Martini Madness Success..

The Martini Madness event was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of the committee (Karen and Julie you guys were just awesome!) and everyone else who invited friends, sold raffle tickets, and attended the event and NOT to mention, MADE THE DRINKS! Our President and CEO, Daniel Bassill congratulated the team and I for it being the most successful Madness to date!

It was crowded all night and I suspect more than 100 people attended, which is by far the most we've had at any of our fall events. Everyone seemed to have a very good time, and the party definitely went past 9:30 p.m. and was a LOT of fun.

We gave away some AMAZING prizes and I am proud to announce the winners for you:

Victor Trotter - Allegro Hotel Gift Certificate - Value $300.00

Scott Hamilton - 312 Chicago Gift Certificate - Value $300.00

Mike Kolberg - Orbitz Airline Tickets - $700.00+

Robert Herrick - Camcorder from Oprah Winfrey Foundation - Value $400.00

Mike Gogin - Camcorder from Oprah Winfrey Foundation - Value $400.00

Katie Dawson - Doggie Style Gift Certificate - $50.00

Jo Paul - Bull's Tickets - Value TBD... 2008/2009 Season

Scott Lee - Belden-Stratford Gift Certificate - Value $400.00

Ellen Constan - Urban Oasis Gift Certificate - Value $100.00

James Sawyer - White Sox Tickets - Value TBD... 2009 Season

Ronald Banks - Jersey - Value $125.00

Cubs Tickets - Melissa Moore - Value TBD... 2009 Season

We had a goal of $10,000... while we are not quite there yet, additional cash (approximately $500!!) will come from tip jars (special thanks to the bartenders for donating their tips) alone and it is the hope that we will receive additional payments and donations in the mail all next week. For those of you who were so kind to come and give please keep talking about the event amongst your peers, coworkers, and anyone willing to listen. By doing so you can encourage additional donations! For those of you who RSVPd but life got in the way of your actually attending, no harm no foul. I encourage you to research us to see why we are so committed and why we do what we do here.

Please still make a donation in your absence. It's a worthy cause with a lot of heart and filled with FUN. I know I personally had a BLAST. I hope to see you each at next year's Martini Madness. If anyone has an interest in starting their own mentor program, our Tutor/Mentor Leadership & Networking Conference will be held November 21, 2008 at the beautiful and historic Field Museum. Learn more about it, here. We're also having our annual holiday party by way of a BENEFIT concert December 12, 2008 at Schuba's in Chicago. Mark the date and stay tuned for more info.

Please follow the link to donate to Martini Madness in your absence... every dollar helps us keep kids in this program to stay on the right path, into college and onto a career by age 25!

GIVE! HELP! DONATE!