The Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois is celebrating their 25th Anniversary of their Gala the “Wish Ball” this Saturday May 21st by honoring 25 people and organizations that they have deemed “Leaders In Joy!”  I am beyond honored to say that I am among this humbled group along others like Michael Jordan, Mayor Daley & Maggie Daley, Larry Wert, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Brian Urlacher, the Chicago Blackhawks and more. Since 1985 Make A Wish has been granting special wishes to children facing life threatening illnesses giving each child the power to decide the nature of their wish, providing a sense of renewed faith, courage and self-confidence. These are not in any way “last wishes” but experiences that remind the wish kids that although everything in their world seems to be falling apart, there is still good and magic out there, and I love that message.

As much as there are “Leaders In Joy” being honored, to me this event will be way more about celebrating the work that the Make A Wish team has done by granting nearly 10,000 wishes across the state! One of those wishes was for an awesome little girl, Sydney Martin, (in picture above) that I had the pleasure of meeting last March when helping her present her necklace jewelry line in a run-way show. I blogged about Sydney right after not only because I was extremely moved by her story, but also I was excited about her talents & future.  She was diagnosed in 2007 with an extremely rare blood disease called Langerhan’s Cell Histicytosis (LCH), and started her own necklace line she has used to raise over $120,000 for LCH research.  I’m just inspired by that, and feel like I got just as much out of helping, as she may have received by being granted a wish.

Because of the wonderful feelings and giving all the way around, I’m really looking forward to honoring her, the many many other kids like her, and all those that have been an important part of building the Illinois chapter in to the largest and most well-known wish-granting organization in the region.. to be included in that is something I will always cherish.

For more information about the Make A Wish Foundation and this year’s Wish Ball – please take the time to visit www.wishes.org.

Hi aChicagoThing readers! Lesley De Leon, from Billy Dec’s office here. I’d like to take this opportunity to share a very cool event : How cool is it that The Bulls are currently in first place? And speaking of the Bulls, how would you like to try your hand at an Xbox tournament with some of the Bulls players? Loul Deng is hosting “Game and Give” Charity Xbox tournament on Sunday April 3rd, at Joy of the Game in Deerfield from 12-4pm. Come out and show your video game skills in the FIFA Soccer 2011 or NBA 2K11, all for a good cause.

Even if you’re not a video game player, there are plenty of other fun activities with interactive games, music by DJ Sye Young, local restaurant fare, a silent auction, an appearance by Benny the Bull, special musical guest, and photo opportunities with Luol Deng and his teammates. It will be a great day for Bulls fans and video game lovers of all ages! For more information – http://luoldengfoundation.eventbrite.com/

The Loul Deng Foundation strives to provide hope to all the refugee’s returning to Southern Sudan through education and sports/recreation. Each year the Luol Deng Foundation hosts many great events to give back to children in the Chicago area, but the main goal for the future is to build 5 schools and 10 sport courts in Luol’s native country, Sudan Africa.  He is passionate about giving back to the boys and girls of Sudan.  Learn more at http://theluoldengfoundation.org/

Good morning readers! Amanda Weir from Billy’s office here today – March Madness is finally here and what would this month be without a party at Rockit to celebrate and give thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Big Brothers Big Sisters has become a cornerstone of community service to help youth mentoring programs. They have made more than 20,000 one-to-one mentoring matches since 1967, with around 3 million hours of contact between “Bigs” ( mentors) and “Littles” (mentees).

Come celebrate on Sunday, March 27 from 4-6 p.m at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard) with cocktails, appetizers and a variety of raffle prizes including one night stay at The Wit Hotel, Signed basketballs from Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, East Bank Club membership, Akira certificates, tickets to Cubs and Joeffrey Ballet and dozens of other goodies!

Ticket prices are $35 for individuals, 5 ticket pack for $125 or 8 ticket VIP booth for $400 for more information visit www.bbbschgo.org.

I know a ton of people of from around our city & state were super pissed when local high school point guard jon scheyer picked attending duke over my alma matter, the university of Illinois… we all heard the boos at Wrigley, on the ice at the blackhawks game… but now that he’s headed to the final four w/duke.. do all those haters still blame him? Will they once again claim him as one of our own?

A very short time will tell as march madness ’10 comes to an end w/ scheyer & team taking it to the final stages! As for me, I’m just throwing a shoutout to him here because he has demonstrated mad skills on the court, has been a good sport & role model, and is simply a product of our community… so wish him all the best!  Even if he did sell out!  haha…. kidding man… bring home something substantial to make the heat worth it!