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!***

Delaney Hockey

Kevin Delaney, founder of Delaney Hockey and Blackhawks Coach, joins the WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY show to share more about his exciting life.

Delaney Hockey is one of the top programs in the state of Illinois for developing youth hockey talent.

Luke Skarzynski, a former Delaney Hockey player, shares his experience with his personal mentor, Delaney.  Luke is a current senior and continues to play hockey for his college team.

We also learn about the Danny Did Foundation, from Executive Director Tom Stanton.  This influential foundation is enjoyed my many and we are happy to have Nick Curley to help explain Danny Did.

Nick is a youth hockey player and is only seven years old but we have so much to learn from him.  He teaches us all about being a humanitarian and shares how he  helps raise funds by skating for the Danny Did Foundation.

THAT'S NOT ALL; don't miss the exciting news about how Delaney feels about the Blackhawks this season.

***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!***

Pumpkin for Sale

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is proud to introduce to our audience, Jim Zellmer, a teenager with type 1 diabetes and his mother, Mary Agnes Zellmer.   

The Zellmer family has inspired a community with their annual Pumpkins for a Cure Festival (PFAC) which will take place Saturday, September 29^th at the Court House lawn in historic downtown Geneva, Illinois.  

The event, now in its eighth year, benefits the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation (ZCDF) which was founded in 2004 by Jim’s parents, Mary Agnes and Paul Zellmer. 

The idea for Pumpkins came from Jim, who was diagnosed at six years old with Type 1 diabetes.  He knew he wanted to help and suggested growing pumpkins, on his grandparent’s farm in Western Iowa, and to sell them to raise money for the cause.  

What started out in the front yard eventually moved to the golf course and in their first year, raised over $6k and founded the Zellmer Childhood Disease Foundation.  So far, the Zellmers have raised over $250,000 for diabetes research.

We also bring two other special guests on the show to help enlighten us on Diabetes and healthy foods that actually taste great!

Amy Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE, is an advanced practice dietitian and coordinator for the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center Teen InTransit program, a unique diabetes program for adolescents and teens with diabetes.
Amy was named 2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the Diabetes Care and Education practice group of the American Dietetic Association and is currently Chair of the ADA’s Diabetes Care and Education practice group, comprised of more than 6,500 registered dietitians across the country. 

Chef Judson Allen, aka ‘Architect of Flavor’ recently was a part of the Food Network’s Food Network Star competition. Having struggled with weight issues for a large part of his life, he decided it was time to apply his advanced knowledge in food science and nutrition and thus began his personal journey toward adopting a healthy lifestyle change. With a palate that craved flavorful cuisine, Judson created recipes that highlighted his favorite foods infusing them with a healthier twist, all while providing an eating experience.  Over a 2-year period, he was able to lose over 135 pounds, dispelling the myth that healthy food is boring and unpalatable.  

W3! hopes that our audience attends The Pumpkins for a Cure Festival on September 29th to help support this wonderful cause and to raise awareness!

***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!***

Self Made #2

Join WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY on another journey towards success!

Dwyane Wade, NBA championship winner and gold medalist who plays for the Miami Heat, joins W3! to discuss his foundation the 'Wade's World Foundation' and how he is helping local kids excel in their own lives.

The foundation's mission is to provide support to various educational, health and family service programs, in particular those that benefit underserved communities.

We also have Travis who grew up in Cabrini Green and how he feels he survived the 'gang life' and how he chose to better himself.  Travis explains how he now aspires to be the best possible version of himself; through the help of God.

Lastly we have Ellen Burton, Executive and Life Coach for EJ Burton and Associates explains how you need to have goals and be appreciative of the good things in your life in order to feel successful and why this is so important.  

She also helps us to understand how YOU can help someone and how it is never too late to better a life.


***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!***

Shedd Aquarium

Who doesn’t love Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium?  The team at WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY sure does and hopes you feel the same. 

Aren’t that big of a fan yet?  Well, you’re in luck this episode is sure to make any skeptic change his or her mind or make any fan fall in love with the Shedd all over again.

