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On April 24, Liz Lefkofsky was recognized as a 2024 Luminary at the University of Wisconsin. She along with her fellow award recipients engaged in conversation about their work and how UW contributed to their incredible achievements. The Luminary Award recognizes alumni who serve as aspirational examples for others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service. Alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professions or in the areas of service and philanthropy at least 15 years from graduation are eligible for this award. See images from the event below.

       

Liz and Eric Lefkofsky are featured Newcity Art sharing their insights into exploring the Expo Chicago. Read more here: https://art.newcity.com/2025/04/23/how-to-expo-collectors-curators-and-art-advisors-share-their-insights-into-doing-the-art-fair/

The LFF supported the development of the Chicago Road Map, which aims to align education and services across the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago City Colleges systems. This week the project expanded to include the University of Illinois Chicago in order to make educational pathways from middle school through a four year degree easy for students and their families to navigate. Read more about the Chicago Road Map 2.0 here: https://www.wbez.org/education/2025/04/22/cps-roadmap-to-college-program-expands-to-university-of-illinois-chicago

In November 2024, the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin gathered to name Melissa Bublitz as the Liz Kramer Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Read more here: https://humanecology.wisc.edu/investiture-ceremony-honors-human-ecology-faculty-members-and-visionary-donors/

The Art Institute of Chicago announced Eric Lefkofsky as the new chair of the Board of Trustees. Read more about this announcement here: https://www.artic.edu/press/press-releases/372/art-institute-of-chicago-announces-eric-lefkofsky-as-new-chair-of-the-board-of-trustees

University of Wisconsin congratulates Liz Lefkofsky on winning the Luminary Award. Read more about the award here: https://uwalumni.com/about/alumni-awards/luminary-award/ See announcement here: https://sociology.wisc.edu/2024/09/23/alum-liz-lefkofsky-wins-luminary-award-from-wfaa/

Liz and Eric Lefkofsky were featured in Art 50 2024: Collectors and Philanthropists. Read more here: https://art.newcity.com/2024/09/03/art-50-2024-collectors-and-philanthropists/

The University of Wisconsin highlights Liz Lefkofsky, class of '91, as a Luminary Award recipient. Read more here: https://uwalumni.com/news/liz-lefkofsky/

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Board of Trustees and ensemble cast hosted their 2024 Gala at Bridgeport Art Center in celebration of the company's 48th season. Read more here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/steppenwolf-gala-raises-16m-education-art-candid-candace

YLab launched Asking For a Friend, a one-stop digital platform designed to help young people learn about, find, and access safe reproductive healthcare, no matter where they live. Explore the site here: https://www.askingforafriend.org/

Missouri is the latest state where abortion-rights advocates have sought to put the issue directly on the ballot in the post-Roe era. Read more here: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/missouri-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-ballot-rcna134371    

John Walker's criminal law classes at Los Lunas High School gives back with the VING Project. Read more here: https://news-bulletin.com/lls-teacher-several-locals-receive-1000-through-llhs-class-project/

Student Blake Jones was chosen to provide a paraprofessional at Warrior Run High School through a partnership program between Rachel's Challenge and the VING Project. Read more here: https://www.standard-journal.com/news/local/article_32d4a16a-4d80-5a38-8b7c-cafeaaf1ebbe.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Melissa Bublitz joins the University of Wisconsin as the inaugural Liz Kramer Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the School of Human Ecology. Read more here: https://news.wisc.edu/new-faculty-focus-melissa-bublitz/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=wordpress_insideuw&utm_campaign=facstaff_comms&utm_content=2023_10_17

Since starting the American Brain Tumor Association in 1973 the organization has given out more than $34 million to researchers. Read more here: https://www.dailyherald.com/20231014/lifestyle/lincolnshire-couple-reflect-on-50-years-of-fighting-for-brain-tumor-cure/ Watch more about this legacy in the video linked HERE

Asking for a Friend is the first one-stop-platform designed to help young people no matter where they live, learn about, find, and access safe reproductive healthcare. Read more about this project here: https://www.ylabsglobal.org/work/all/asking-for-a-friend

The FDA has approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S. The medication, Opill, will be available in early 2024 and could significantly expand access to contraception. Read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/13/health/otc-birth-control-pill.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

The push for campus vending machines to dispense emergency contraception such as Plan B has grown since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Read more here: https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/06/05/plan-b-vending-machines-colleges

