save the date: 2012 goodcity gala

Goodcity's Annual Fundraiser

May 10th, 2012  (at Northerly Island) 
5:00pm to 9:00pm
1400 S. Lynn White Drive
Chicago, IL. (along the lake front)

Northerly Island is a 91- acre peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan at the heart of the Museum Campus. It is located just south of the Adler Planetarium and east of Soldier Field. The majority of this space is dedicated to nature! The nature area at Northerly Island features beautiful strolling paths, casual play areas and a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline. It is also home to some of the best fishing in Chicago.

we're rolling!

Fresh Moves Staff Sacha McLeod (Driver), Dara Cooper (Senior Project Manager), and Feguier Epps (Sales Associate).  Not pictured: Jessica White (Sales Associate)

On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, Fresh Moves rolled out to 5 stops in North Lawndale and Austin.  Despite the pouring rain, we saw an overwhelming response from customers.  From Lawndale Christian Health Center where people stopped by after a morning workout to Spencer Technology Academy where every student had a chance to shop on the bus to Bethel New Life where senior citizens could find fresh greens at their front door, we were welcomed with open arms.  We saw customers going back two and three times to pick out more fruits and vegetables because our prices were cheaper than they expected.  We sold out of organic collard greens and grapes in the first hour.

Check out photos and video of our launch at http://freshmoves.org.  Also see the Fox Chicago news report here.

We couldn't have done it without you.  Whether through expert advice, a financial contribution, or a few words of encouragement, we owe this launch to you, our supporters.  All of the pieces fell into place for our launch, including our 48-hour launch challenge, which exceeded our goal and raised $1,140 for Fresh Moves!

We're adding one new stop this week - come out and see Fresh Moves.  Our schedule of stops this Wednesday and Thursday is here.

Thanks again for making a dream come true. 

In Good Health,
The Fresh Moves Team

Goodcity 2011 CNDA

Special Recognition Award Winners

For 25 years, Goodcity, located on Chicago’s West Side has been providing emerging entrepreneurs and community leaders with the training and knowledge to implement innovative, creative and necessary programs in the city’s underserved neighborhoods.

Through Goodcity’s stewardship, the next generation of green entrepreneurs will use environmental sustainability to support neighborhood businesses. New businesses have opened in Englewood. Organizations are helping Chicagoans fight diabetes, support those who have lost loved ones to violence and ex-offenders get a leg up. To provide budding leaders and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to be successful, Goodcity identifies and supports local residents who seek to create or enhance neighborhood and faith-based programs that promote self-sufficiency, hope and a sense of purpose in the lives of individuals in under-resourced communities. Goodcity then offers in-depth training, mentoring and milestone-based funding to support emerging leaders and their projects.

Goodcity’s service to the community goes beyond helping individuals reach their potential. It has established partnerships and initiatives that touch on all aspects of the community, from education and faith-based programs to financial counseling and construction assistance. Goodcity continues to be a beacon of hope and an invaluable resource to Chicagoans looking to make a difference.

For the unique and vital services it provides to individuals and groups in some of Chicago’s most distressed areas, Goodcity is the 2011 recipient of the CNDA Special Recognition Award.

‘Our Prayer to You’

May the Gift of Jesus inspire us in new ways during this holy time of year. Allow us O’Lord to fully realize how blessed we are to have another year at our doorstep. May 2011 be occupied with great energy, actions of hope, transparent faith, lived peace and vibrant justice for all.
Amen

HHW School of The Performing Arts (A Goodcity Program) Lights Up the City Tree with their Voices

"LET IT RAIN"

The Huffington Post
by Brian Dickie, General Director Chicago Opera

Yes it did , and no doubt next it will be snow. They had a horrible day here last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, cold, wet, winter.....and not the thing to go out in if avoidable. But they braved the elements and showed up at Daley Plaza for the lighting of the Christmas Tree - and the highlight was the After School Matters team from Chicago Opera Theater who did a fabulous festive a capella job with the usual favorites White Christmas, and Let it Snow amongst others.

This teens program, which COT has been a part of, and a major contributor to, for some years, does a really wonderful job in getting young people engaged in the arts - amongst a good many other valuable stimulating activities. It is well worthwhile to go to the link and see what this has to offer.

Maggie Daley, whose husband happens to be the Mayor of Chicago, has made a huge commitment to it. It is, rightly, closely identified with her, and her ideals and values. COT is proud and privileged to be engaged with this. We have had some most interesting successes in bringing young people to an appreciation and understanding of music and theater. I really believe that we have changed some lives and opened up hitherto unknown possibilities for people.