Greetings IMD partners, stakeholders and friends-
We had two really great events to close out October - the Rise to Shine Run/Walk and a day of tree planting.
On October 23rd, the Chicago Lighthouse held its first Rise to Shine Run in the IMD. There were close to 300 registered runners and walkers. The IMD was a sponsor and planner for the event. We also had staff and commissioners participate as runners and walkers and had a table in the runners’ village following the run showcasing the wonderful partners and amenities in the District.
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On October 28th, in coordination with the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Tree Initiative, we planted 30 trees in the northwest section of the IMD. We had over 50 volunteers, including environmental science students from Hope Academy along with corporate volunteers. The trees we planted are part of a larger beautification plan and sustainability initiative for the IMD. |
Thank you for reading Catalyst this year and being a part of the IMD community; I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year and we are excited for all that is to come in 2023! |
SAFETY TRAINING IN THE IMD |
On November 22nd, the IMD hosted ‘Civilian Response to Active Threat’, a training led by Inspector John Mack of the Illinois State Police. The training covered basic safety & crime prevention tips and assisted attendees in thinking about how to create their own personal safety plan and knowing how to respond in emergency situations. |
A brief portion of the training can be viewed here; please watch & share with others. The IMD will look to repeat this in-person training opportunity in 2023. If you are interested in attending or in coordinating a group to attend the training, please contact Kate Schellinger.
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HEALTHCARE COUNCIL OF CHICAGO 2022 END OF YEAR MEETING - JOIN US DEC. 13 |
As we close out the year, it is an important time for Chicago’s health care ecosystem and local communities to reflect and learn from the challenges and opportunities that surfaced in 2022.
On Tuesday, December 13, HC3 (Health Care Council of Chicago), in partnership with the Illinois Medical District, invites community and local stakeholders to join us for a panel discussion featuring prominent local health care leaders reflecting on some of the key trends and topics that arose in 2022, as well as some predictions and hopes for 2023. Featured speakers: Veronica Clark, President and CEO, TCA Health, Mary Kate Daly, Vice President, Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Mark Ishaug, CEO, Thresholds and Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, MD, MPH, CEO, Complete Care Management Partners LLC. Learn more and register to attend here.
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Our Catalyst newsletter exists in part to promote the great work of our IMD partners and friends. If you have news, events or information about your organization that you'd like us to include in a future edition of The Catalyst, please reach out to IMD Director of Marketing and Communication Noe Symonanis.
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CHICAGO CHILDRENS ADVOCACY CENTER HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE |
Every year, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center distributes thousands of toys to children and their families who come to the center after experiencing sexual abuse and other trauma. Many families have challenges beyond their recent trauma and providing holiday gifts for their children can be one more source of stress. Be part of a family’s hope and healing journey by donating to the ChicagoCAC Holiday Toy Drive and help them share gifts with over 600 children this holiday season!
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--Deliver new toys or gift cards directly to ChicagoCAC (1240 S. Damen Ave.) by December 12.
--Use the ChicagoCAC Wish Lists at online retailers and send gifts directly to the center before December 12.
--Make a cash donation to ChicagoCAC which allows staff to complete wish list purchases for children they personally know.
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NEW ARTWORK AT 2023 W OGDEN |
We are excited to unveil some new artwork in the IMD. Arts Council member Dulce Maria Diaz, owner of SHE Gallery and Pilsen resident, brought together an amazing group of ten Chicago-style graffiti writers to brighten up the walls of the 2023 W Ogden building. This is a vacant building owned by the IMD that sits prominently at the Ogden/Damen/Polk intersection. The east wall now features a series of pieces based on the theme of the four seasons and the north wall pays homage to the City of Chicago, utilizing the colors of the Chicago flag. |
Please visit the S.H.E. Gallery website to learn more about the featured artists and the history of Chicago-style graffiti writing.
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HEKTOEN INTERNATIONAL 2022 MEDICAL STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST |
Students currently enrolled in a medical school or program are encouraged to submit to Hektoen International’s 2022 Medical Student Essay Contest. Essays should be under 1,200 words and can be on any topic as it relates to medicine. Art, history, and literature topics are preferred. The prizes for the winner and runner-up are $3,500 and $2,500 respectively. The deadline for entry is March 15, 2023. Contest submissions can be submitted via the form here, which includes the full guidelines for the contest.
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CONGRATS TO HOPE ACADEMY FOOTBALL FOR AN UNDEFEATED REGULAR SEASON |
The Chicago Hope Academy football team achieved a perfect record in the 2022 regular season - the only undefeated regular season in the school's 17-year history! The Eagles were featured on WGN as they contended for a historic state championship - watch here. They finished the season with a 10-1 record. Congrats to Coach Mallette and to the players selected for First team, Honorable mention, and Academic All State team: Judah Mallette, Payton Thompson, Eddie Jenkins and Helen Linares.
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NEW ADDITION TO THE IMD STAFF: NOE SYMONANIS |
Noe joined the IMD in December 2022 as Director of Marketing and Communications. Noe is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing internal and external communications strategies, managing media relations, serving as the organization's communications contact person, overseeing marketing and branding efforts, and developing communications plans and materials. |
Noe has previous experience working in communications in various industries, including fintech, labor organizations and with local school districts. Noe can be reached via email here.
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