Make It Better Foundation

11/15/2024

There is no surprise as to why National Philanthropy Day falls at the beginning of the season of giving. The true spirit of joy is found in giving, especially to those who need it most. 🫶🏽

Today we recognize the countless nonprofits working to make the world better, including Make It Better Philanthropy Award winner - Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. Based in California, Fresh Start gives children with physical deformities the chance to live happy, healthy lives by providing life-changing medical care. Learn more about Fresh Start through our 2024 Guide to Giving at the link below.

The season of giving offers endless ways to make a difference—drop a comment and let us know how you're getting involved this National Philanthropy Day! 💌

https://i.mtrbio.com/crpdidsbkq

11/14/2024

The holiday season is almost here, and we’ve got your ultimate guide to festive fun! Check out our holiday roundup and mark your calendars for these must-see events:

November 14-17: Holiday Market at The Grove, Glenview Park District
November 16-17: Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street
November 22: Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony, Millennium Park
November 23: The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
November 28: Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
November 28: Thanksgiving Feast at NoMI Chicago
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Christkindlmarket Chicago: Nov. 22 – Dec. 24
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden: Opens Nov. 15
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Opens Nov 16
Celebrate the Holidays at A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre: opens Nov. 16

Get out in the community, spread the holiday cheer and be a ! 🌟 Join us in making this season even more magical. Check out the link below for more ways to get involved and tag us in your adventures! 💌

https://i.mtrbio.com/duvqrrzute

11/13/2024

On World Kindness Day let’s reflect on the simple, yet powerful act of sharing a family meal. 🍽️

Studies show that family dinners don’t just fill our stomachs—they nourish our bodies, minds, and relationships. According to Dr. Anne Fishel from The Family Dinner Project , families who eat together regularly experience lower rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, while fostering stronger connections and resilience. 🫶🏽

This November let’s show kindness by supporting food security and well-being for all. Comment below your favorite family dinner recipe or tag a nonprofit working to end world hunger! Check out the link below for more on family dinners. 💌

https://i.mtrbio.com/bspzlnwmwc

Photo courtesy of The View from Great Island

11/12/2024

Looking for some uplifting news? An early-stage trial for a breast cancer vaccine is showing incredible promise! 🩷

Dr. Amit Kumar, CEO of Anixa Biosciences, Inc., says, “Curing cancer has been something we all talk about. Even better, is to prevent the cancer in the first place. So, in a sense, prevention is the cure."

Phase one of the groundbreaking trial, which involved 26 women with triple-negative breast cancer, achieved its goals of ensuring vaccine safety and eliciting a positive immune response.

Learn more through the link below and connect with and donate to organizations dedicated to finding a cure. Don’t forget to share this post with someone you love! 🫶🏽

https://i.mtrbio.com/vjqazumxaq

Cleveland Clinic

A groundbreaking clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic is showing promising results for a breast cancer vaccine. Discover how this vaccine could revolutionize breast cancer prevention and treatment.

11/11/2024

Our military heroes sacrifice so much for our freedom, yet many face challenges like homelessness, unemployment, and medical struggles when they return home. Nearly 235,000 veterans aged 35-54 live below the poverty line, and around 580,000 veterans 65+ are struggling financially.

This Veterans Day let’s give back to those who’ve given so much by supporting organizations like:
💙 Gary Sinise Foundation
💙 Wounded Warrior Project
💙 Fisher House Foundation
💙 DAV
💙 Paralyzed Veterans of America

Check out the link below for the full list of nonprofits and tag the nonprofit you’re supporting this Veterans Day in the comments! Interested in doing more? Submit a You Said it on behalf of the nonprofit you are passionate about and earn that organization $1,000.

https://i.mtrbio.com/oijrhqdynr

Helping our veterans and their families: Learn about the organizations providing assistance and support to those who have served.

