Why should you contribute to giving season fundraisers? Because for years, the nonprofit industry has been leading the tides and calling forward changes that truly improve the life of every Chicagoian. And let’s not forget that charity and community engagement have always been a core piece of the Chicago culture. From sports teams leading volunteering to fundraisers led by chefs and businesses, Chicago winter is never intolerable thanks to the warmth of love.

This year, be a part of this love. We’re proud of you!

Month-Long Fundraisers

As we all know, November is the month of giving. While we show our appreciation for our families and friends, don’t forget to also support the organizations that have always been there helping our communities. Remember, our nonprofits need our help more than ever after battling through the pandemic. These giving season fundraisers are running throughout the month of November, and most of them come with drinks, food, or other sorts of fun!

5 Fundraisers From Cal’s Angels

Cal’s Angels is looking to the local community to give back and raise awareness for pediatric cancer this holiday season. Below is a complete list of ways you can get involved and make a difference for this important cause during the season of giving:

• Coleman Foundation: Through November 30, The Coleman Foundation will match $250 up to $12,500 total for each donation of $250 or more.

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• Santa Hustle: Cal’s Angels is the beneficiary of the 2021 Santa Hustle at Soldier Field on Saturday, Dec. 4. Show your support by running or volunteering for the event with your running crew or family.

• Comfort Kits: Cal’s Angels Comfort Kits are bags filled with items to make a family’s hospital stay more comfortable. Donate today to help fill the comfort kits with items like neck pillows, Press ‘n Seal, slipper socks and more.

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• 12 Days of Christmas: The 12 Days of Christmas Program was created to help families who have a child fighting cancer with special circumstances so they do not have to worry about the stress of holiday shopping and planning. Cal’s Angels provides a family gift, a gift card for their holiday dinner, and a family game.

• Toy Drive: The most magical time of the year can sometimes feel like added pressure for families dealing with pediatric cancer. Help us to bring back the joy of gift-giving with a toy or gift card donation as part of our annual Toy Drive.

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Help Jet’s Pizza Support Youth In-Need

All Jet’s Pizza locations

This is the second year where Jet’s Pizza runs a free one-topping pizza deal to encourage diners to bring in new or near-new winter items. Hats, gloves, sweaters, jackets… Jet’s Pizza is running their 2nd annual winter drive across all locations in Chicago to help homeless youth and families in need get through the quickly-approaching winter.

Fundraise with Farm Bar and Farmhouse

Farm Bar in Lakeview and Farmhouse in Evanston, will launch a new iteration of their Charity Giveback program to support local nonprofits in Chicago and Evanston. In the spirit of community and camaraderie, the nonprofits selected support a diverse range of missions relevant to local communities such as women’s empowerment, children’s health and refugee education, among others.

Farm Bar’s Participating Charities:

• Women’s Global Education Project
• The Anti-Cruelty Society
• Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation
• Embarc Chicago

Farmhouse’s Participating Charities:

• Madonna Mission
• Coming Up Rosies
• Rainbows for Children
• Fill a Heart for Kids

Chef’s Giving Helping the Homeless Population

For the sixth year running, Chef Bill Kim and Cornerstone Restaurant Group will host Chefsgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving — expanding their reach to Chicagoans across the city to become the biggest event yet. In partnership with Inspiration Kitchens, Kim and more than 45 Chicago chefs will prepare meals and come together to distribute ready-to-eat meals to local shelters free of cost.

“During these times, we all need uplifting and memorable experiences as we gather together again for the holidays. This is our chance as chefs and neighbors to help our fellow Chicagoans in need all throughout our great city, and we’re going to take it,” said Kim.

Kim and the participating chefs encourage fans to help support the Chefsgiving and Inspiration Kitchens by donating here.

#GivingTuesday Campaigns to Join

Of course, let’s not forget about how quickly #givingtuesday is coming up when we talk about giving season fundraisers in Chicago! While most organizations will be raising funds on this year Giving Tuesday, we’ve also hand-picked a few organizations from each category to serve as quick references.

Design Museum of Chicago

Expo 72, E Randolph St #72, Chicago, IL 60601

Where do you go to explore the latest, most innovative design in Chicago? The Design Museum, of course! Covering everything from graphic design to fabric design, the Museum presents exhibitions and programs focusing on design’s impact in an effort to empower audiences.

League of Chicago Theaters

17 N Wabash Ave #520, Chicago, IL 60602

The theater is such a vital piece in Chicago’s life and culture. Furthermore, the stage is also the place where new ideas spark and new messages are spoken. The League of Chicago Theaters has proudly served the Chicago theatre community for over 40 years through programs and services that directly impact its members while enriching our life across the town with a wide variety of productions. As live theater returns, the League needs your support more than ever so they can continue to bring amazing plays to your life.