On May 13, at The Old Post Office, Steppenwolf Theatre Company celebrated their 47th season and raised more than $1.7 million for educational and artistic programming. Read more here: https://www.chicagostarmedia.com/candid_candace/steppenwolf-theatre-gala-celebrates-47-years-of-storytelling/article_8d2fe994-f689-11ed-8b40-eb20b28ad315.html

Success Bound Ambassador and school counselor of John M. Smyth Elementary, Stephanie-Miller Henderson, shares with Education Week how she uses Success Bound to keep her middle school students engaged and motivated in school. Read more here: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/future-selves-and-helping-others-what-motivates-students-to-engage-in-school/2022/12

The Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Meghan Markle announced a partnership with VING to give $1 million to women who serve as inspiration to you individuals. Read more about that partnership here: https://www.today.com/news/good-news/meghan-markles-archewell-foundation-teams-give-1-million-to-women-rcna51175

Liz and Eric were listed by Newcity Art as one of Chicago's top 50 art collectors and philanthropists for 2022. Read more here: https://art.newcity.com/2022/09/06/art-50-2022-collectors-and-philanthropists/

Steppenwolf Theatre Company chaired by Eric Lefkofsky raised more than $1.98 million for Steppenwolf's educational and artistic programming at their 2022 gala on May 14, 2022. This fundraising event celebrated Steppenwolf's 46th season which included the opening of the new 50,000-square-foot Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center. Read more here: https://jwcdaily.com/sheridanroadmagazine/2022/08/26/the-steppenwolf-gala/

Peer Health Exchange launches the first version of selfsea, a web app co-created with young people to provide inclusive health resources and information for youth everywhere. Read more here: https://www.peerhealthexchange.org/blog/selfsea

Thank you, Kindness Champions for the spotlight on the VING project! "For years Liz and Eric have been doing “small moves” where they anonymously help people in need on a one-on-one basis which has brought them so much joy. They wanted to share the joy of giving with teenagers in a way that was meaningful and could help others... from there VING was born!" Read more here: https://kindnesschampions.com/kindness-champion-spotlight/ving-project/

On Wednesday Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill outlawing unmarked "ghost guns" making Illinois the only state in the Midwest to ban such weapons. Read more here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/5/18/23125377/illinois-becomes-first-state-in-midwest-to-ban-unmarked-untraceable-ghost-guns https://chicagodefender.com/537688-2/

Through companies like Fifth Star Funds Chicago is investing in more diverse founders. Read more here: https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/17/how-chicago-is-changing-who-raises-early-stage-venture-capital/

Dahlia received a special surprise from a close friend — all thanks to a social media movement aimed at sparking the next generation of givers. When Sabina found out about the program, she says there was only one person she wanted to nominate: the woman she refers to as Ms. Beautiful, Dalia Muniz. Check it out.

The VING project is a national movement sparking the next generation of givers. Through VING, teens have an opportunity to give an individual in need an encouraging boost by surprising them with $1,000. Watch Liz's interview on VING, here: https://youtu.be/dlzAUmkMJf4

Liz and Eric Lefkofsky were named amoung the top philanthropist in Chicago for 2021. Read more here: https://better.net/chicago/philanthropy/meet-2021s-top-chicago-philanthropists/

The Lefkofsky Family Foundation is proud to support the Rainbow Railroad and applaud their work partnering with the UK government to bring 29 Afghan nationals who identify as LGBTQI+ to the UK today! Read more about this effort here: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/the-latest/rainbow-railroad-assists-29-lgbtqi-afghans-to-safety-in-the-u-k

With Steppenwolf's new theater being unveiled this week, the company offers a photo tour of the Ensemble Theater. Read more here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/arts-entertainment/photos-steppenwolf-theatres-new-ensemble-theater?utm_source=editorial-promos&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20211028&utm_content=hero-readmore

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced its new, in-the-round theater and education center will be named the Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center. Read more about the announcement here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/chris-jones/ct-ent-steppenwolf-new-theater-name-20211021-tio7ka3435elbb3hoakdrucduy-story.html

Chicago Public Schools and Chicago City Colleges released the 2021 Chicago Roadmap Progress Report that will continue to provide a seamless education pathway from Pre-K through College. The Lefkofsky Family Foundation is proud to partner with these Chicago institutions on this important work. See more on the progress made in 2021 here: https://chicagoroadmap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Chicago-Roadmap-Progress-Report_2021.pdf

