Law Rocks celebrates grassroots, community efforts, and The Hustle & Heart award is meant to encourage donations for each band’s nonprofit pick. As part of our initiative to increase our impact, we began offering The Hustle & Heart Award at each U.S. Law Rocks show. This award is given to the band that has the highest number of unique donors contributing to the “Donation” category (separate from sponsorships or ticket sales). Law Rocks makes an additional donation to the winning band's charity of choice. We are thrilled to increase our support of small, local nonprofits who would otherwise not be receiving this funding.
Today’s spotlight is on BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CHICAGO (BGCC), recipient of the Hustle & Heart Award at The Third Annual Law Rocks Chicago this past May.
We first profiled Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago in July of 2023. For the second year in a row, the organization took home the Hustle & Heart award from our Chicago show, thanks to supporting band Fauxly (featuring legal talent from Foley & Lardner).
Check out last year’s Nonprofit Spotlight on Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago to learn about the organization’s mission and history.
We caught up with the organization too see what was new since our spotlight last year — read on to hear more from Emily Steepleton, Sr. Manager of Philanthropy at BGCC.
Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
1) Have any new programs or initiatives been introduced since our last conversation that you are particularly excited about?
“This year, we introduced a new entrepreneurship program called StartUp LaunchPad, a one-of-a-kind opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in the world of practical business skills and entrepreneurship. During the four-month program, members created a business idea, built a team and developed every aspect of their startup. It all led to the pitch day event, where teams presented their ideas, business plans and even prototypes of their products or websites to a panel of successful Chicago entrepreneurs. After each pitch, the panel of professional entrepreneurs awarded teams seed funding ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 and provided feedback to the Club members on how they can improve their product and what they should consider for their next steps. Club members used the seed funding to bring their ideas to life and launch their businesses. 75% of each business's profits will go directly back to the youth as scholarship dollars, with the remainder supporting their Club.
Through engaging workshops and invaluable mentorship, Club members are equipped with the tools to develop innovative business ideas and receive the crucial seed funding necessary to turn these ideas into tangible ventures. Through this pilot initiative, the StartUp LaunchPad program is paving the way for a new generation of diverse entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed in the dynamic business world.”
2) What is your favorite thing about having your organization take part in a Law Rocks event?
Because of Law Rocks and the continued support from Foley & Lardner LLP, we have a unique and fun opportunity to raise awareness and critical funds that help ensure that more of Chicago's young people will have access to our Clubs, exceptional programs, and caring mentors who bring our programs to life.
We can directly link the support from this awesome event to the tangible difference we're making for the nearly 20,000 young people we serve across Chicago. Our Clubs provide a safe and supportive space where members can be themselves, connect with others, and ultimately build bright futures. When we empower a young person, we empower their families, schools, neighborhoods, this city, and more.
Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago