Back on My Feet Chicago was the winner of a free pro-bono video produced by Storytellers for Good, a team of passionate journalists and photographers that seek to tell and promote stories about people and organizations making a positive difference.
Three nonprofits in Chicago were invited to compete for the video at a reception on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Columbia Yacht Club, where the winner was decided by popular vote.
The Storytellers for Good team was on a quest to find one Chicago nonprofit with a great story tell, and Back on My Feet was just one of three organizations invited to deliver a short presentation about their mission and cause. Team REST member Jerel Washington reflected on his experience with the organization during Back on My Feet’s presentation. Since joining Back on My Feet just six weeks ago, Jerel has obtained employment, ran his first 5K and – on Saturday night – tackled his first public speaking engagement! Many of Jerel’s teammates came out to support him as he took on this new challenge.
We are all incredibly proud of Jerel and can not wait to see the beautiful video that Storytellers for Good will create for Back on My Feet Chicago!
Back on My Feet has a chic new friend in Chicago: Professional Stylist John Allen. On Nov. 11, John Allan appeared on local station WGN to share his tips for “grooming for success.” He also announced his salon’s new partnership with BOMF, along with an upcoming clothing drive and special deal to benefit the Chicago chapter.
From Nov. 14 until the Christmas holiday, John Allan’s is also hosting a Back on My Feet drop box at its Chicago location, where members can donate gently-used professional male attire to benefit BOMF’s participants. Guests of John Allan’s who donate attire or $20 to BOMF will also receive the special $38 offer on his Signature Full Service. This service includes a scalp massaging shampoo & conditioning treatment, a hot towel, haircut, manicure and shoeshine.
Fellas: Support BOMF and new partner John Allan by making an appointment today!
On Wednesday, Nov. 10, local photographer Nikki A. Johnson got up bright and early to join the St. Leonard’s team for a five-and-a-half mile run, their longest group run to date.
Lenses in hand, Nikki snapped some great shots of the group during this milestone morning.
Camera in tow, Photographer Nikki Johnson follows the St. Leonard's team on their longest run thus far.
The St. Leonard's team celebrates after pushing themselves further than ever before on their Wednesday run.
We’re so fortunate that Nikki could dedicate her time and talents to BOMF, and glad that she was able to witness the strong energy and bond of our team in person. We hope she’ll brave another early morning soon to run with us again!
Elton and Kate are all smiles after sweating out five-and-a-half early-morning miles.
In honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week – November 14-20, Halsted’s Bar & Grill, Publican and Sarah’s Pastries and Candies are teaming up with Back on My Feet Chicago to help “Take a Bite Out of Homelessness.”
When guests dine at the participating establishments, use participating services or purchase select products, patrons will have the option to donate $1 or more to Back on My Feet Chicago upon receipt. Those who do will receive a BOMF wristband as a token of their support!
Additionally, throughout the months of November and December, The Redhead Piano Bar will donate $3 from the purchase of every “Pick Me Up” cocktail (similar to a Dark ‘n Stormy).
Support BOMF by treating yourself to an afternoon or evening out!
On Saturday October 23rd Back on My Feet partnered with KPMG to have a fun run through the City of Philadelphia. DeTours Touring Company of Philadelphia were kind enough to plan a route with historical landmarks through the city. The route took you through various sections of Center City Philadelphia, such as Chinatown, Old City, and Penn’s Landing.
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If you are not planning on running the Philadelphia Marathon, please consider volunteering your time to help our members complete the Philadelphia Marathon. Greater Philadelphia Cares supports the creation of vibrant communities by motivating people to volunteer their time, talents, and resources. We provide a clear path to service for all, enhancing the impact of non-profit agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
Are you interested in showcasing Philadelphia as a World Class Town?
Would you like an amazing Philadelphia Marathon Sweatshirt?
The Philadelphia Marathon is a three-day premier showcase event for the City of Philadelphia, November 19-21 and we need you to be a part of it. We know that Philadelphia is a world-class sports town and with runners and supporters coming in from all over, now’s our chance to show-off.
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Every month, each Back on My Feet chapter highlights one of its many generous sponsors and funders. Read about past companies of the month here.
Back on My Feet is fortunate to have unwavering support from Marriott. The international hotel chain and its associates have not only stepped in at a national level; Marriott has also invested time, resources and energy in helping to build Back on My Feet’s chapters.
Marriott played a key role in the launch of the Chicago chapter by serving as the presenting sponsor for the breakfast. It has also helped Chicago become more ingrained in Chicago’s business community by introducing the organization to its many friends and contacts in the Windy City. Marriott properties in Chicagoland continue to support Back on My Feet through participation in Chicagoland Sneaker Day by engaging a handful of area properties in the event. This will allow even more Marriott associates to become exposure to Back on My Feet and its mission and contribute to the cause.
“Marriott is an enthusiastic supporter of Back on My Feet and happy to play a key role in the growth of the organization’s newest chapter in Chicago,” said Rita Cuddihy, Area Vice President for Marriott. “Several thousand individuals in Chicago are experiencing homelessness each day, and Marriott is proud to partner with an organization that is working so hard to help these individuals literally and figuratively get back on their feet.”
On Saturday October 9th, some Washington D.C. chapter members got their first taste of what it means to “om!”
Thanks to a partnership with YogaActivist.org and Yoga District, BOMF runners will be able to experience the complementary effects of yoga to running.
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Every month, each Back on My Feet chapter highlights one of its many generous sponsors and funders. See past Philadelphia Companies of the Month here and other corporate partners here. This month the Baltimore chapter would like to recognize Delaware Investments and Macquarie Group Foundation.
Back on My Feet would like to recognize Delaware Investments and Macquarie Group Foundation as our company of the month for October 2010. They have graciously supported BOMF, particularly in events such as the 4th Annual Philadelphia Bash and 20in24.
Pat Coyne, President of Delaware Investments, a member of Macquarie Group, says that the organization is honored to be recognized as Back on My Feet’s Company of the Month.
“One of our guiding principles is teamwork, and we couldn’t be more proud of the BOMF team for its amazing contribution to our community. What this organization has accomplished in such a short period of time is a true testament to the commitment and creativity of its people. We applaud their efforts and are eager to continue to work with them to help make Philadelphia an even better place for all of its citizens.”
Kathryn O’Neal-Dunham, from the Macquarie Group Foundation – Macquarie’s philanthropic arm which has supported staff’s involvement with Back on My Feet – says that all staff were actively encouraged to become involved in community organizations through giving not only financial donations, but also their time and professional expertise.
Philadelphia Member of the Month Brother Jimmy Jones, at left, with Brotherhood Mission teammate Tyrone during the Tim Kerr 5k in Avalon, N.J. this summer.
Philly’s member of the month Brother Jimmy Jones spoke to about 300 students at DePaul Catholic School located in Germantown last Thursday Sept. 14, 2010. Brother Jimmy told the story of how Back on My Feet has helped him both physically and spiritually. He also gave students future advice to stay in school, and work hard.
The DePaul Catholic School will be raising funds for Back on My Feet by holding their own Sneaker Day this coming Thursday. Campus Minister Patrick McKenzie predicts that the majority of the school will participate on Thursday.
The DePaul Catholic School is very involved with the homeless community here in Philadelphia. They have recently partnered with DePaul USA and St John’s Hospice on community projects, both facilities that Back on My Feet also partners with. Back on My Feet is excited to be partnering with the DePaul Catholic School.
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