Liz and Eric Lefkofsky are recognized for their commitment to the arts as a top 200 art collector by ARTNews. Read more about their philanthropic focus on the arts here: https://www.artnews.com/art-collectors/top-200-profiles/liz-and-eric-lefkofsky/

Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You., a major solo exhibition devoted to the work of Barbara Kruger will be on view at the Art Institute of Chicago from Septermber 19, 2021 throught January 24, 2022. Liz and Eric Lefkofsky are proud sponsors of this exhibition. Learn more here: https://www.artic.edu/press/press-releases/301/thinking-of-you-i-mean-me-i-mean-you-2

Belmont Hill High School teacher Charlie Doar, incorporates VING into this classroom every year. Listen to him and founder Liz Lefkofsky on the Edsurge podcast linked here: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-06-29-that-assignment-where-students-give-someone-in-need-1-000

Vingers Preston and Josiah were featured on the Nightly News with Lester Holt Kids Edition this week. Watch as they describe what it felt like to surprise people in their communities with much needed support. Watch here starting at minute 20:30.

The Lesson in Adolescence podcast is a production of Remaking Middle School, an initiative that seeks to transform the learning and development experience for young adolescents in the middle school years. Remaking Middle School brings together good educational practice (in-school and out of school) with the latest developmental science. Listen here to the most recent episode where Rachel Graham, Director of Programs at Lefkofsky Family Foundation discusses the LFF focus on middle grades and the Success Bound Program.

Liz Lefkofsky shares how her chariable giving has shifted during the pandemic, doubling down on individual giving through VING and a Principal Emergency Fund. Read more here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-face-of-charitable-giving-during-the-pandemic-11611334800

Listen here as a Liz Lefkofsky talks with Sen. Bill Bradley about VING: https://soundcloud.com/billbradley/teenagers-surprise-people-in-need-with-1000-checks-plus-spike-carlsen?fbclid=IwAR1w33cIGCXMb9kLNx2N-krj6AEXdkFo4W5ZfuTc747HHgphYisurFagnVA

Watch below as Liz Lefkofsky is featured at an event for the Tri-State Women's Network talking about the future of philanthropy on Giving Tuesday. Liz and Suzanne Lerner, co-founder and president of Los Angeles fashion brand Michale Stars and the Michael Stars Foundation share their approach to philanthropy and what giving means to them. See the video here: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__cbre.zoom.us_rec_share_RJbmmpJ3OtDdtOnQ4rYql3r4RN6TducWm7tsfkK8Vy8mCA5Yml-5FgANUJeiPl4F6l.M-5F8jrL7l4ZO-2Dk1IF&d=DwQFaQ&c=jozbAXBGpZCeJmn-Q9SThA&r=9ArRQuuK5ajkgFb6rUqe1WhzRjF5k1BMvAg3x4LzNGE&m=BHX2npVkOnfdqBzGhWYx5Lfl0ZyNCEZM9EleIF00Rpo&s=2tjL_j-jxQ75ceTRpi3849AEhVK0e7miuNf_bbeCt4k&e=

The documentary film Us Kids, supported by the LFF was featured on the WGN Morning Show this week. Us Kids filmmaker Kim Synder and local youth activist Alex King discussed how the March for Our Lives movement is inspiring others to speak out and take action against gun violence. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTwjPzcYhuI

Watch as LFF grantee partner Peer Health Exchange's college educators discuss how they are helping teens build resilience and promote their health during the pandemic. https://www.today.com/video/how-college-students-are-helping-teens-cope-during-the-pandemic-95817285510

The Lefkofsky Family Foundation was honored to support this program when it started in March and proud to see it continues to feed families across the city. Read more here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-life-cps-free-lunch-pandemic-summer-tt-0908-20200909-jdtb56v63rbufjhfkcxqno3wda-story.html

Liz Lefkofsky was featured on aSweatLife podcast empowering teens to give through the VING Project. Listen here:

Watch Liz Lefkofsky talking about the VING project on The Kelly Clarkson Show, special surprise as Lindsay gives a VING live on TV : https://youtu.be/qegwkjsftd4

