As if I need a reason to eat more Tunacado, my favorite entrée at RA Sushi! At least this week the money I spend on my sushi fix at RA is going to a great cause and while I scarf down yummy rolls and salty Edamame, I can at at least feel good about it.
This week, May 25-31, RA will host its fourth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser to benefit the renowned St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 100% of the proceeds from sales of various food and beverage items will help the amazing efforts at St. Jude’s to help treat and cure children with life-threatening illnesses.
The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicky Maillard, who died in February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. A nephew of one of RA’s founders, Nicky holds a special place in the hearts of many RA employees. Also, every year patients and families of the hospital visit a restaurant and share their stories with the staff.
RA has raised more than $150,000 for the national hospital and this year they hope to raise $100,000 more. This is an amazing cause and I hope to encourage anyone that loves sushi as much as me to come to RA next week and give a little back!
Crimson Lounge continues to set the standard to which other nightlife venues in Chicago aspire whether it is the lush décor or the premium liquor and cocktails found at the bar. Once again Crimson has managed to set itself apart from the rest, this time with its ability to provide an overwhelmingly diverse selection of live music throughout the week.
Crimson dedicates three evenings a week to live jazz music to accompany those long anticipated after work cocktails. Tuesday through Thursday nights Crimson is providing different musicians with their own unique interpretation of jazz. Every Tuesday night Crimson features Erin McDougald, Chicago’s leading lady in vocal jazz who has performed in venues from Chicago to Paris, and even has fans as far as Japan. Petra Van Nuis, another prominent female jazz vocalist in Chicago, is known for making incredible connections with her audience and is also featured weekly at Crimson. In addition to jazz vocal talent, Crimson also features Audley L. Reid, a superbly skilled musician who plays everything from the alto sax to the soprano sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, and flute. With even more jazz acts to come, this is an after work event not to be missed.
Crimson Lounge has been known to regularly bring in big name DJs, yet it should not be overlooked that 5 nights a week Crimson is providing local DJ talent that is more than holding its own. Frankie Hollywood, Jamm Master C, DJ Rex, and DJ Kevin are throwing down beats every week. With 3 nights of live jazz, and 5 nights of incredible DJs, Crimson Lounge has once again set the standard in Chicago for a quality nightlife experience.
Why did I suffer for so long? This is the question I have been asking myself the last few weeks. Coming from a structured corporate background, the beginning of my career with Zapwater has been an eye opener to say the least. From bringing my dog to work to wearing jeans every day…I think I can get used to this. Aside from the comfortable work environment, I am now also exposed to the newest, most sought after Chicago designers and store owners. I plan on using on these connections to address my closet since it hasn’t seen much in the way of “trendy” or “hip” in a decade or so.
While it may take some time to resurrect my wardrobe, I know I will look fabulous on my wedding day. I recently collaborated with our client, Kristen Amato, to design unique jewelry to complement my wedding dress. The Chicago designer is well-known for her innovative jewelry line, K.Amato that offers gorgeous designs at affordable prices. Any bride should jump at the chance to create personal pieces through K.Amato. Or, request an exclusive in-store party and include your bridesmaids in the fun! Instead of accessorizing with typical bridal jewelry, express individual style with tailor-made necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Mingle while you design in K.Amato’s Lincoln Park storefront location at 1229 W. Diversey (312.882.1366).
The first time I met my new clients Jerrod and R.J. Melman, the owners of a soon-to-open River North dining and entertainment establishment called Hub 51, I was more concerned about keeping food in my mouth as I laughed hysterically than presenting a functional public relations plan. I’m not a messy eater; these two brothers are just two of the most effortlessly funny people I’ve met in recent years.
The Melmans hope to express their relaxed, but witty, attitudes through their new brainchild, Hub 51. This hub of dining, social, entertainment and nightlife activities is a sure hit with a “check your ego at the door” attitude. The variety of mouthwatering dishes on the menu doesn’t hurt either. But before I even had the opportunity to whip up a press release, Hub 51 was already making headlines!
In an effort to attract applicants for their available positions, Jerrod and R.J. created a hysterical hiring video with the help of legendary infomercial king, Tom Vu. The video, available on You Tube, has already received over 6,000 hits and the praise of Chicago’s Audarshia Townsend (312 Dining Diva), Monica Eng (Chicago Tribune) and Lewis Lazarre (Chicago Sun-Times).
With the opening line, “How can you make millions of dollars and have beautiful women like me, Vince Minh? It’s easy! Come work at Hub 51,” the guys show a preview of their signature sense of humor. They’ve also attracted a hoard of curiosity about what Hub 51 will be. For now, watch the above much talked-about hiring video to get a taste of what the Melman’s are cooking. From the PR side, I can promise it will offer a laid back atmosphere where you can bring your appetite and all your friends any night of the week.
Oh, and leave your ego at home. You won’t need it.
Congratulations to Zapwater friend and client Andy Biggs.
Banana Republic has licensed 13 of his black and white images from Africa for their summer 2008 campaign. You can now see some of these images in action on their home page at bananarepublic.com. There is also a behind-the-scenes video that is linked from their home page.
Andy’s images will be placed in 450 stores around the world. The offical opening of the summer season is apparently May 22, however you might be able to see the images in the stores before the 22nd.
Zapwater Communications has great clients. Our clients retain us to keep them in the upper echelons of visibility. We love what we do and who we do it for.
At Zapwater, we live by the mantra “We don’t make headlines, our clients do.”
While we don’t seek out accolades, when they come it is pretty gratifying. It reinforces that the representation we provide of our clients is of the highest quality.
