Shoe Drive Fundraiser to be a Big Hit!

The Garage (local pub) will be hosting Alexandra Gnoske's big fundraiser 'Shoes to Africa!' Thursday, November 15th from 7pm - 10pm. With dozens of raffle items and a minimal charge for beer and pizza it is going to be the kick off party of the Season.

Alix in The Gambia, Africa - May 2012

Gnoske is raising $2,900.00 to help bring shoes to children living in extreme poverty in Mozambique, Africa in May 2013. "One in two children are living in poverty and a pair of shoes can not only protect them from diseases, but also gives them the opportunity to attend school. It can potentially change their lives," says Gnoske.

The 'Shoes for Africa' fundraiser starts at 7pm with a $15.00 entrance donation for beer and pizza (while they last). Most raffle items are worth $100.00 or more and are from local businesses. Bidding on a raffle item will not only help the cause, but it will get you a head start on holiday gifts. One hot item, 2 tickets to a Truffle Making Party at Katherine Anne's Confections, is a must for a fun girls night out. There are also raffle baskets for teens, accessories for men/women, restaurant gift certificates, music baskets, a local/green basket or two, and more donations are coming in.

Katherine Anne Confections - Truffles

Can't make it? Not in town? No worries. Donations can be sent by check to:

Soles for Jesus, with 'Alix - MZ2013' in the memo to get to the right place.

8480 N. 47th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53224

414 365 1392

The Garage is located at 6154 N. Milwuakee, Chicago, IL.

For more information you can contact Alix at agnoske@gmail.com or The Garage Bar's owner, Lisa at info@thegaragechicago.com.

Eco-chickagoan Event!

Chickagoan - the go to website for all things healthy, wealthy, and wise for the ChicKago woman - is hosting the "Eco-Chickagoan: Incredibly Healthy Organically Fabulous" event on Tuesday, November 16th, at Bull and Bear, downtown Chicago.

This first annual event connects Chickagoan women with green living vendors for some organic drinks, eco networking, and green education!

Part of the Chickagoan mission is to encourage the women of Chicago by connecting and sharing with other Chicago women. And here is your opportunity - at the FREE event where you will find other Chickagoans who are interested in healthy, spiritual, active lives in the City.

There will be raffles and prizes as well as eco goody bags for the first 25 guests. Bring a friend, bring a colleague, and join your peers at Bull and Bear on 431 N. Wells from 6pm - 9pm. Check out the local green scene and find out what's going on!

Uncommon Ground Farmer's Markets

The Uncommon Ground Friday Farmer's Market is back! Every Friday from 4pm - 8pm you can check out local food, local beverages, local music and entertainment and local goods at this unique Farmer's Market in Edgewater (Chicago).

You can also meet Farmer Dave, the local farmer who takes care of the organic roof top garden, and get a tour to see what's growing and what will soon be cookin in the kitchen.

It's a great spot to unwind and begin the weekend. Hope to see you there!

Holiday Green Guide: Interviews with Green Business Owners

Interview with Andrew Baker

Andrew Baker is the Owner of Drew's Eatery, located in the North Central neighborhood of Chicago, at 2207 W. Montrose, where you can find yummy, healthy and satisfying treats any time of year.

RM: When did you open Drew's Eatery?

AB: March 14th, 2009.

RM: How would you describe your Eatery? What makes Drew's Drew's?

AB: It's an eatery with an emphasis on Organic, Local, and Natural foods. What makes it Drew's is that we offer a healthier choice for life's simple pleasures, using eco friendly packaging and to go supplies. Our menus are printed on brown paper bags and we take time to find environmentally responsible alternatives for our everyday supplies.

RM: What inspired you to start this yummy Eatery?

AB: When I lived in San Francisco for a couple of years I learned a lot about local and organic foods and just became more ecologically aware. That's just how I think about things now.

RM: How have things changed, if at all, since you opened last Spring?

AB: More and more customers who come in are educated and aware of their environmental impacts. We have a lot of families who are regulars here because it is important to them to raise their children in a healthy, more environmentally aware manner.

RM: What are your goals through your business?

AB: To make a difference while making a profit.

RM: What's next? Long term I would love to expand, but today it is day by day, building our business and getting the word out about Drew's.

Drew's Eatery serves items such as vegan and all natural beef hot dogs, vegetarian and meat chili, so it's a place where families and friends with different dietary palates can all be happy together. They also serve seasonal treats like pumpkin ice cream and a pumpkin non-dairy cream. And did I mention their food is delicious?

You can visit Drew's Eatery Tuesday through Sunday at 2207 W. Montrose Ave. You can also become a fan of Drew's on Facebook. You'll get updates on different seasonal treats, FB promotions, and invitations to some wonderful local artisan openings hosted by Andrew.

Mr. Baker grew up in Palm Springs, CA. He currently resides in Logan Square with his partner David Vail of Hazel Inc. (just East on Montrose) of 17 years, who share their pad with dogs Rocky and George.