Through the Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Eric and Liz Lefkofsky have announced a $1 million gift to Michigan Medicine to encourage early-career scientists to pursue high-risk, high-impact projects. This gift leverages and serves as a continuation of their support for groundbreaking research made possible through their gift in 2015. The new pledge not only leverages that support, but expands its scope to include COVID-19 — driving innovation in this area of urgent need. Read more about this investment here: https://medicineatmichigan.org/development-news/2020/summer/1-million-lefkofsky-gift-address-life-threatening-diseases

Since March, the VING Project has given away more than $300,000 to teens across the country to surprise a person in need amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here: https://abc7.com/community-events/this-charity-gives-teens-$1k-to-donate-to-someone-in-need/6339157/

Good Morning America highlighted Preston Bowman, 14, who suprised his beloved school bus driver with a $1000 VING. Learn more here: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/beloved-school-bus-driver-surprised-1000-gift-students/story?id=71454057

Read more about the VING Project's push to give away more than $250,000 through teens 14-18 years old was highlighted on the Good News Network this week: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/charity-dishes-out-1000-checks-to-teens/

CNN highlighted the work VING is doing to give 14-18 year olds the opportunity to uplift someone they believe needs a boost of encouragement. Learn more here: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/21/us/charity-1000-checks-teens-uplift-trnd/index.html

Read more about how South Effingham High School senior Lillie Cuattt suprised the women who took her in with a $1000 gift through the VING project!

Anyone can help and sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference. Throught the VING Project, Liz Lefkofsky is working to spark the next generation of givers. Read her interview below as one of the heros of the COVID crisis: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/social-impact-heroes-of-the-covid-virus-lefkofsky-family-foundation-7aaaf0a53826

The VING project was featured on WGN sharing their goal of giving out another $250,000 in VINGs over the next month. See the clip here: https://wgntv.com/news/this-foundation-helps-teens-hand-out-1000-checks-to-those-in-need/

This weekend Steppenwolf Theatre Company replaced its 2020 Gala with a live online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée, celebrating the power of theatre and raising vital funds to keep it alive during a time of necessary social-distancing. The event and celebrity guest line up raised $640,000 for Steppenwolf Education. You can watch the event at the link HERE or read more about it below:

Trip Wright, a St. Xavier junior, is empowered to help during the pandemic by giving his Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club coach Ethan Revis a much needed VING of $1000! Read more about this story including quotes from Liz Lefkofsky here: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/heartland/2020/05/12/cincinnati-teen-gifts-his-coach-1-000-help-ving/3111189001/

In partnership with the Lefkofsky Family Foundation, the AUSL network implements a research-based intervention that ensures middle grade students are prepared for both high school and beyond. Read more about how Success Bound has impacted the students at Piccolo School of Excellence here: https://www.auslchicago.org/blog/developing-a-north-star-for-middle-school-graduates/?utm_source=News+from+the+Network&utm_campaign=ddf8921d20-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_28_03_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fc0cf7bb3b-ddf8921d20-105386625

The Museum of Contemporary Art announced this week the extension of Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago through fall. This popular exhibition is drawn from the public and private art collections of Chicago and anchored by Chicago's supportive network of artists, collectors, and cultural organizations. Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago gives audiences the chance to connect with the art of Chicago. Additionally, the MCA has launched the new Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago Virtual Gallery, an online extension of the exhibition that features dynamic arrangements of art from different movements and historical contexts installed in colorful, layered, and textured scenes that incorporate Olowu's designs.

