Neighbors of West Loop (NoWL) would like to send a big thank you to all the wonderful neighbors that came out to Paramount Room on the evening of November 10, 2014 for NOWL’s November Not for Profit Event.
The evening began with a social gathering of neighbors catching up and enjoying the wonderful appetizers prepared by the kitchen of 2015 Bib Gourmand Michelin Recipient Paramount Room.
NoWL chose World Bicycle Relief Organization (WBR), which has roots in Chicago, as their November Not for Profit recipient. WBR’s offices will be moving to the new 1000 W Fulton Building, commonly referred to as “The Google Building” in the West Loop. Founders of WBR also live in the West Loop.
Ruth-Anne Renaud, Director of Global Marketing for WBR was the guest speaker. Ruth-Anne began her presentation by allowing NOWL members to view WBR’s brand new end of year campaign fundraising video which tells the story of a young girl named Tamara from Zambia, who is the proud recipient of one of the bicycles from WBR. Their mission is to make the world aware of “The Power of the Bicycle.” Making a $134.00 donation to WBR will “help provide access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity for more students like Tamara.” Tamara’s story was so inspiring. Prior to being given a bicycle from WBR Tamara had to make a 2.5 mile journey to and from school every day on foot.
Ruth-Anne Renaud, Director of Global Marketing for World Bicycle Relief Organization, speaks to the West Loop neighbors at Paramount Room on November 10.
Ruth-Anne’s presentation and Tamara’s story inspired such generosity from our NoWL neighbors. WBR received a commitment from our members for 19 bicycles at $134.00 per bike totaling $2,546.00. Because WBR is matching all donations due to their year-end campaign, this means 38 bikes in total will be given to those in need. Please visit worldbicyclerelief.org/power to find out more about WBR and to see Tamara’s inspiring story.
Alderman Walter Burnett stopped by to say a few words and donated 2 bikes to the cause. NoWL would like to thank Alderman Burnett for attending NoWL’s very special event as well as for his generosity and commitment to our neighborhood.
Ruth-Anne’s presentation was followed by a warm welcome from Jon Young, managing partner of Paramount Room. Paramount Room donated one of the first free Bike Fix-It-Stations in Chicago. Alderman Walter Burnett was gracious enough to lend a hand for Paramount Room’s rededication of the Bike Fix-It-Station.
Jon Young, managing partner of Paramount Room, Alderman Burnett and Neighbors of West Loop participate in a rededication of the Bike Fix-It-Station.
Thank you again to our neighbors, Paramount Room, World Bicycle Relief Organization and Alderman Walter Burnett.
For information on upcoming events or to inquire about hosting a Neighbors of West Loop function, please contact Maria Pilar Gage, Chair of the NoWL Events Committee, at maria@neighborsofwestloop.com. For more information about NoWL, please subscribe to our email list. We’re always looking for volunteers to assist with projects in the West Loop, or one of our various committees.