Updated from this article.

Every year, an extraordinary group of people steps forward to improve lives. By contributing $1,000 or more to United Way, these generous men and women play a leadership role in strengthening the network of health and human services in our region and enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, including recognition in our Leadership Giving Membership Directory, invitations to special events, unique volunteer opportunities and more.

Because these donors are so special to the organization and the people and programs it supports, United Way has offered an incentive program to give Leadership Givers an opportunity to win amazing prizes. On March 7, corporate sponsors were invited to United Way to help select the lucky winners of the 2nd Annual Leadership Giving Raffle. A total of 114 companies participated—an increase from 71 last year; and more than 1,182 Leadership Givers have registered, exceeding last year’s records by almost 200 participants.

And the top winners are….drum roll please!

• Jean Smolios from Nicor won a Chicago Cubs Wrigley Skybox package for 12 provided by Aon Corporation.
• Benji Wolken of Ernst & Young won the United Center Club Level Suite for 12 at a Chicago Blackhawk’s game provided by ITW.
• Steve Famolaro from Pepsico won the Chicago Bulls United Center Executive Suite for 12, provided by Northern Trust.

For the full list of winners and participating sponsors please click here!

• Voices For Illinois Children hosts its Kids Count Symposium on Friday, March 28, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is free of charge. Visit voices4kids.org for more information and to register.
• Japanese American Service Committee hosts a Health Screening Day on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Appointments required. Must be age 18 or older. Call JASC at (773) 275-0097 x 226 for more information.
• The State of Illinois proudly offers the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program. This program is to help meet the ongoing needs of the veteran population. Visit illinoiswarrrior.com for details.

From Crain’s (March 7, 2008):

Some of Chicago’s most notable stars shined at the Adler Planetarium last night. United Way Chicago hosted a grand dinner Thursday for its Tocqueville Society members—donors who have given $10,000 or more. The event was purely a thank-you—no fundraising, raffles or auctions at this soirée.

Guests and honorees, including McDonald’s Chairman Andrew McKenna Sr., Commonwealth Edison Co. CEO Frank Clark, Health Care Service Corp. Chairman Ray McCaskey and accounting executive Lester McKeever, enjoyed Chicagotinis (like a cosmopolitan) while taking glimpses of the museum’s exhibits.

For the entire article, please visit Crain’s.

Benevon and Terry Axelrod will present Major Gifts: Finding the Perfect Donors on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Anixter Center, 2032 N. Clybourn Avenue, in Chicago

Learn a tested system to identify and cultivate donors who believe in your mission and who will contribute to your operations, capital and endowment. Find out how to grow your organization’s visibility in the community and engage your board in the fundraising process without requiring that they ask for money. This entry-level workshop is designed for board members, executive directors, CEOs and fund development professionals. 

Space is limited and RSVP is required, so please register online or contact Alaina Szlachta at (206) 709-9400 ext. 132 with any questions.

If can’t attend, please visit the Benevon Introductory Sessions web page for information on conference call opportunities and other live in-person sessions in your area.