An Open Letter to the Chicago Region’s Nonprofit Community | COVID-19

Dear Partners and Friends,   As the Chicago region grapples with unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, we are grateful for your ongoing work to provide essential public services, tackle inequities, and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.   We can’t imagine a more difficult time for Chicago area nonprofits. Many vital programs are being disrupted at a time when people need them more, daily operations altered, and budgets stretched by increased demand for services and the cancellation of revenue-generating events – all in a context of tremendous and extraordinary uncertainty. The challenges are even greater for those providing direct services to people at the highest risk due to the virus itself and the economic impacts we are already seeing.   Like you, this community is at the heart of everything we care about. In these anxious times, we want to reaffirm our commitment to you and your work. Your priorities may be shifting as you determine how best to provide for communities, and the path to meet your original program goals may no longer be clear. While we know you remain deeply committed to continuing your work, we also realize that during this crisis it may not be realistic to meet the project goals you once expected to achieve. Please know, we understand and will prioritize flexibility regarding reporting.   In recognition of the challenges you are facing now and those that will be posed to our region in the days and weeks ahead, many of us have joined together and with others to contribute to a fund as one way to support those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.   The Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund will provide flexible resources to community-based organizations across the Metropolitan Chicago region to supply essential aid to the individuals and households who are most impacted by the pandemic. Those resources currently include access to emergency food and basic supplies, rent and mortgage assistance and utility assistance. Learn more at https://www.chicagocovid19responsefund.org/.   We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in our community by listening to you to understand your experience and the experiences of those you serve. We are heartened by the way organizations across our region are rising to this challenge and are committed to doing our part to help ensure this critical work continues.   Thank you for your leadership and partnership in helping our city weather this crisis.   Sincerely, Iris Krieg, Executive Director Albert Pick, Jr. Fund   Joel M. Friedman, President The Alvin H. Baum Family Fund   Helene D. Gayle, President and Chief Executive Officer The Chicago Community Trust   Adam Levine, President Circle of Service Foundation   Mary Pounder, Program Director Comer Family Foundation   Greg DiDomenico, President and CEO Community Memorial Foundation   Leslie Ramyk, Executive Director Conant Family Foundation   Evan Hochberg, President Crown Family Philanthropies   Arne Duncan, Managing Partner Emerson Collective / Chicago CRED   Angelique Power, President The Field Foundation   Rachel Garbow Monroe, President and CEO The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation   Maria Socorro Pesqueira, President Healthy Communities Foundation   Phyllis Glink, Executive Director The Irving Harris Foundation   Janet Froetscher, President JB and MK Pritzker Family Foundation   Lonnie Nasatir, President Jewish United Fund   John Palfrey, President John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation   Ellen S. Alberding, President The Joyce Foundation   Liz Kramer Lefkofsky, Executive Director Lefkofsky Family Foundation   Craig Leva, President Leva Family Foundation   Unmi Song, President Lloyd A. Fry Foundation   Kelsey Malnati Howell, Executive Director Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation   Allyson Park, President Mars Wrigley Foundation   Gayla Brockman, President and CEO Michael Reese Health Trust   Kim R. Van Horn, Managing Director Paul M. Angell Family Foundation   Gillian Darlow, CEO Polk Bros. Foundation   Charles Twichell, Executive Director Prince Charitable Trusts   Julie Wilen, Executive Director Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation Pritzker Foundation Cindy Moelis, President Pritzker Traubert Foundation   David Hiller, President and CEO Robert R. McCormick Foundation   Na'ilah Suad Nasir, President Spencer Foundation   Sean Garrett, President and CEO United Way of Metro Chicago   Robert N. DiLeonardi, Executive Director VNA Foundation   Michelle Morales, President Woods Fund Chicago

Seeing Chicago represents the first time the MCA has invited a non–art professional to guest-curate, but for Olowu, it’s only the latest in a series of increasingly ambitious curatorial projects. Read more about this exhibit coming to the MCA February 29th.

The MCA raised a record-breaking $6 million at its annual Benefit Art Auction on November 16th. Proceeds from the auction support the MCA’s exhibitions and programming. Read more here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/everyone-whos-anyone-was-mca-saturday

We're proud to support the Joffrey Academy's scholarship program and Christian Ayala, as he's taking ballet to new heights. Read more here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/allstatestars/2019/9/23/20873920/christian-ayala-joffrey-ballet-allstate-stars-chicago

The memorial, which will honor gun violence victims around the U.S., is likely to be one of the most talked-about displays when the third edition of the Chicago Architectural Biennial opens Sept. 19. Read more: https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/blair-kamin/ct-biz-gun-violence-memorial-kamin-20190911-o56lbkuzpngtdczhy2xnlbjorq-story.html

Each year, the Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Innovation Research Awards are given to four faculty scholars who are leading research projects to help further the study of oncology treatment. Read more about this initiative here: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/giving/stories/partners/lefkofsky-innovation-awards-2019.html

In America, your inclusion, safety, and belonging should not be predicated by how you look, where you were born, or where your parents — or even your great-grandparents — came from. We all belong here, all races and all religions. We are one country, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Our work as foundations is to support the people, organizations, and communities who do the hard work of moving us toward racial equity and the promise of America. Read more here: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/12-chicago-family-foundations-enough-hate

