Help Us Reach $75K for Chicago's Charities

Prinses Hemphill is organizing this fundraiser.

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Dear Friends, Family and Community,

We need your help to make a difference!

Over the past 8 weeks, we have been dedicated to raising funds and awareness for 17 incredible charities throughout Chicagoland, each doing invaluable work in our community.

We have 9 weeks to go. Our goal is to raise $100,000 from 17 weekly events to support these organizations, but we are falling short of this goal.

Your generosity can bridge this gap and ensure that these charities receive the support they desperately need. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal and makes a tangible impact on the lives of those these charities serve.

Our causes range from raising funds and awareness for suicide prevention, childhood cancer, breast cancer, anti-bullying, to ALS awareness and care.

Here are some fast facts on some of the causes we are focusing on:

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Incidence: Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. In the United States a little over 49,300 suicide deaths were reported in 2023, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number could increase as some death investigations are wrapped up and reported.

Just under 49,500 were reported in 2022, which translates to about one death every 11 minutes. Additionally, 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide in the same year.

Chicago Law Enforcement: The suicide rate among law enforcement officers in Chicago is alarmingly high. Studies have shown that Chicago's police suicide rate is 60% higher than the national average for law enforcement. This underscores the urgent need for mental health support and resources for officers who face daily traumas and high-stress situations.

Your support can help us provide funding aid to local organizations who provide crucial resources and support to those in need.

Childhood Cancer

· Prevalence: Approximately 9,620 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

· Survival Rates: About 85% of children with cancer now live 5 years or more after diagnosis, thanks to advances in treatment.

You can be instrumental in helping us aid in funding research and support services for affected families.

Breast Cancer Awareness

· Incidence: Each year in the United States, about 270,000 women (1 in 8) are diagnosed with breast cancer, and 42,000 women die from the disease.

· Men: Although less common, men can also get breast cancer, with about 1 in 100 breast cancers diagnosed in men.

Your contribution can help raise awareness and support for early detection and treatment programs. It can also help provide wigs for chemotherapy hair loss, and Integrative Medicine Service / Therapies such as acupuncture, massage, relaxation techniques and others to help patients manage the side effects after chemotherapy.

Bullying

· Prevalence: About 19% of students reported being bullied during the 2021-2022 school year. This includes 17% of males and 22% of females. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 24.

· Cyberbullying: According to Pew Research, nearly half of U.S. teens have ever been cyberbullied, according the 2022 Center survey of teens. The survey asked teens whether they had ever experienced six types of cyberbullying. Overall, 46% say they have encountered at least one of these behaviors, while 28% have experienced multiple types.

· Impact: Adolescents who experienced cyberbullying were 2.07 times more likely to have depressive symptoms compared to those who did not.

· Workplace Bullying: Approximately 30% of the U.S. workforce has experienced workplace bullying. This is an increase from previous years.

· Remote Work: The bullying rate for those working remotely is even higher, at 43.2%.

You can help us spread the word that bullying is not OK, as well as help provide resources to organizations who serve those affected by the various forms of bullying.

Hunger in Chicago, IL

· Food Insecurity: One in five households in the Chicago metro area experiences food insecurity, including one in four families with children.

· Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has significantly increased food insecurity, with an estimated 270,000 additional people facing food insecurity in Cook County.

Hunger can have profound effects on families, impacting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. And addressing childhood hunger is crucial for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Your donation will help provide meals on the table for Chicagoans in need.

Where is The Money Going?

Benefactors:

Week 1: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Week 2: Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Week 3: Grant A Wish Chicago

Week 4: MJG Movement - Children's Advocacy

Week 5: A Ray of Hope on Earth Mentoring Program

Week 6: Care Moor Foundation

Week 7: Steve “Mongo” McMichael ALS Fund

We will update this page to list benefactors for the remaining 11 weeks.

Please join us in this final push to reach our goal. Together, we can make a world of difference for these and other very important causes.

Other Ways to Donate or Support:

Purchase tickets for Monday Night Live – Monday Night Football Watch Party – Hosted by former and current Chicago Bears football players. https://www.joesbar.com/weedst/events.html