Category: News - Page 25

From June 25 to July 2, Chuhak & Tecson will hold a clothing drive for The Brown Elephant as the next project in its “25 Ways to Give Back” program. The firm will collect men’s, women’s and children’s clothes to resell at Brown Elephant resale shops located in the Chicagoland area.

The Brown Elephant is the offical resale shop of the Howard Brown Health Center, one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender healthcare organizations. All profits generated by purchases at Brown Elephant shops help fund services for the more than half of the center’s clients who are underinsured or uninsured.

The clothing drives serves as the thirteenth activity in Chuhak & Tecson’s yearlong community service initiative. In celebration of its 25^th anniversary and in honor of its clients, firm employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless, to volunteering at senior centers, to providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need.

Based in Chicago, The Brown Elephant has three stores throughout the area that sell nearly 740,000 items annually.

Community service has been a hallmark of Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., since its founding in 1987, with attorneys and staff rolling up their sleeves regularly on behalf of local charities. Now the firm is taking this commitment to the next level by introducing Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations as its twelfth practice group.

Catering to the unique legal needs of charitable and tax-exempt organizations, the new group draws on the skills of attorneys throughout the firm to offer not for profits a comprehensive spectrum of legal services. Experienced attorneys provide guidance in areas such as strategic planning and tax-exempt status, as well as best governance practices, asset protection, executive compensation, employee relations and more.

Kimberly Boike, a Chuhak & Tecson associate, spearheaded the formation of the new practice group with firm president Andrew Tecson. Since its inception, the firm has assisted organizations in navigating the complex legal world of not for profits. Boike believes that formalizing the not for profit practice group is critical so these types of organizations know there are trusted advisors available to assist them with their legal needs.

“For a long time now there has been a gap in the services offered by Chicago’s legal community,” Boike said. “Not for profit organizations are faced with unique challenges, and there are many rules and regulations they must adhere to. We recognize that not for profits require legal counsel, and they are in need of services specifically designed for them.”

Although Chicago is home to thousands of charitable organizations, Chuhak & Tecson is one of the few local firms with an entire practice group dedicated to their success.

With the firm’s long history of creating private foundations for clients, as well as the strength of its long-standing relationships with not for profit clients, the development of a not for profit practice group was a natural next step. Since it was introduced, Chuhak & Tecson attorneys already have made strides in enhancing relationships with various Chicago organizations supporting the arts, education, healthcare and other issues.

The addition of the Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations group goes hand-in-hand with the culture of Chuhak & Tecson and coincides with “25 Ways to Give Back.” In celebration of the firm’s 25^th anniversary this year, employees are volunteering their time and talents for 25 service projects throughout the Chicago area.

“Our 25^th anniversary service initiative fits perfectly with the creation of our not for profit group,” Boike said. “I get a charge out of knowing that the organizations Chuhak & Tecson is assisting are in turn out there in the community helping Chicago become a better city.”

Learn more about Chuhak & Tecson’s Not for Profit & Mission-Based Organizations practice group by visiting chuhak.com/not-for-profit-and-mission-based-organizations.

Chuhak & Tecson is partnering with The Alford Group to present an event titled “The State of Philanthropy Today” on Tuesday, June 19. The seminar, which is geared toward Chicago’s not for profit community, features morning and evening sessions and will examine how new GivingUSA charitable data and statistics reflect national trends in philanthropy.

Chuhak & Tecson president Andrew P. Tecson and founder & chair of The Alford Group, Jimmie R. Alford, will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Andy Shaw, president & CEO of the Better Government Association. Tecson will discuss the firm’s commitment to the Chicagoland community, as seen through its 25^th anniversary yearlong service initiative. Throughout 2012 and in dedication to its clients, firm employees are participating in 25 community service projects assisting various organizations in need.

Chuhak & Tecson has a long history of representing not for profit organizations and private foundations. The firm’s extensive experience in this area led it to recently launch a practice group focused specifically on providing legal services to not for profit and mission-based organizations. Attorneys in this group work closely with clients on a number of issues, including executive compensation, obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, governance issues and officer and directory liability.

“We are honored to participate in this seminar that dovetails with the firm’s focus on servicing not for profit clients to ultimately better the Chicagoland community,” Tecson said. “Commitment to service is a trademark of our firm, which includes serving our community as well as our clients.”

Founded in 1979, The Alford Group is a consulting firm that works exclusively with not for profit organizations. The firm has assisted more than 2500 organizations across the United States.

The seminar, which is hosted by The Chicago Community Trust and The Lake County Community Foundation, is free of charge. For questions about the event, contact Katie Walsh at kwalsh@chuhak.com or (312) 201-3447.