11/08/2024

If you haven’t read our lineup of things to do in November, you might miss out on this upcoming event! ✨

Join the Ignatian Spirituality Project for the 2024 Spirituality and Recovery Conference November 12-14—a free, virtual gathering with inspiring speakers exploring the powerful connection between spirituality and recovery. Don’t miss the chance to share insights, inspire hope, and build supportive spaces for those on their journey.

Follow the link below to learn more about this event, read our full list of things to do this month and don't forget to share your adventures this month by tagging Make It Better Foundation!

https://i.mtrbio.com/sjeugilrnd

11/07/2024

November is National Gratitude Month—a time to reflect on the impact we can make together. This month, we’re especially grateful for the nonprofits and volunteers working tirelessly to support families displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. You can help as they rebuild by donating to organizations like The Salvation Army USA, American Red Cross, Project HOPE, World Central Kitchen, Feeding America and others. Learn more about these nonprofits and how to donate through the links below.

➡️ https://i.mtrbio.com/ctmbllhzkc
➡️ https://i.mtrbio.com/rmyjurlxdf

Is there a nonprofit you support that isn’t on our list but is making a difference? Submit a “You Said It” to give that organization a chance to earn $1,000! Tag the nonprofit you’re grateful for in the comments, and let’s shine a light on those creating real change. 💌

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army

11/06/2024

From tragedy to triumph, Justin Phongsavanh’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2015, a life-changing incident left him paralyzed, but it didn’t break his spirit. Instead, he turned his heartbreak into a record-setting career as a Paralympian, shattering barriers in seated javelin. 🏅 Now, as he looks to the future, Justin is setting his sights on LA 2028. Read the full conversation with Mark Edward Harris through the link below.

➡️ https://i.mtrbio.com/qqfqpfdoro

Support para-athletes like Justin and help fight gun violence across the U.S. Tag the gun safety nonprofits you support in the comments below and help us amplify their incredible work! Plus, share a “You Said It” for a chance to earn that nonprofit $1,000. Let's make the world better together. 💌

Photos courtesy of Mark Edward Harris

11/04/2024

Whether you're a local ready to reimagine your city or a traveler on the hunt for authentic Chi-town vibes, check out some highlights to your guide to the 30 things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this month and see even more on our website through the link below!

➡️ First Nations Film and Video Festival, Nov. 1-10
➡️ Antiques + Modernism Winnetka's Community House, Nov. 8-10
➡️Second Saturdays at the Goodman Theatre , Nov. 9
➡️BalletX at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Nov. 21
➡️Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Nov. 24: Music of the Baroque
➡️Kaki King’s BUGS at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Nov. 30
➡️The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party at Chicago Children's Theatre Nov. 23 until the end of Dec.
➡️NoMI Gallery x The Curio: Chicago Fashion Week, open until November 15: NoMI Chicago
➡️The Great Wave at The Art Institute of Chicago, open until Jan. 6

Let us know what events you’re looking forward to and don’t forget to tag us in your November adventures!

https://i.mtrbio.com/wyftlqhyuj

11/01/2024

Keep thinking pink! October may be over, but breast cancer prevention is year-round. In our latest Better Letter, Susan Berger shares her personal journey, along with breakthrough research and the power of genetic testing. Let her story inspire you to take action — and maybe share your own journey with us! 🌸

Not subscribed to our e-newsletter yet? Sign up through the link below to stay updated and to access the articles in our Better Letter.

https://i.mtrbio.com/joktggixvr

10/31/2024

Imagine losing $130K in minutes! ⬇️

That’s exactly what happened to the Carleo family after falling victim to a sophisticated scam. Despite taking all the right steps to protect their savings, hackers used a fraudulent phone call to wipe out their accounts — including funds for an upcoming wedding.

It took seven months of fighting with their bank to get their money back, and they’re not alone. Reports show that fraud and cybercrime have surged in recent years, with families losing billions.

