CAN A PENNY DO ANYTHING? SURE IT CAN...

A penny can’t buy you much of anything these days. But did you know in Pakistan and Afghanistan it could buy a student a pencil? Yes, sure it can.

Following my last blog about the wonderful book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, I have been inspired to help Mr. Mortenson’s cause by setting up a jar here at the Zapwater office to help benefit his non-profit, Pennies for Peace.

The program uses money collected to build schools in the two previously mentioned countries and provide education in areas forgotten by the rest of the world. In researching more about the program, I came to learn that $600 dollars can pay a teachers salary for a year. I have set a goal to raise this amount at the Zapwater office in six months.

So next time you stop by Zapwater's headquarters, remember to bring a penny or ten; drop it in the jar and help change a child’s life forever.

John Delaney
Office & Special Projects Manager

GREEN GALA

Celebrating its seventeenth year, Green Tie Ball is now less than a month away!

The Zapwater team has been working behind-the-scenes since April on handling media relations for all the gala pre-events and is now getting the press excited to attend and cover the #1 charity event in the Windy City. The celebrated gala will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Chicago Scenic Studios from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Located at 1315 N. North Branch St. (one block north of Division and North Branch), the venue is a 100,000 square foot enclosed warehouse space and benefits Chicago Gateway Green. This legendary fundraiser has set the standard for black-tie soirees attracting more than 3,000 attendees, featuring chefs from over 75 of Chicago’s top restaurants, premium bars, charitable gaming and entertainment. This year’s theme Greenivale—where “green” meets Carnivale—is an explosion of sights and sounds.


Tickets for Greenivale are still available. Individual gala tickets start at $150 and include access to the entertainment, premium bars, a charitable gaming tent, and tastings from dozens of Chicago’s top culinary kings. For the high-rollers, tickets for a reserved table seating for ten are priced at $5,000 and include cocktail service in the VIP area, $2,500 in charitable gaming chips in the Horseshoe Casino lounge, complimentary select spa services from Mario Tricoci Salon and Spa and much, much more. All Green Tie Ball XVII guests are also encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for $25 to enter to win onsite a Toyota Prius with a two-year lease, compliments of Chicago Northside Toyota, a member of the Bob Loquercio Auto Group.

I know where I'll be on Saturday, September 13th, experiencing THE green gala. Don't miss out, tickets for Greenivale are available through Tickets.com or at GreenTieBall.org.

Kiran Advani
Vice President, Lifestyle

TAKING THE MISSION TO NEW HEIGHTS

What a weekend! Zapwater Communications was proud to be a small part of the 50th Annual Chicago & Air and Water Show. Since Zapwater opened its doors in 2004, Zapwater has been pro-bono agency of record for the USO of Illinois. The mission of the USO is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families and to create a cooperative relationship between U.S. military communities and involved or supporting civilian communities.

The USO was a big part of the Air & Water Show. On Friday, comedian Bill Murray jumped with The Army Golden Knights on behalf of the USO of Illinois. The Army Golden Knights are a valiant representation of all the brave men and women who serve our nation! Murray landed on North Avenue Beach and introduced Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, who performed a free concert. Sinise is a Goodwill Ambassador for the USO.


Later that evening, Chicago hot-spot (and Zapwater client) Bon V hosted a USO Afterparty and raised money for the organization.

On Saturday, WLS Radio broadcasted live from the Palmolive Building home of Mike and Kristina McGrath, both dedicated supporters of the USO. Chicago’s Talk Station teamed up with the USO of Illinois as host Roe Conn hosted CONN AIR; a live broadcast celebrating 50 years of aerial antics over Chicago. The special WLS presentation promoted the mission of the USO while providing Air Show play-by-play with special interviews with aerial experts, veterans, military personal. The highlight of the afternoon was meeting the crew of the USS Chicago, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

Even being such a small part of this amazing weekend, Zapwater is proud to be the agency chosen to help get the word out about all of the amazing things the USO does for our men and women in uniform.

David Zapata