I have been on the committee for this cause for ~10 years... Please check us out and most importantly...sign up to plunge!!!!

What We Do

The CPBC (formerly LPBC - Lakeview Polar Bear Club) started 2001, and every January since then, we've brought together a group of awesome people to do something a little crazy, a bit generous, and pretty darn chilly. More specifically, to take the plunge and wade/waddle/walk/run into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan to raise money for Chicago-area families.

• We started with the goal of raising a little bit of money for someone in need, and we've continued to do that every year since.
• We've organized 19 plunges
• We've had 17 fundraisers to support 33 families (+3 more in January 2021!)
• We've raised over $440,000 dollars.
• From humble beginnings of 3 polar plunger's in 2002, we've had 4,100+ selfless crazies jump into the lake with us since, and we're honored to have such friends

My neighbor's daughter asked her Mom why don't all children get presents for Christmas... That was enough to melt my heart and decided to form a start up charity where 100% of  every dollar raised goes right to children in need.

Check back in for more. 

Ever wonder what happens to the millions of dogs who have been overlooked, passed over, and forgotten?

Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation exists to give many of these animals a second chance at a forever family. We are committed to leaving no dog behind.

CCR was founded in 2001 to help find lifelong, loving homes for homeless dogs in Chicagoland and beyond. To date, we have proudly saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs and puppies.  The dogs in our care come to us from open-intake animal shelter facilities, from a handful of rural partners who lack the resources for adoptions, and from families who can no longer care for them. Our team provides medical treatment, emotional and behavioral support, and adoption services to each animal that comes into our care.

We provide a safe landing place for dogs of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds, and we work tirelessly to match them with their perfect family.

You can help even if you can’t adopt. Donors, volunteers, fosters, and advocates all make our mission possible!

I have been  proud volunteer tutor at Mercy home for boys and girls. for over 10 years.   II you can't donate money there is always time. See below for what we do

Since 1887, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has provided children and families with healing and tools to build brighter futures. It gives children who’ve experienced abuse, neglect, or violence a safe home, educational support, and career guidance.

100 %of our high school seniors graduated.

2,423 therapy sessions were provided to kids and their families.

95 %of youth living with us advanced to the next grade.

Building socially just community with girls, transgender youth, and gender non-conforming youth by developing leadership, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging creative expression through music.

We have everything you need to live better with Parkinson's. Support our mission to improve care and advance research toward a cure.

This Parkinson's Foundation initiative offers genetic testing and counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). When you participate, you can help scientists in their journey to better understand how Parkinson's works, leading to new, more effective therapies

10 Early Signs: 

In a segue from Parkinson's , Paul is a comedian friend of mine who donates a lot of his time and money to the Parkinson's cause having his dad affected by the disease.

Chicago based Comedian Paul Farahvar delights audiences with dry intellectual humor, centered on being the unmarried son of disappointed middle eastern parents.  After becoming a paid regular at Chicago stand up clubs like Zanies, Comedy Bar and Laugh Factory, Farahvar left his legal career.  Almost immediately, his clear ability to connect with audiences led to him being given the rare opportunity to host and produce his own monthly show called "Drink Date Laugh" about dating and another comedic game show called "Everyone's a Lawyer" both at the World Famous Laugh Factory. He also regularly tours the country as a headliner and opening for national headliners like Demetri Martin, Jen Kirkman and Gary Gulman. He was runner up in the Chicago Reader for Best Stand up Comedian in 2021. His Dry Bar special is releasing in 2022.

One of my best college friend's child Keegan has Angelman Syndrome.  

For more info on the Syndrome click here:

https://www.angelman.org/

Variety Children's Charity allows opportunities for Keegan that are needed for activity and inclusion

Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City is a volunteer-driven organization committed to providing children with developmental disabilities the adaptive equipment and opportunities needed for activity and inclusion. At the heart of Variety’s achievements are the remarkable contributions of people in the community, and it is only through your time and effort that Variety is able to do so much for children and families right here at home.

Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City helps special-needs children:

• Gain mobility and freedom
• Get out and about in the community
• Achieve independence and increase self-esteem
• Assist special needs children to integrate into mainstream school and activities

All purchases and grants for equipment and services are made directly by Variety to ensure that every dollar gets through to where it is needed most.

Good Friend of Mine Kevin Monahan runs this fun filled charity event. In 22 years, the KFM Cancer Classic has raised over $460,000.  For the duration of the Classic, 100% of money donated has gone towards the cause of fighting cancer. 

It's a wonderful weekend trip to Champaign IL. , Stay the night if desired and enjoy some good fun and food in the area.

When I was a very young kid, this was my favorite place in the city.  I would be in awe of the animals and walking around and learning about the animals.  Today I am a member and support the zoo by donations and participating in experiences they offer. 

From Youth programs to Conservation of Chicago to the Congo,  Many zoos help a lot of animals and their eco system.

MORE About LPZ...

Since 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has grown side by side with the City of Chicago—from swans to science and from trading post to metropolis. Now, we touch so many lives in so many different ways: our visitors learn about diverse species from around the planet, our animals receive enrichment that inspires natural behaviors, and our scientists protect ecosystems from Chicago to the Republic of Congo. As the zoo evolved, we became one of the most popular cultural destinations in Illinois and the only privately managed, free zoo in the country. We’re proud of these accomplishments—and those yet to come—and we thank you for your support.