

---

Should you live for your resume… Or your eulogy?

April 14, 2014, 9:53 am

≫ Next: She’s dancing in heaven today.

≪ Previous: Ike Hong fixes lives and the food desert just beyond his own backyard.

$

0

0

David Brooks is spot on with this.

You will never regret having one last child or saying yes to people who really need help, even though you don’t have the time, when you’re looking back at your life.

Should you live for your résumé … or your eulogy?

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

April 14, 2014 Today’s TED Talk David Brooks: Should you live for your résumé … or your eulogy? 05:01 minutes · Filmed Mar 2014 · Posted Apr 2014 · TED2014 Within each of us are two selves, suggests David Brooks in this meditative short talk: the self who craves success, who builds a résumé, and the self who seeks connection, community, love — the values that make for a great eulogy. (Joseph Soloveitchik has called these selves “Adam I” and “Adam II.”) Brooks asks: Can we balance these two selves? New York Times columnist David Brooks is the author of Bobos in Paradise, On Paradise Drive, and the narrative of neuroscience, The Social Animal: The Hidden Sources of Love, Character and Achievement. Watch now » Quote of the Day “ Mercy instead of revenge, collaboration instead of competition, inclusion instead of exclusion — these are the ideals that a war-torn Libya needs desperately.” Zahra’ Langhi Zahra’ Langhi: Why Libya’s revolution didn’t work — and what might Become a fan on Facebook Follow us @TEDTalks Dive into ideas from TED Talks on the TEDBlog Get the TED app for iPhone, iPad, and Android

You are receiving this email because you’ve subscribed to our mailing list. We also send out weekly emails, if you’d rather hear from us less frequently. Copyright © 2014 TED, All rights reserved. You’re receiving the TED daily email because you subscribed to it on TED.com. Our mailing address is: TED250 Hudson Street Room 1002 New York, NY 10013 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences view email in browser

She’s dancing in heaven today.

April 17, 2014, 6:53 am

≫ Next: The North Shore Heroin Epidemic

≪ Previous: Should you live for your resume… Or your eulogy?

$

0

0

Melissa Mueller of Stuart Weitzman with Kendall Schaffner (Julie’s daughter ), Emma Noyes and the Events Coordinator of De Pescara, at the Stuart Weitzman store in Northbrook Court.

My friend, Julie Schaffner, is dancing in heaven today. Her family, Make It Better and Stuart Weitzman raised over $11,000 in support of ovarian cancer research through Advocate Lutheran General Hospital last night.

Julie was an early champion for Make It Better. She believed in my dream of growing a trusted community network that did the most good for the women at its’ heart. She died, much too young, of ovarian cancer. Now we champion early detection of this insidious disease, in her memory.

Thank you Stuart Weitzman for spectacular generosity and a great party.

The North Shore Heroin Epidemic

April 17, 2014, 11:43 am

≫ Next: Philanthropy Awards invite

≪ Previous: She’s dancing in heaven today.

$

0

0

Yes, there really is a heroin epidemic on the North Shore.

Survivor Paula Nixon and her mother share their story, with the hopes of saving others.

PJ and Paula Nixon

Read their story and more here:

http://makeitbetter.net/family/health-and-wellness/6051-the-north-shore-heroin-epidemic?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=APRIL%2013%20BETTER%20LETTER&utm_content=APRIL%2013%20BETTER%20LETTER+CID_e3d8b8fa50cf1dc9ddeac991e9fb8312&utm_source=Better%20Letter&utm_term=Talking%20Smack%20The%20North%20Shore%20Heroin%20Epidemic

Philanthropy Awards invite

April 21, 2014, 6:13 am

≫ Next: Epicenters

≪ Previous: The North Shore Heroin Epidemic

$

0

0

Please join us for the 2014 Make It Better Philanthropy Award Night.  

As a judge and or a winner of last years Philanthropy Award we hope that you can come out and join us as celebrate this years winners.  

It would be great if you would join us and mingle with these amazing Not For Profits, offer your advice and congratulations.  

On April 30th we will be showcasing their new videos for the first time at our Red Carpet celebration taking place at Chase Auditorium – downtown Chicago.  I do hope that you can come and cheer us on along with our winners.  The event starts at 5:30 so for those of you who work downtown it’s easy and if you don’t, the metra station is only blocks away.  The event is free of charge as Walgreens and JP Morgan have once again generously stepped up as our sponsors.  There will be appetizers, drinks, photographs and the promise of a fun and fulfilling evening.   Spouses and dates welcome.  

invitation email

  

Epicenters

April 24, 2014, 6:02 am

≫ Next: Ruling My Heart And The World

≪ Previous: Philanthropy Awards invite

$

0

0

“Wrigley is the epicenter of fans’ connection to the Cubs… It not
only connects the fans to the team, but also generations of fans to one another.” Theo Epstein, General Manager, Chicago Cubs.

 

Pam Kirby, Noelle Sayles & Nick Noyes, Bill Kirby, Nick & me at Wrigley Field yesterday for the 100th Anniversary game. It was also son Nick’s 30th birthday.

“Family is the epicenter of my life.” Susan B. Noyes

Yesterday was our oldest child, Nick B. Noyes‘, 30th birthday. He loves, loves, loves the Cubs, as do Bill & Pam Kirby, our neighbors who are like family. So front row seats in the sunshine at Wrigley Field for its’ 100th Anniversary game was an ideal place for the celebration. That the Cubs gave up a 5 run lead in the 9th inning to lose yet again barely mattered.

Nick’s smart, beautiful wife, Noelle Sayles – the epicenter of his heart and a terrific addition to our family – was at his side. (We overlook her allegiance to that NYC team who shall not be named.)

Noelle Sayles & Nick B. Noyes

Home is the epicenter of family life though. And family dinner is the eoicenter of my home life. So, of course, this was the best moment of a great day:

I have to confess though to being perplexed – how am I old enough to be the mother of a 30 year old? Seems like Nick was born only a few years ago, which would make me 30 instead.