August Member of the Month!

Congrats to Holly Willis, our August Member of the Month!

We know all of our members lead busy lives and have many commitments besides the JC. We are so grateful to have committed members like Holly who make time for Junior Council.

Holly jumps into JC activities year-round including Spring Kickball, the Big Kids Kickball Tourney, social events, monthly meetings and, last but certainly not least.....SNOWBALL! Her ongoing dedication to the group and presence at so many of our activities make her an outstanding member - thank you Holly!

RMH Apron Winner!

Who wore the apron best?! It was a grueling competition as the ladies of the kitchen showed off their aprons. (Guys were encouraged to enter the contest but oddly enough no men did.)

As the contestants showed off their moves the competition became tighter and tighter. Is Kate’s plain, stiff green apron the most cooking effective? Do Anna’s polka dotted cupcake pockets rule the spatula storing phenomenon? Do Elinor's ruffles add the spice of life we're looking for in our dishes? I know I know, the masses loved the on-trend denim puffy painted ‘For the Kids’ apron, but alas I cannot name myself the winner.

After much deliberation…the winner is……. Kirsten! (top middle)

 

Kirsten’s apron (made by her grandmother) not only shined in the kitchen, but it also had hand-stitched history. To top it off Kirsten wore her apron the longest proudly exiting the building and continuing on her day without a flinch to untie the masterpiece. Well done Kirsten, well done.

Thank you to everyone who entered the apron contest. You are all winners in the apron world.

Till next time,

Denim-Apron Wearing Diana

Serving Brunch at the Ronald McDonald House

This past Sunday the Junior Council served brunch to the families at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. 18 JC members shopped, prepped, cooked and prepared brunch.

 

{Prepping and cooking up a storm!}

What a great morning! After a rewarding brunch, the JC was able to tour the Ronald McDonald House – the largest RMH in the world. We had the opportunity to talk with Ronald McDonald House Charities co-founder Bill Chunowitz who accompanied us on the tour.

The RMH is truly an amazing place. RMH focused on making the new building really feel like a home away from home for guests with play rooms, family rooms, special art work on the wall, a prayer room, a beautiful roof deck and much more. RMH’s wish (which to us looks like it is coming true!) is to provide care and comfort to thousands of families in need for years to come.

 

{Doors of Hope art work at the Ronald McDonald House}

 

 

{Beautiful mosaics fill the roof walls at RMH}

 

 

{Phone at RMH that interprets any language}

 

The RMH near Lurie Children’s runs with a staff of 12 full-time employees and 400 volunteers!

Always accepting volunteers, RMH has so many ways to participate – from volunteering on a more regular basis at the home, to serving breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner to the families, to one-off events and fundraisers. Check out http://rmhccni.org/pageslurie-ph/ for more information if you’d like to get involved!

We are so lucky and thankful for the opportunity to fill a small part in this great cause this past weekend. Thank you Ronald McDonald House Charities!

Happy Hour at Clark Street Ale House 8/21!

 

Join us this Wednesday, August 21st from 6-8PM at Clark Street Ale House, 742 N Clark Street.
Appetizers provided, 10% of proceeds during the happy hour go back to the kids!

 

(No package or ticket cost, just come and socialize!

 

10% of all proceeds at Clark Street Ale House between 6-8PM benefit the Junior Council.)

 

No need to RSVP, just bring yourself, bring some friends!

We're All in the Same Boat!

During our JC August Executive meeting we were reminded that when working on teams and boards we come together as a group from different backgrounds, all having valuable experience and input that contribute to our success. Bernard Baruch inspired us this month by summarizing it, "We did not all come over on the same ship, but we are all in the same boat."

Our boat is #ForTheKids! Thank you to our dedicated and hardworking Executive Board and JC Members who bring their experience, knowledge, and valuable time to the JC table.