Event Information

Morning Session:

8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

The Chicago Community Trust

225 North Michigan Avenue Suite 2200

Chicago, IL, 60611

Evening Session:

5:00 Pm to 7:00 PM

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

3333 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, IL 60064

Chuhak & Tecson principal Lindsey Markus will speak at a seminar titled Advanced Family Law on Wednesday, June 27. The seminar, which takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. at Country Inn and Suites in Naperville, is intended for attorneys, paralegals, social workers and counselors involved in family law and will cover topics such as paternity disputes, family business assets and child support. From 1:50 to 2:40 p.m., Markus will speak on the estate planning considerations of death and divorce, which include changing life insurance beneficiary designations and updating estate planning documents.

Markus, who concentrates her practice in Estate Planning & Asset Protection, works closely with business owners and families to develop individualized estate plans that maximize wealth preservation and minimize gift and estate taxation. She assesses how the law affects her clients, generates creative solutions to their complex situations and carefully communicates these options. Licensed in both Illinois and Florida, Markus has been named an Illinois Rising Star by Super Lawyers magazine.

The seminar, which is sponsored by the National Business Institute, qualifies for continuing education credits. To register, call 800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.

Venue Information

Country Inn and Suites

1837 Center Point Circle

Naperville, IL 60563

As a part of its “25 Ways to Give Back” program, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C is assisting with Plymouth Place Retirement Community’s Bingo Social.

On Saturday June 9, about a dozen Chuhak & Tecson attorneys, administrators and staff will assist residents of the retirement community by escorting them to bingo, calling out bingo numbers and helping them mark their bingo cards. Win or lose, each participating resident will receive a prize provided by the firm.

The Bingo Social at Plymouth Place serves as the eleventh activity in Chuhak & Tecson’s yearlong community service initiative. In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, firm employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless, to sponsoring clothing drives, to providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. Visit 25 Ways We’re Giving Back for ongoing updates.

Plymouth Place Retirement Community, located in La Grange Park, is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community that has been caring for Chicagoland seniors since 1944. Find out more about Plymouth Place at http://www.plymouthplace.org/.

During the month of May, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is hosting a bake sale and potluck lunch fundraiser as part of the firm’s “25 Ways to Give Back” program. Money raised will benefit My Brother’s Kitchen, a family-run organization that feeds the less fortunate.

The firm’s bake sale, held on May 7, raised $456 for My Brother’s Kitchen. The all-you-can-eat potluck lunch will take place on May 22. Between the two events, the firm hopes to raise at least $900, which will feed people for a month at My Brother’s Kitchen

The bake sale and potluck lunch serve as the tenth activity in Chuhak & Tecson’s yearlong community service initiative. In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, and in honor of its clients, firm employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless, to sponsoring clothing drives, to providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. Visit 25 Ways We’re Giving Back for ongoing updates.

My Brother’s Kitchen was started in December 2003 by brothers Frank Vito and Pete Vito. Although both brothers have since passed away, the organization is now run by family members who continue to cook and serve meals to the less fortunate. Learn more at about My Brother’s Kitchen.

Chuhak & Tecson principal Ed Josephson "shakes his can" to raise money during Misericordia Candy Days, April 27.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. continued its “25 Ways to Give Back” celebration in April with three community service projects.

Event Partner: Volunteers of America of Illinois

From April 9 through April 16, Chuhak & Tecson collected new and gently used books for Volunteers of America of Illinois, a charitable organization that provides long-term, hands-on support to Chicago veterans through comprehensive program offerings. Firm employees donated 430 books, which will be used to help stock the library at the Hope Manor Apartments, a new housing development that provides affordable accommodations and supportive services for area veterans.

Hope Manor Apartments is one of the first large-scale housing developments specifically designed for Chicago’s veterans. The 48,000 square foot building, which was completed in November 2011, provides a wide range of supportive services for homeless and struggling veterans, including job training, peer support groups and counseling.

Event Partner: American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

Chuhak & Tecson held a two-part drive to benefit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Teddy Bear Program, which provides teddy bears to local children who have been affected by home fires and other disasters. With the first event, firm employees were asked to donate a new teddy bear or a minimum of $10 in order to wear jeans to work on Friday, April 20. Collectively, employees donated 90 teddy bears and over $500 to the Red Cross. The second drive came in the form of a partnership between the teddy bear program and the firm’s Women Helping Women program, which held its spring Mix-and-Mingle April 26. That evening, guests generously donated another 85 bears to the Red Cross.

Teddy bears distributed by the Red Cross provide comfort to children during traumatic times. To learn more about the Red Cross, visit http://www.chicagoredcross.org/index.asp?IDCapitulo=VF223FBDFD.

Event Partner: Misericordia

On April 27, 22 Chuhak & Tecson employees donated their time to Misericordia Candy Days, a fundraiser to benefit the charitable organization that provides supportive services to children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Volunteers worked the streets of Chicago, shaking collection cans and passing out candy in exchange for monetary donations. Chuhak & Tecson employees joined the more than 12,000 volunteers that took part in this year’s Misericordia Candy Days.