The Publicity Club of Chicago is the nation’s largest independent public relations membership organization. Since 1941, PCC has been providing educational and networking opportunities for Chicago’s elite public relations practitioners.
This is the third major award Zapwater Communications has won in 2008. Earlier this month, Zapwater won two Bulldog Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the public relations industry and presented by the top industry newsletter, Bulldog Reporter.
Zapwater won a 2008 Bulldog Award in the Best Travel, Hospitality & Destinations Campaign category and in the Best Response to Breaking News category.
In 2008, all three of Zapwater Communications’ practice areas (Corporate, Public Affairs and Lifestyle) have won awards. I think that speaks volumes about the diversity of Zapwater’s clients and its quality of work. I am also confident when I say that I doubt there is another agency of Zapwater’s age (three years old) and size that has won awards for three different clients in three entirely different practice areas during the same year.
Thank you to all of Zapwater’s clients for giving us such great material to work with.
Zapwater is moving full force into the world of litigation! Did you know that there are 40,000 attorneys in Cook County alone? That is a crazy amount of competition for any attorney just trying to make an honest buck. With so many potential litigators in the mix, attorneys are forced to get very creative with their marketing and PR strategies. Referrals from law school buddies just won’t cut it anymore!Zapwater has come to lend a hand, and just last week signed on with Stephen Passen and his firm Passen & Driscoll. With a wide range of media contacts in the legal community and some litigation experience within our staff, we are ready to hit the ground running and are really excited to help Steve and other attorneys get the exposure that they need to take their practice to the next level!
Do you always struggle to find your Mother just the right thing for Mother’s Day? Whether it is brunch, fashionable jewelry or the ideal handbag – we can help you!
Celebrate Sunday, May 11th on the captivating shores of Lake Geneva with an elegant brunch specially prepared by Executive Chef Scott Powers. With a wide variety of specialty dishes including breakfast classics, flavorful lunch options and many seafood selections, the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Abbey is sure to please anyone’s palate. To toast the fabulous women on their special day, the brunch will feature a Champagne fountain and fresh peach bellinis along with tasty decadent desserts. The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Abbey Resort and Spa is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the low price of $32.95 per adult and $13.95 per child age five through 12. Children under four years old eat for free! For more information or to make your brunch reservations please call 262-275-1815.Join RA Sushifor the Treats & Tea Retreat to kick-off Mother’s Day weekend with a nontraditional Japanese tea party on Saturday, May 10 at 1 p.m. RA Sushi will offer moms a “cup of tea” with its signature “Zen Mojito” which features Zen Green Tea Liquor along with an assortment of signature RA dishes on a classic two-tier serving platter. The Treat & Tea Retreat is priced at $25, serves two people and will be offered at both RA locations in Chicago and Glenview between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. Reservations are required. Please call the Chicago location at 312-274-0011 or the Glenview location at 847-510-1100.Already have plans? You can’t go wrong with jewelry. Make your mother a fashionista with one of the many stylish and affordable pieces by K.Amato designs. The Maple necklace, a 1.5″ filigree with a clear teardrop that hangs on an expandable 15-17″ gold-filled chain, is a charming pick for mom at the reasonable price of $60. All of the hottest celebrities are sporting her designs, let mom make a statement too! For more information, call 312-882-1366. How about a fabulous piece from the unique and contemporary designs of Tivi? My personal favorite from the collection is the ionic wood cuff bracelet. With many modern silkscreen prints to choose from, the lotus, an ivory screened maple cuff with a gorgeous garden print, is a soft fresh look for any mother to enjoy at the price of $70. Visit http://www.tiviwear.com for more information.Whether it’s for a casual day at brunch or night on the town, any woman can use a new, hot handbag. The question is; how do you choose the perfect handbag for mom? Kristi Ryan, the owner of graceboutique in Bucktown offers a few secrets on how to purchase the ideal handbag. From wallets to cell phones to family photos to planners, purses are the catchall accessory. Look for an all-purpose bag that can hold all of the necessities, for the mom on the go. Try the Lambertson Truex “Bradley” tote, $295. For nights out on the town, women love the convenience of a handheld clutch, but also want enough space to fit those little required items. A simple color, like brown, will match any outfit choice. Try the Alexis Hudson “Santorini” clutch, can be used as a clutch or shoulder bag, $395. If you can’t decide on the perfect handbag, a gift certificate is the next best thing. Gift certificates at grace are available in any dollar amount and never expire. Visit grace at 1917 North Damen Avenue.End the battle of trying to choose the finest gift for your mother this Mother’s Day with the many things our clients have to offer. After all, your mother deserves the best!
Legion Paper is the largest distributor of Fine Art, Museum Mounting Board, Decorative and Digital Art Papers in North America. Legion prides itself on developing papers that meet the industry’s highest standards of quality and is equally committed to establishing and maintaining relationships with esteemed artists. The company’s latest charitable initiative is a testament to both these missions and of personal meaning to its Southern California office.
In the wake of last year’s September 2007 wildfires in San Diego, we approached a handful of Legion’s most devoted users and friends asking them to share their favorite California-themed landscape images.
After receiving great response, Legion sent paper to participating artists and compiled assortments of six California-themed prints in limited edition Moab Chinle Economy Folios. These four books are now being auctioned online through Ebay’s “Giving Works” with 100% of the proceeds donated to raise money for the Glendale, California San Diego Red Cross.
While many of Zapwater client events are charity driven, this is a new and unique endeavor for the Legion Paper. Accordingly, on behalf of Legion, Zapwater invites you to click herefor more information.
The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicky Maillard, who died in February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. A nephew of one of RA’s founders, Nicky holds a special place in the hearts of many RA employees. Also, every year patients and families of the hospital visit a restaurant and share their stories with the staff.
