Step Up Successfully Raises Over $330,000 at 6th Annual Shine & Dine Fundraiser

It was an evening of fundraising, food and fun as mentorship nonprofit Step Up raised over $330,000 at the 6th Annual Shine & Dine presented by Allstate & Ulta Beauty on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at Bridgeport Art Center’s Skyline Loft.

Chaired by Liz O’Connor and Souk Supantavong, Shine & Dine welcomed over 700 guests to sip and snack their way through tasting stations from some of Chicago’s top eateries. Step Up alumna Aminata Bah was honored in addition to Ulta Beauty General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Jodi Caro. Chicago Fire actress Monica Raymund was also in attendance.

Bah, a member of Step Up’s Class of 2014 and now University of Illinois-Springfield’s Class of 2018, shared her story about the influence Step Up has had on her life, while Caro was recognized for her work that inspires women and girls.

“Step Up is inspired by the investment of our Chicago community, especially our board of directors and event sponsors,” Step Up CEO Jenni Luke said. “It is rewarding to see this event grow in both size and impact each year, and this year's $330,000 raised will make a significant difference to our mentorship programs for Chicago's teen girls this school year."

Participating restaurants included Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, Eno, Foiled Cupcakes, Kinmont, Michael Jordon's Steakhouse, Owen + Alchemy, Eden, The Radler, The Signature Room at the 95th and Troquet River North. Special tastings were featured by chefs Christine Cikowski (Honey Butter Fried Chicken), Chris Gawronski (Acanto), Leigh Omilinsky (Nico Osteria), and Jared Van Camp (Old Town Social).

Step Up propels teen girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound and career-focused. In the last year, 335 of Chicago’s teen girls enrolled in the nonprofit’s after-school and weekend mentorship programs with a successful expansion to its fifth partner high school. Step Up currently has over 300 local professional women involved annually with mentoring.

ABOUT STEP UP

Step Up propels girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused and ready to join the next generation of professional women. Connect at suwn.org.