Misericordia currently serves more than 600 individuals at its 31-acre campus located in the Rogers Park area of Chicago. The organization provides a wide range of programs to meet residents’ diverse needs, including day-to-day support, physical and speech therapy and job training. Find out more about Misericordia at http://www.misericordia.com/.

In celebration of its silver anniversary, and in honor of its clients, Chuhak & Tecson employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless to making blankets for soldiers stationed overseas.

Chuhak & Tecson employees are “shaking their cans” for the firm’s next community service project.

As part of its “25 Ways to Give Back” program, attorneys and staff are volunteering to raise money for Misericordia, a charitable organization that provides supportive services to children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.

On April 27, over 20 of the firm’s employees will donate their time to Misericordia Candy Days, a fundraiser where volunteers work the streets of Chicago, shake collection cans and pass out candy in exchange for monetary donations. Chuhak & Tecson employees will join the more than 12,000 volunteers that will take part in this year’s Misericordia Candy Days.

The Misericordia Candy Days fundraiser serves as the ninth activity in the firm’s yearlong community service initiative. In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, and in honor of its clients, firm employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless, to sponsoring clothing drives, to providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need. Visit 25 Ways We’re Giving Back for ongoing updates.

Misericordia currently serves more than 600 individuals at its 31-acre campus located in the Rogers Park area of Chicago. The organization provides a wide range of programs to meet residents’ diverse needs, including day-to-day support, physical and speech therapy and job training. Misericordia aspires for each individual to live as independently as possible in the highest level of community integration. Find out more about Misericordia at http://www.misericordia.com/.

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. continued its “25 Ways to Give Back” celebration in March with three community service projects.

Event Partner: JUF Uptown Café

On March 8, 10 Chuhak & Tecson employees volunteered at the Jewish United Fund Uptown Café, Chicago’s first kosher anti-hunger program for the needy. The volunteers served hot meals and provided friendly conversation in the Uptown Café’s restaurant-style setting.

More than 8,500 volunteers have served 140,000 meals since the JUF Uptown Café opened its doors in 1998. The Uptown Café is open three days a week for dinner and on Sundays for brunch. Learn more about JUF Uptown Café.

Event Partner: The Glass Slipper Project

From March 3 through March 17, Chuhak & Tecson collected new and gently used formal dresses and accessories for The Glass Slipper Project, a charitable organization that provides prom dresses to local high school juniors and seniors. In total, Chuhak & Tecson employees donated 65 dresses, handbags and pairs of shoes, and 80 pieces of jewelry, makeup and perfume items, in addition to 30 shopping and dry cleaning bags that can be reused by The Glass Slipper Project.

To date, The Glass Slipper Project has helped make prom dreams a reality for more than 16,000 teen girls throughout Chicagoland. Discover how you can help make a difference by donating to The Glass Slipper Project.

Event Partner: Elim Christian School

Chuhak & Tecson held a penny war from March 19 to March 31 to raise money for Elim Christian School, an educational program that provides services to students with developmental and physical disabilities.

Firm employees were divided into two teams for the penny war. To build on the friendly competition generated from the firm’s afternoon volunteering at Greater Chicago Food Depository in February, Teams Sausage and Pasta went head-to-head in the fundraiser. Each team had a change collection jar in which team members contributed loose coins of all denominations, while members from the other team contributed paper money. All of the coins in each jar “counted” for that team, and all paper money counted against that team.

At the end of the penny war, Team Sausage was declared the winner with a total $269.58 to Team Pasta’s $170.79, but in the end, Elim Christian School was the true winner, receiving a total of $1,000.37 in cash, coins and checks to provide the school with assistive technology.

Elim Christian School provides its students, who range in age from three to 22, with individualized plans that focus on educating and preparing students to work, live and socialize within the community. Learn more about Elim Christian School.

Chuhak & Tecson’s next community service project is one for the books.

As part of its “25 Ways to Give Back” program, Chuhak & Tecson, P.C. is hosting a book drive for Volunteers of America of Illinois, a charitable organization that provides long-term, hands-on support to Chicago veterans through comprehensive program offerings.

From April 9 through April 16, Chuhak & Tecson will collect new and gently used books to help stock the library at Hope Manor Apartments, a new housing development that provides affordable accommodations and supportive services for Chicago’s veterans. Books from all categories are needed, including: education and reference, fiction and nonfiction, biographies, business, outdoor and travel.

The VOA of Illinois Hope Manor book drive serves as the seventh activity in Chuhak & Tecson’s yearlong community service initiative. In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, firm employees are participating in 25 service projects assisting those in need. Projects include everything from serving meals to the homeless, to sponsoring clothing drives, to providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need.