Stay vigilant and protect your savings from scams, learn more at the link below. Have a similar story to share? Submit a You Said It and let’s keep the conversation going! 💬

https://i.mtrbio.com/knciclpunv

10/29/2024

November is all about giving back in style! Across the country, charity galas are setting the stage for glamorous evenings with powerful missions. These events bring together local leaders, celebrity guests, and communities eager to make a difference—one unforgettable night at a time.

Here are a few November highlights:
➡️ Denver Scholarship Foundation Homecoming Gala (Denver): November 1, 2024
➡️ HRC Chicago Gala: November 9, 2024
➡️ The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC)'s Fall Gala: November 14, 2024

Explore our list of must-attend galas supporting nonprofits that truly matter. Tap the link below for all the details!
https://i.mtrbio.com/bhlxrtsuqg

Are you attending any galas this month? Let us know in the comments and share this post to spread the word! 💙

10/28/2024

Invisible barriers are keeping kids out of school—and it’s more common than you might think.

Families across the U.S. spent an average of $890 on back-to-school essentials this year, leaving many unable to afford even basic supplies. Without proper clothing or tools, millions of kids miss school, falling behind academically.

But Cradles to Crayons Chicago is making a difference. Their Ready for Learning initiative provided 105,000 Chicagoland students with backpacks, supplies, and clothing, ensuring financial hardships don’t block their path to success.

Let’s break down these barriers together. Tag a nonprofit making an impact in the comments and read more about Cradles to Crayons through the link below! 💚

https://i.mtr.cool/vfaukhjiux

10/24/2024

Is there anything more perfect than spending a crisp weekend apple or pumpkin picking? Check out this reel for our round up of orchards and pumpkin patches in and around Chicago to help you make the most of the season! 🍎

Grab your flannels, your favorite cozy drink, and soak up these fun fall activities while you can. Don't forget to share your adventures with Make It Better Foundation! Let us know what you're up to in the comments.

Check out the link below for the full list of details!

https://i.mtr.cool/phvrsiuguk

All Seasons Apple Orchard, Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms, Goebbert's Farm - Pingree Grove, Heinz Orchard, Kuipers Family Farm, Odyssey Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maize, Richardson "World's Largest" Corn Maze, Royal Oak Farm Orchard, Windy Acres Farm Geneva, Il

10/23/2024

The Joffrey Ballet premiered 'Atonement' on October 17 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, marking the first ballet adaptation of Ian McEwan’s best-selling novel and Academy Award-winning film! Choreographed by Cathy Marston in collaboration with Ballet Zürich, this production promises to be a captivating experience.

We had the chance to chat with Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE about the journey of bringing this complex story to life, and you can read the full interview on our website!

'Atonement' runs through October 27, don’t miss your chance to see this beautiful adaptation! For more info check out the link below. Are you planning to see Atonement? Share with us in the comments! 💬

https://i.mtr.cool/faeeusgmun

📷 Cheryl Mann

10/22/2024

The 60th Chicago International Film Festival is in full swing, already 6 days in! 🎥

From a night of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories with Mike Myers and Dave Foley (plus Myers’ Career Achievement Award 🏆), to countless movie screenings, celebrations and more—it’s shaping up to be an incredible festival. Mark your calendars for Sunday’s epic Closing Night as they honor Robert Zemeckis! Check out the full list of events and grab your passes on the festival website [link below].
https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/

This event is made possible by the support of people and organizations like the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation. Their generous $2M gift established a permanent fund to support the festival’s artistic director position! Discover more about Penelope's lifelong love of film through the link below. 💌
https://better.net/arts-events/penelope-steiners-lifelong-love-of-film-sparks-2m-gift-fueling-the-chicago-international-film-festivals-60th-year-and-beyond/

📷 Timothy Schmidt

10/22/2024

Meet Penelope Steiner, a passionate cinephile and philanthropist who channeled her love for film through a $2M gift supporting the Chicago International Film Festival.