Whitney is joined by three very important people at the Shedd that keep everything moving smoothly.  Andrea Smalec, Melissa Smith, and M.E. Hampton are all a big part of what makes the Shedd so great.

Andrea is the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Shedd Aquarium and is excited to welcome Whitney and the W3! Team for their VIP tour!

Melissa Smith is an Aquarist and is also the Shedd’s jellies expert.  Join us as we view the special jellies exhibit while Melissa gives us information regarding the jellies that everyone would want to know.

Want to know more about Andrea and Melissa?  Watch this weekend’s episode to learn why they are so important to the success of the Shedd and what they can teach you that you might not already know about the Aquarium.

That’s not all!

Whitney joins M.E. Hampton, an actual Marine Mammal Trainer and gets to become a trainer herself as she enters her own personal ‘trainer for a day extraordinary experience.’

How do you think Whitney will do as a trainer?  Do you think she is a natural or not?  Be sure to share your thoughts with our Facebook or Twitter page and then watch the episode to see if you were right!

***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!***

3 Interviews for 3 Reasons...

Philanthropy is at the core of Whitney and the WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY team.  That is why we want to highlight three very important and moving causes that you should all be aware of.  Join us in our latest episode as we get the scoop on some of the latest philanthropic causes.

Bob Lee, a resident of Barrington, is an inspiration to, not only his community, but to everyone he meets.  In September Bob is planning this third bike ride event called, “A Ride for 3 Reasons.”

A Ride for 3 Reasons beings on September 6^th and is a 2000 miles bike ride from Vancouver, Canada to Mexico.  The entire journey will take between six to eight months to complete. 

Bob shares with us how he prepares for this type of trip and just what drives him to continue on the hardest days.  We’ll let you in on one of the secrets to his success.  Bob is driven by a force greater than him.  He rides for his “3 reasons” which are the three charities that are closest to his heart:  to help fight cancer, ALS, and support hospice services.

Beth Raseman, from the Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois, joins the show to speak on behalf of Bob’s top three charities; The American Cancer Society, The Les Turner ALS Foundation, and end of life planning through the National Hospice Foundation and Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois.

Kim Duchossois, from the Duchossois Family Foundation, became the first of currently, 25 pacesetters, who have established a matching bid fund of $610,000.  This fund was established to challenge everyone to become involved with the RIDE.  For each dollar donated, two additional dollars will be released from the PACESETTER MATCHING FUND. 

Kim and her family presented Bob Lee with a challenge back in 2007 in which Bob and his community successfully completed.  Curious what this “challenge” was?  Watch the show to find out!  

***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!***

The W3! Edge: Ziplining

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY welcomes you to the second in our, “The W3! Edge,” series!  Join us as we discuss the history of Zip Chicago with our new friends, Ed Swiderski and Clayton.

Ed was the season 5 winner of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” and was most recently seen on “The Bachelor Pad 3.”  But that’s not all Ed should be known for.  He is a marketing and technology leader with over 12 years of experience and he’s a co-founder and managing partner of Kambio Group, a Chicago digital marketing firm.

Ed focuses on strategy and implementation to help customers embrace digital and social marketing and he also just completed a book that you should definitely keep your eyes out for.  His book, “Pinterest for Business:  How to Pin Your Company to the Top of the Hottest Social Media Network,” is a unique take on business in the social media world we all live in.

Whitney and Ed take their chat on an adventure when they join Clayton, from Zip Chicago, on a ‘ride.’ 

When you think of ziplining do you think of the Amazon Rain Forest?  Or have you ever thought about the purpose of ziplining (besides for pure fun)?  Well, get your questions answered with this segment as Clayton shares the history behind ziplining and why he thinks it’s such a great experience.  


***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!***

Skin Awareness

Mickey Williams, a celebrity makeup artist, will prepare Whitney’s hair and make up for today’s show. Whitney is excited to show you a before and after picture/footage of this process so you can join in on the fun with her!  Mickey also dispels the myths about DIY vs. the PRO and the results are surprising. Find out exactly what at home treatments go the distance and what really needs to be left to the pros.

Julius W. Few, MD, a board certified Plastic Surgeon will discuss anti-aging from topical to minimally invasive ways to stop the hands of time.

