Page 111 - 2018 B2SI Recap Binder
P. 111

It's that time of year again when school is coming to an end and families are focused on summer break. One
Chicago nonprofit is already planning for the upcoming school year and making sure Chicago students are
equipped with the supplies they need.
Why is Back 2 School Illinois important to you?
Back 2 School Illinois is important to me because they make such a huge difference in the lives of children who desperately need their help. In Illinois, 1.2 million children live in low-income households and nearly 50 percent of those kids live below the poverty line. Imagine trying to do your homework, but not having a pencil to do it with because your parents cannot afford to buy one for you. While this may sound outrageous, it happens far more than you realize and B2SI wants to ensure no child ever finds him or herself in this position. In doing so, B2SI has donated nearly 5 million school supplies to children throughout the state. In addition, the organization's college scholarship program has sent more than 25 students to 4-year universities.
How did you get involved?
I originally connected with the charity through my job. As soon as I met Matthew Kurtzman ( B2SI CEO) and a few of the students B2SI has helped, I knew this group would be a part of my life forever. I have proudly been supporting the organization for three years now. The good that they do is beyond words. Once you spend time with this wonderful organization and see the immense difference it makes in the lives of our state's children, you're a volunteer for life.
What motivates you to give back?
I give back because it makes me feel whole. Because everyone should. Because I am fortunate enough to be in a position to have a platform that can help make a difference. To not use that platform would be wasteful and selfish. If you have the power to make a difference or have a positive impact on the life of even just one person, you should do everything you can to help. Whether it's money, time, or even just a smile and a conversation, you can truly have an impact on our world. If we don't make it better, who will? Plus, research shows “giving back” is actually good for your health; so give back, make a difference and get healthy!
You recently became a mom, how has this impacted your work with special nonprofits?
I have always been a champion of charities that aimed to better the lives of children and animals, but since Grace’s birth, I find myself being more profoundly impacted by their missions and the stories of those they help. I am not sure if it is hormones or my newfound perspective, but I feel even more compelled to contribute since Grace has been in my world. As a parent, it is my responsibility to raise a child who knows and understands the importance of making a difference in her community. Raising a daughter in the current social and political climate is both terrifying and exciting. My husband and I intend to teach Grace that even if you just change one life, you’ve changed the world forever.
Give us a quote:
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
For more inspiring stories check out Whitney's PBS show, The Whitney Reynolds Show. Watch Mondays 6:30 PM on Lakeshore PBS or whitneyreynolds.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Chicago Andrea Creative


































































































   109   110   111   112   113