Sights & Sounds of Philanthropy: Summer in Chicago Edition

There’s no denying it. Nothing beats summertime in Chicago.

Locals and tourists alike love being outside and exploring the city during the warm-weather months. We visited some of the City’s hot spots and asked area residents as well as visitors about their personal stories of philanthropy and what inspires them to give back.

When asked why people should do good for others, Raymond from Roseland smiled and said the answer was simple—“Giving brings everybody together.”

[pullquote]We asked 13 visitors enjoying the Chicago summer how they give to their community: hear what inspires them[/pullquote]

Patrick and Maura from Cincinnati enjoyed the beauty of Buckingham Fountain on their visit to Chicago before becoming parents this fall. They often give back to their community, and plan to share their passion for giving with their soon-to-be-born son. “We own a dance studio and sometimes give free classes to the community. It’s a rewarding feeling when you can give back to others.”

Chicago sports fans Codd and Colby made their way downtown from Bartlett and shared their advice for people wanting to give back. “Just reach out and network, make the environment better for yourself and others.”

JR has been bringing smiles to children’s faces since his college days. A visitor to the Windy City, the DC native told us that his involvement with the Children’s Miracle Network has been a passion of his since he joined his fraternity. “I now continue to work there because the kids continue to inspire me to do good!”

She lives in Houston now, but Beverly has Chicago roots as an Irving Park native. While enjoying her old stomping grounds, Beverly shared numerous acts of kindness she has witnessed as a nurse—the most memorable being when a police officer gave his shoes to a homeless man.

A mother-daughter duo from Downers Grove cooled off by Buckingham Fountain and talked about what inspires them to offer a helping hand in their community. Catherine said that she is inspired when she “sees other people doing good.” Admiring her daughter’s answer, Mary said that her kids inspire her, and she wants them to have compassion for others. “I want to teach them that it’s not always just about them.”

Boston natives Bridget and Brandon enjoyed a beautiful Saturday in Chicago before Brandon’s departure to serve in the Navy. They shared that giving back “is something you should do if you see other people struggling and have the means to help.”

The Madsen Family from Forest Glen checked out the sights at Taste of Chicago and shared that “giving definitely brings a community together because you’re working towards a common goal.”

Showing off her gymnastics technique, Catherine from Morton Grove said that she is “thankful for the life I have and I want to help others who are less fortunate.”

While on vacation in the windy city, this group of young men shared how they give back to others as volunteer teachers at an Indian cultural school in St. Louis.

Marie lives in Minnesota, but was born and raised in Evergreen Park. As a 5th grade teacher, her students are her inspiration for giving back. She’s encouraged by “the idea that I can empower others to better themselves, and give them knowledge.”

Exploring the Loop with his family, Lincoln Square resident Mike (in orange) shared, “Giving feels better than getting.”

Alvin from Bronzeville, exploring the city with his daughter Lanivah, recognizes that giving isn’t just donating money—it’s volunteering your time as well. “I give back through experience. If someone is going through a situation, and I’ve been in that situation, I’ll give them advice on how to go about doing things.”