Dr. Few also shares ways  of preventing and treating aging in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and even 50’s!  Watch as the following procedures are demonstrated:

       20’s:  Silk Peel Microderm treatment
       30’s:  Injectables:  Botox or Dysport 

       40’s:  Fractional Laser: 1540 non-ablative fractionated laser system.
       50’s:  Evolastin 

Dr. Few also continues to educate…this time about Skin Cancer.  Learn the best ways to prevent cancer and what to do if it presents itself.  Dr. Few will also show before/after photos of skin cancer cases and discuss general skin care, highlighting the TFI skincare line.

Becky Tures, from Celebrity Skin Couture Air Tan, a Chicago based company that is dedicated to the concept of "Look good, Feel good, Do good"  join the show to discuss safe ways to get a great summer look.  

They know that a great looking tan is one of the quickest ways to boost self confidence.  But, what sets them apart from other advocates of a golden tan and that they promote tans that are Safe, Natural and Flawless. 

***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!***
 

Paws

“PAWS Chicago is the city’s largest no kill humane organization, focused on implementing solutions to end the killing of homeless pets."

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY loves animals and we are always looking for ways to spread the word on organizations based on helping our four-legged friends! Which is why Whitney and the team knew it was important to showcase PAWS in Chicago.

Rochelle Michalek, Executive Director of PAWS, will talk with us about the history of PAWS Chicago and their NO KILL mission statement.

That's not all though!  Rochelle takes us step by step through the entire adoption process that they refer to as "Meet your Match."  Also, she helps us to better understand their spay/neuter program and shows us around their clinic.  So, if you are looking for a cuddly companion this information is something you don't want to miss!

Whitney also interviews Sarah Ahlberg, head of Media/Public Relations of PAWS, who explain to us about the Volunteer Program and the importance of volunteering.  

Mark Lukas is an active volunteer with PAWS and tells Whit why he thinks volunteering at PAWS is so important and how simple it is for every one to be a volunteer!

***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!***

Uncommon Ground

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY introduces to the show, Helen Cameron, Owner of Uncommon Ground Restaurant located in both the Edgewater and Lakeview area.  

Uncommon Ground is proud to be the "GREENEST" Restaurant in Chicago!

Helen happily shares with us her concept for this 4-star certified green restaurant.  She also enlightens us about being 'green'....with vodka, other spirits, and coffee.  Who says that being 'green' needs to be so serious?  She successfully shows that you can help the environment while thoroughly enjoying yourself.

Whitney also chats with Chef Matthew Holmes, executive chef at Uncommon Ground’s Devon avenue location.   

Chef Matt is going to create with Whitney something special and seasonal.  Can you guess what it'll be?  Do you think Whitney is good in the kitchen?  Share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Lastly, Dave Snyder, the Organic Roof Top Farm Director shows us all how his garden grows.  Pay attention, you may catch some pro tips to help your personal garden flourish!

STAY TUNED:  Watch this Saturday, July 21st, to win a GREEN DATE with Whitney, herself, at Uncommon Ground.  To submit a contribution to help our environment go to W3!'s website!  To learn more about Uncommon Ground go to their website!

***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!***

Whit at the Wit

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is excited to share this episode with our viewers.

Chelsea Autumn has been matchmaking professionally for over a decade and is best known for her role on Bravo’s hit TV show, “Millionaire Matchmaker.” 

At MM, she was the lead client liaison, and responsible for the majority of client acquisitions. Chelsea has since parlayed her experience to launch her own matchmaking company, Queen of Hearts, Inc.  

Chelsea speaks about her background in matchmaking, and what led her to this career path and her epic split from Patty Stanger and Millionaire Matchmaker.  

Also, learn about her techniques and methods for creating her matches; what she looks for in the men and women and why, and the reasoning behind why certain people are matched to others.
 
Whitney also sits down with Chelsea Autumn’s partner in business and personal life, Wesley Ryan.  Find out how they feel meeting their perfect match and how they found happiness.

Neli Vazquez Rowland, President of A Safe Haven discusses the charity, and why it’s the “perfect match” for starting your life over. 

Neli provides a brief history about A Safe Haven, and what this event means to the organization.  