Nation’s first Gender Justice Fund launches $10 million collaborative to change culture and advance gender justice. Read more about the initiative here: https://womensfoundca.org/news/culture-change-fund-launch/

The LFF initiative Success Bound was a proud sponsor of the Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest. Learn more about this community-based celebration for book lovers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXIyfiZ-J0o

Officially titled Success Starts Here, the vision provides a roadmap of priorities and initiatives the district will tackle over the next five years to continue building on the extraordinary progress Chicago Public Schools has made. Read more about this initiative here: https://www.childrenfirstfund.org/2019/04/

Steppenwolf which is known for bold moves, breaks ground today on a new $54M theater-in-the-round project on Halsted. Read more about the expansion here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ent-steppenwolf-new-building-0305-story.html?fbclid=IwAR3RjS99v-xd6kW_NjePWtIBFR91p6k-s04QB8YpipeAPCrCjp3SGNBv1EM

Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares how his perspective on education policy has change since being Mayor of Chicago. Read his reflections here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/policymakers-need-new-path-education-reform/581995/

Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Chicago Public Schools and Success Bound, an initiative of the Lefkofsky Family Foundation to announce a new Summer Reading Initiative aimed at encouraging a love of reading for 3rd - 5th grade students at 50 Chicago schools this summer. Read more about the initiative here: https://chicagocitywire.com/stories/511768522-city-of-chicago-mayor-rahm-emanuel-chicago-public-schools-and-success-bound-announce-summer-reading-initiative

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to give the state more oversight over Illinois firearms dealers. Under the new law Pritzker signed, it would be illegal for retailers to sell guns without being certified by the state. Read more here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-jb-pritzker-signs-gun-legislation-20190117-story.html

In honor of its 42nd season, The Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosted its annual gala on May 12. The evening raised more than $1.3M to support Steppenwolf's programming. Check it out here: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/the-scene/parties/g20708623/steppenwolf-theatre-company-gala-2018/

With support from the LFF, Howardena Pindell: What Remains to be Seen opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art and can be seen until May 20, 2018. Read more: https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2018/3/1/pindell/

Several new gun safety measures passed Illinois Congress as gun control advocates made their voices heard outside the Capitol. Read more: http://abc7chicago.com/politics/illinois-lawmakers-pass-several-new-gun-safety-measures/3152688/

An exhibit opening at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art looks at some of these previously underrepresented artists in “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power.” Featuring the work of 60 artists and including paintings, sculptures, photography, murals and more. Read more: http://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/weekend/2018/01/31/art-defined-era-soul-nation-crystal-bridges/1077564001/

In June 2018, the MCA will be debuting Virgil Abloh, an exhibit dedicated to the designer famous for his luxury label Off-White. This is the first exhibition dedicated to Abloh's multi-medium work. Read more: https://fashionunited.com/news/culture/the-museum-of-contemporary-art-in-chicago-to-open-virgil-abloh-exhibit/2017121918826

Five years after Sandy Hook, Newtown Documentary goes to Grinnell, Iowa, to be screened as part of their 26 Days of Action to fight gun violence. Read more here: http://www.newsweek.com/five-years-after-sandy-hook-nra-presidents-neighbors-plead-real-talk-gun-730488

The Museum of Contemporary Art celebrates 50 years. Read more here: https://thirdcoastreview.com/2017/11/09/mca-chicago-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-three-part-exhibition/

Governor Rauner signs HB40 into law ensuring Illinois women have control over their reproductive rights. Read more here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/chicago-politics/rauner-to-announce-decision-thursday-on-abortion-trigger-bill/

Introducing the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities, working together to strengthen gun laws and reduce gun violence. Read more about this partnership here: http://safeandpeaceful.org/blog/introduction-to-the-partnership-for-safe-and-peaceful-communities

Chicago venture funds Lightbank and Pritzker Group are leading the country in backing women. Read more here: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20170629/NEWS08/170629835/pritzker-lightbank-most-likely-vcs-to-back-women

LFF grantee Urban Warriors celebrated another successful class of youth and veterans. Read more about the recognition ceremony here: http://www.ymcachicago.org/blog/entry/the-spring-2017-urban-warriors-recognition-ceremony/

During the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial the Chicago Architecture Foundation will provide 15,000 Chicago Public Schools students education opportunities including field trips, teen studios, a design competition and more. Read about these opportunities here: http://chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org/news/caf-initiative-to-reach-15-000-young-chicagoans-during-2017-chicago-architecture-biennial/

