Notable CharitiesPdplan4life Parkinson Living well with Parkinson’s Disease- http://www.pdplan4life.com/index.htm

Among the many challenges of living with Parkinson’s is coming to terms with the unpredictable course it takes and the fear and uncertainty this creates. Although you can never be certain what lies ahead of you, your quality of life is determined by how you see the path you’re on and how you manage your day-to-day situation.

Parkinson’s is known as a “designer disease” because the symptoms, rate of progression, and degree of disability vary greatly from person to person. What one person considers a major problem, perhaps because it negatively impacts their job performance, another sees as a minor inconvenience.

The Ray Graham Association- http://www.ray-graham.orgThe Ray Graham Association is dedicated to the full participation of all people with developmental disabilities in a quality life by providing leadership that supports accomplishments of all individuals, strengthens families and inspires community involvement.

Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities is a nonprofit organization that provides a broad array of services and supports to more than 2,500 children and adults with disabilities that include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and autism. Services include vocation, respite, educational, recreational, and residential programs. Ray Graham Association was named in honor of the late Ray Graham, the first Director of Special Education in Illinois.

Neumann Association- http://www.neumannassociation.org

The mission of Neumann Association is to integrate persons with disabilities and other life issues into the community and enrich their quality of life with choice and independence. Neumann Association was founded in 1949 under the leadership of the Logan Square Lions Club and Lion, Victor C. Neumann. Today Neumann Association provides education, housing, recreation, rehabilitation, training, and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Over 500 individuals over the age of 18 participate in Neumann Association programs annually.

Women’s Western Golf Association- http://www.wwga.org/foundation.htm

In 1971 this charitable trust was formed to receive and distribute funds to advance women in scholastic achievement and intercollegiate golf programs by granting academic scholarships to women who have an involvement in sport of golf. The foundation also provides financial assistance to colleges and universities with inadequately funded women’s golf programs. 264 four year scholarships have been given to date of 3.1 Million dollars.

www.The AnimalRescueSite.com- http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive

The Animal Rescue Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific need – providing food for some of the 27 million unwanted animals given to shelters in the U.S. every year. Over 10 million animals are put to death every year in the U.S. alone because they are abandoned and unwanted.Each click on the purple “Click Here to Give – it’s FREE” button at The Animal Rescue Site provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary. Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need.

The Bridge for Success - http://www.thebridgetosuccess.org

Bridge to Success, a social enterprise program of Heartland Human Care Services, provides coaching coupled with high-end interview and work place appropriate clothing to build self-confidence through appearance, interview preparation and a sense of “belonging” at the workplace.

Poised for Success www.Poisedforsuccess.org

Dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women struggling to find meaningful employment and gain financial independence, Poised for Success® is a non-profit organization driven by a core of talented and dedicated volunteers and the generous support of people like you. We provide business clothing to women on financial assistance who are attempting to enter or re-enter the workforce but who lack the means to acquire suitable attire. Our clients face their job interviews, and subsequent working environment, with the self confidence of knowing that they are dressed professionally for their new position.

Not-For Profit Organizations

Association of Image Consultants International, Inc. (AICI)- www.Aici.orgThe Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. A non-profit organization, AICI is dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants.Members counsel both individual and corporate clients on appearance, behavior, communication skills, etiquette and international protocol. As experts in image consulting, our members guide clients to achieve their specific goals with authenticity, credibility and confidence.

The Chicago Minority Council, Inc.- www.CMBDC.org

The Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Inc. (CMBDC) is a premier organization for increasing business opportunities between major buying organizations and minority-owned businesses. CMBDC) is one of the nation’s premier organizations fo r minority business development in the nation. For over twenty years, CMBDC has championed the interests of minority entrepreneurs in the Metropolitan Chicago Area and nationally. NMSDC is a network of over 40 regional Councils in major cities across the country. CMBDC was born out of a direct initiative of corporate, government and civic leaders in response to a call from the minority community for business access and economic parity.

Toastmasters International-http://www.toastmasters.org/

From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. The nonprofit organization now has nearly 250,000 members in more than 12,000 clubs in 106 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – Way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills. These folks came from Toastmasters: Peter Coors of Coors Brewing Company, Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies and Tom Peters, management expert and author.