The Anti-Cruelty Society is just across the street from our office. We’ll often pass by and see some furry creatures getting the attention and care they deserve from a great team of volunteers.

In the spirit of giving, we thought we’d volunteer our Wednesday lunch hour to making cat and dog toys and beds for the shelter.

Despite some uncooperative scissors, everyone had a great time and made some great toys and cozy beds. Check out our Facebook page for all the action.

We made these! For dogs and cats!

Last Thursday I attended the “A Gentlemen’s Night Out” event sponsored by Jack Daniels. Ever since envisionit got involved with the promotional materials for the event, I’d been developing a thirst for a Jack & Diet….mmmm….but I digress. On hand for the event was Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett, who led us through a series of private tastings of Jack Daniels signature whiskies. Along with the tasting, the night was filled with magic (literally, there were magicians there) and casino games (luckily I was gambling with fake money). After scoring some Jack Daniel’s swag, I made sure to get autographs from several firefighters, on hand to promote their great cause, Ignite the Spirit.

Here’s me enjoying my VIP seat (on the left, with a friend of envisionit)….

And here’s Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett….

And wonderful account supervisor, Lisa, who attended the event with me….

All in all, it was a great evening spent with my friend Jack!

CEO, Todd Brook  was invited to speak at Waukegan Savings Bank’s annual, Business After Hours conference, held at the Vista Hotel and Convention Center in Gurnee, IL.

“Driving Action in 2010” was the theme of this year’s town hall style event, and Todd’s presentation, which centered around establishing and maintaining a powerful online presence, was received with great appreciation by the 40+ attendees. Other presenters included Frank Bisbois, President of Lake County Partners and Matt Huels of Diamond and Huels accounting firm.

Lifelink, a charitable organization devoted to serving those less fortunate in the Chicagoland area, hosted their annual fundraising gala last Friday in Oak Brook, IL. What a wonderful evening – and a great chance to get insight into the amazing stories that speak volumes about all that Lifelink staff does to provide better lives for the 25,000 people they touch each year.

The evening began with a silent auction and cocktail hour (is it just me – or is this everyone’s favorite hour?). We chatted and mingled it up, bid on prizes that we knew we wouldn’t win – and then did actually win one. Luckily, Lifelink takes Visa…

During dinner, we had the real treat of sitting with a member of Lifelink’s board. He and his wife adopted their daughter from Korea 26 years ago through Lifelink’s International Adoption program. They regaled us with stories from “the good ‘ol days,” when Lifelink’s community support was at its peak. We listened together as Lifelink’s CEO, Tim Rhodes, delivered a moving presentation about how everyone in the room contributes to helping those less fortunate – a foster child who is spending his first night tonight in a new home free from abuse; an immigrant mother that can barely make ends meet now knows that her son will get the education he deserves with Lifelink’s Head Start program; a senior citizen in his or her new apartment that won’t have to worry anymore at the prospect of spending a night on the streets.

We are profoundly touched by the work that Lifelink does, and firmly believe their impact on society is immeasurable. We’re so proud to support them and provide assistance where we can so that others have the opportunity to learn about and support this wonderful organization.
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The scores are in and it is the creative team that seemed to dominate the bowling match this year.  On Friday, October 2nd, envisionit media treated its agency to a half day off after a month full of process and strategy training meetings to an afternoon of bowling.

While the account team held their own (well…gave it their best) and the interactive team lobbed their balls at the pins (it almost worked) it was Zeke and Rob of the creative team that came home with the highest scores.  So, as much as we hate to do it, we must give this round to them.

Calling all wine aficionados and wannabe’s!

Are you a wine connoisseur? Or desire to be something close to that? Maybe you just enjoy a nice glass of Shiraz. Whatever the case, eno Wine Room at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is serving as your own personal sommelier.  Come in to enjoy this stylish oasis devoted to the culinary world’s three most sensual indulgences – wine, cheese, and chocolate.

Sign up for one of eno’s monthly ENOversity events, and eno’s knowledgeable wine enthusiasts will recommend pairings and answer questions. eno showcases 300 to 500 varietals of wine from around the world … offered by the bottle, glass, or flight. You can also savor 35 different cheese types – available as individual slices or flights – accompanied by dried fruit, honey, and nuts. Chocolate lovers can select from an ever-changing menu of handmade truffles and bars crafted by local chocolatiers.

Wine, cheese and chocolate. Now that’s what we call an education!