Lydia W. Smith Foundation

Whitney interviews Robert Mackey former NFL linebacker and founder of the J. Zemar Premium Brand. 

Robert is best known for founding the Lydia W. Smith Foundation a not-for-profit organization, named after Robert’s mother.  The foundation raises funds to provide financial relief for patients with sickle cell anemia. 

He also discusses what the proceeds of the event will fund such as providing insurance to patients for a 12 month period, and patient support with needs such as household bills, like mortgage, rent, utilities, groceries, etc.

W3! also interviews Robert's Aunt, Daisy Mitchell, who is affected by sickle cell anemia.  
  

DC Crenshaw, Food and Lifestyle Personality and supporter and friend of foundation and David Diaz, former welterweight champion boxer, also join WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY to shed even more light on this wonderful foundation.


***Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop!***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

Fall Fun

Staci Tanta, Marketing and Management Consultant, for Pumpkin Chicago, chats with Whitney in this upcoming episode of WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY.

Whitney and Staci discuss Pumpkin Chicago, team clothing, fall events, and MORE!  So be sure you're watching to get the latest news.

So, with the fall season in full swing the W3! team knows how much they (and Whitney fans) love to carve pumpkins.  Therefore, Staci educates us all on how to pick the very best pumpkin we can and the best ways to perfect your carving tricks. While Lori Lindberg, owner of Clothes Optional, will share the what Halloween costumes are the biggest hit for this holiday season.  She also informs us about the great items you can find at Lori’s store, Clothes Optional.

ALSO JOIN W3! AS WE SHOW YOU THE BEST  "FALL MENU"

See Whitney as she cooks at Roka Akor, a Japanese steak house that was voted one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States by Bon Appétit Magazine.  

Chef Ce Bian and his sous chef Brett Vibber join the show for a can't miss interview and some amazing fall foods including sushi, fall fish, grilled fall vegetables (sweet potatoes), Etc.!

***Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop!***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

Few Spirits

Whitney introduces Paul Hletko, founder and head distiller of FEW Spirits.  

 Paul will tell us the history about how Evanston was the major hotbed of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the longtime home of suffragist and prohibitionist Frances Elizabeth Willard (note the initials). 

Hear how  he chose to name the first legal distillery in Evanston in respectful, smiling homage to one of the city's most historic figures. 

Plus, knowing that his product line would always remain small and focused, Hletko wanted to invite a bit of wordplay with the name, à la, "How many kinds’ spirits do you make?"..."We only make a few." (It works in a number of fun ways: "Want a drink? Why not have a few?")

Paul was a patent lawyer and gave it up to rekindle his family’s tradition.

Meet the distillers and learn the process that goes into creating these fine craft spirits.  We are going to witness Evanston's first legal distillery in the making of such premium spirits as American Gin, Bourbon, Rye, and White Whiskey. 

***Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop!***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***