With support from the LFF, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago will offer free admission to youth ages 18 and under starting June 1. This initiative is in honor of the MCA's 50th anniversary and inspired by the Teen Creative Agency. Read more about the initiative here: http://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/mca-to-offer-free-admission-to-patrons-ages-18-and-under/

The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University announced the recipents of the 2017 Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Innovation Research Awards this week. Learn more about them here: http://cancer.northwestern.edu/news/lefkokfsky2017

The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab opens on March 24, 2017 with support from the LFF. Read more about this new state of the art facility here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-abilitylab-hospital-opening-0319-biz-20170314-story.html

"The Homestretch", a documentary about homeless youth in Chicago, wins an Emmy. Read more about the win and the film here: https://www.kartemquin.com/news/the-homestretch-and-life-itself-win-emmy-awards

On May 10, 2016, Liz Lefkofsky spoke at the Town&Country Philanthropy Summit as one of The T&C 50: The Top Philanthropists of 2016. Read more about Liz and the other philanthropists recognized here: http://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/g2324/top-50-philanthropists-2016/

The Lefkofsky Family Foundation funds promising research at MD Anderson Cancer Research Center. Read more about the project here: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/promise/Spring2016/targeting-tnbc.html

On April 18, 2016 Eric Lefkofsky spoke to the Harvard Business School Chicago Club. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/pJNdTxQSvJE

Learn more about the film here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-support-220000667.html

The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) participates in The Success Project for a second year as they prepare their middle school students for success in high school and beyond. Read more about the project here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-fund-211738531.html

The LFF supports the "Shadow Buddies" initiative, a medical education and care program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital to help children, teens and their families prepare for surgery. Read more here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-support-225602384.html

The LFF supports the aim of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights to help raise awareness of social integrity, advancing corporate responsibility, and enhancing partnerships with human rights leaders. Read more here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-funding-220405129.html

The Human Rights Watch looks to shed light on the causes of child marriage in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and India. Read more here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-support-223023277.html

"Newtown: A Documentary" looks to explore the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012. Read more about the project here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-liz-lefkofsky-support-230000534.html

The LFF supports high-impact, early science team at University of Michigan. Learn more here: http://www.medicineatmichigan.org/development-news/2015/fall-winter/investing-innovation

The LFF is supporting Medical Missions for Children's surgical mission to Antigua, Guatemala. There, Dr. Noah Seigal and his team will provide cleft and microtia (absence of the outer ear) surgeries and dental care to needy children. Learn more about the mission and organization here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/eric-lefkofsky-and-wife-liz-fund-2016-surgical-mission-to-antigua-guatemala-2015-12-01

The LFF supports the new Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Ability Institute of RIC, an advanced state-of-the-art research facility projected to open in early 2017. Read more here: http://www.ric.org/about/mediacenter/welcome-to-our-blog/the-lefkofksy-family-foundation-donates-1-million-to-rehabilitat/

Eric Lefkofsky returns to Lightbank as Managing Partner. Read more here: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/eric-lefkofsky-returns-role-managing-220000076.html

As part of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, the award encourages new and experimental research toward the therapies and preventions of various types of cancer. Read more here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-and-wife-liz-support-damon-runyon-fellowship-award-2077105.htm

The foundation has pledged a gift in support of immunology research at the Cancer Program at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore. Read more here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-and-wife-liz-support-damon-runyon-fellowship-award-2077105.htm

The Year 2 recipients from the Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Innovation Research Awards within the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University were recently announced. Learn more about this gift here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-his-wife-liz-pledge-1-million-northwestern-university-cancer-research-2071292.htm

The LFF is gifting support to the Breast Cancer Research Program at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Read more about their work here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-and-his-wife-liz-gift-250000-to-weill-cornell-medicine-2073408.htm

The foundation has pledged $500,000 to support research into pancreatic, stomach, and other malignant cancers through Duke Medical Center's Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center. Read more here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-entrepreneur-his-wife-liz-proud-support-preston-robert-tisch-brain-tumor-2066412.htm

The foundation's gift will support the Oncology Division at the Stanford's School of Medicine's ongoing research of immunotherapy for gastric cancer. Read more here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-his-wife-liz-donate-500000-support-immunotherapy-gastric-cancer-research-2065612.htm