THAT'S NOT ALL...

Whitney interviews patrons of the event LIVE to discover why they decided to attend the event, and what they look for in their perfect match. Stay tuned to hear from real life people and how this event affected them.

 ***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!***

Building Your Business: Inside and Out

Join WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY as Whitney introduces and interviews Bill Walsh, CEO/Founder of Powerteam International LLC. 

Powerteam is an internationally leading venture capital, business coaching, and personal development company. Powerteam provides leading training, leadership programs, scholarships, and world class events, workshops, and personal/professional development programs aimed at individuals, companies, and organizations required to create success. 

Bill will talk about venture funding, tips and tools to carve out your business niche, and ongoing leadership training that will light your brand on fire fast!

 
Christopher Foltz, a Chicago based publicist, noted motivational speaker, and managing partner of Christopher Foltz and Company; a full service communication strategy firm. 

Chris specializes in strategy partnerships, brand positioning, message development, and corporate non-profit/philanthropic programs. 

He firmly believes that if you make brands better there’s no need for reputation management. 

Watch this episode to learn, according to Chris, about the right way to start a brand, how to give back without going bankrupt, and some key tips to stand out in the ever growing crowd of start-up businesses in America.

Whitney also interviews Mark Grazman, partner at GH School for Healthy Living. Mark is a successful venture capitalist and entrepreneur with a track record of launching and leading companies with a positive social impact. 

Mark believes that exercise combined with health and wellness initiatives allows business leaders to be more efficient by starting with the mind. He will educate us all on the GH Method, programs for business and thought leaders, and how they have made a mark in healthcare through leading current medical research studies at major universities and educational institutions.

Last, but certainly not least, Whit talks with Sara Shepard Founder and President of Eat Fit Cafe LLC. 

Born out of concerns and observations of other people’s eating habits, Eat Fit began as a combination personal training/personal fitness chef business. However, Sara soon expanded into retail. 

Eating healthy helps you perform at a higher level by being more focused and productive. She will talk about key eating tips, food types, and how to bring healthy thought provoking catering into your business and client meetings.  After all, your first impression in a business setting should be one of control, health, and experience.  


***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!***

Making it Work in this Economy

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is excited to introduce Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago to the viewing audience!

ICNC, is a nonprofit business incubator that takes up a block and half (more than 425,000 sq ft).  ICNC offers entrepreneurs great advice on starting their businesses and is home to 110+ small business tenants!

These tenants enjoy below-market rent, business support, services and a vibrant business community.  What more could they ask for?

Whitney introduces Andrew Fogaty to the show.  He is the Director of Outreach at Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC). 

Joshua Millman, owner of Passion House Coffee Roasters.  Joshua shares his story about the success of his business that has been operating for a year and a half and how ICNC was there to provide support in all the business processes.

We also have Jen Tabor, owner of Souldier.  Souldier is an independent design manufacturer, fusing aesthetic textile creation with functionality. Her unique product is created by using seat belts from cars and developing them into custom guitar straps, custom camera straps and custom dog collars.  Jen will share the story of her business with us, as well as her 6 years of successful association with ICNC.

Lastly, Georgina Vo's, of East West Infusion (flan company), company is brand new, using a kitchen incubator to manufacture her product and it is available in stores.  Georgina is a good example of how you do not need to be an actual tenant of ICNC to take advantage of their services.

***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!***

The W3! Edge: Skydiving

Welcome WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY's  new edgy series!  We are starting this series off on the right foot with Whitney, herself, jumping from an airplane.  That's right our very own host is SKYDIVING!


Morgan Gansauer, the marketing director of Skydive Chicago, helps Whit get all geared up and trained for her jump. 


Whitney has to go through a 20 minute instructional class; where she learns the basics of freefall and canopy skills.  Then she does one jump harnessed with a professional Tandem Instructor.  

Have you ever experienced something quiet so thrilling? Either way, be sure to watch to see how Whit handles all the excitement and also share with us your own experiences with our Facebook or Twitter pages!  

Also, stay tuned to learn all about the charity Skydive Chicago supports, "Jump for Diabetes."

***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!***