Liz and Eric Lefkofsky donate $1.2 million to University of Michigan for medical research. Learn more here: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/eric-lefkofsky-entrepreneur-wife-liz-donate-12-million-university-michigan-medical-research-2064687.htm

The first cohort of women founders to WiSTEM were announced recently. Learn more about each of them here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/originals/ct-1871-wistem-names-first-cohort-0626-bsi-story.html

If you missed it - no worries - check out other ways to screen the film and spread the word here: http://www.homestretchdoc.com/broadcast

The LFF is proud to support The Homestretch, an upcoming documentary that reveals the important role schools and teachers play in keeping some teens of the street. Read more about in the Atlantic below and tune into to watch the documentary debut on PBS April 13, 2015. http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/02/young-homelessand-invisible/385355/

Check out WTTW’s Chicago Tonight feature on The Success Project, a partnership between the LFF, Urban Education Institute, Chicago Public Schools and AUSL. http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2015/01/28/middle

The LFF supported the Ounce of Prevention Fund and the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute in the development of the Birth-to-College Tool Kit which launched this week. Learn more here: http://www.theounce.org/btctoolkit

The Success Project, a partnership with the Urban Education Institute, the Lefkofsky Family Foundation, the Chicago Public Schools, and AUSL launches in 34 middle schools. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141106/BLOGS03/141109867

As we look back on this past year, we are inspired but these incredible Chicago-based women in philanthropy: http://www.makeitbetter.net/make-a-difference/make-a-difference/6016-top-11-chicago-female-philanthropists

Starting this fall, the LFF will be partnering with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University to create the Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Innovation Research Awards. http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/giving/stories/partners/lefkofsky-profile.html

It is our pleasure to provide a grant supporting Damon Runyon Fellow Dr. Beverly Piggot's work in understanding the role of ion channels in brain cancer at the University of California. This article outlines her mother's journey battling and surviving cancer over the past two decades. It is her mother's journey that has lead Dr. Piggot's drive to protect other families from the struggle that has plagued hers. http://www.ascopost.com/issues/september-1,-2014/cancer-has-given-me-courage.aspx

Check out this article from a while ago about Liz and Eric Lefkofsky joining The Giving Pledge.

Who doesn't love a great cup of coffee. How about coffee with a purpose. For each bag of LIZ coffee sold in Tiburon, CA at 2 girl roaster (or online) the LFF will donate $10 to Girls on the Run. Enjoy...

It's a proud time to be a resident of Illinois! Equality for all.

It was an amazing week in Chicago last week with amazing speakers, innovators and thinkers participating in Chicago Ideas Week. There is no way to select favorites without listing the entire schedule, but a few favorites of mine include the young social entrepenuers. The group that presented were inspiring and really makes one stop and think how you we are leaving our mark. The program included: Mark Arnoldy, Charles Best, Adam Braun, Micaela Connery, Kohl Crecelius, Kennedy Odede, Josh Nesbit, Tiffany Persons. Each of these amazing individuals in impacting the world in a profound way and reminding each of us to get out and take a chance. The scientists on Thursday were also unbelievably inspiring - from robots to biochemistry, what will be the next frontier in medicine and innovation. I will never forget the amazing young man, Jack Andraka, who won the 2012 Intel Science Fair Grand Prize. It makes you believe in the power of our youth and the incredible young minds around us. Jack is moving forward the process of early diagnosis for some of the most deadly cancers and nothing is going to stop his passion and determination. I'm looking forward to following up and seeing the advancement of his discoveries. It was a spectacular week of ideas, looking forward to what comes next.

On Wednesday, July 18th, my daughter and I had the privilege of spending a few hours with the 2012 graduation class. It is always one of our favorite days to spend time with the girls and help them get ready for the college journey that awaits. It's fun to see what the girls select for their dorm rooms and we try to encourage them to select the things they will need in addition to the things they want to bring. Ironing boards, long mirrors and storage bins are always favorite items. Printers, bedding and school supplies are often overflowing in the carts as well. For most of these girls, they are the first in their families to be heading to college and possibly their first time leaving home. The hugs and love we get from the girls and many of the parents is enough to keep us filled until the next group of graduates are ready for our shopping trip next year. We wish all the graduates of YW a year of success and can't wait to hear about their accomplishments in the coming years.