Chicago nonprofit unites community with 'Friendsgiving' feast

Fifty volunteers erupted into applause Saturday as guests arrived for ChiGivesBack's annual "Friendsgiving" event.

"It's important for the community to feel the love. They need to feel the support and know they are appreciated," said Sandi Robinson, co-founder of ChiGivesBack, a nonprofit organization.

The evening’s hosts, 12-year-old Harper and 16-year-old Journey, welcomed attendees to a celebration that featured a lavish meal.

The Thanksgiving spread included pasta, ham, salad, and other must-haves. The food, donated by Jewel-Osco and prepared by 11 chefs, was offered free of charge.

Dessert stations delighted children with ice cream, while Pookie Crack Cakes, a Bronzeville favorite, kept everyone’s plates full.

ChiGivesBack will host a holiday toy drive on Dec. 15.

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ChiGivesBack
Local nonprofit works to help empower underserved communities in Chicago

CHICAGO — A non-profit in Chicago is giving back to the community for a whole holiday season.

ChiGivesBack, Inc. is a nonprofit that works to make sure low-income communities have access to resources, especially during the holidays when there is great need.

Co-founders Sandi Robinson and John Boddie joined WGN News on Saturday morning to discuss the nonprofit’s plans heading into the holiday season.

Visit the ChiGivesBack website for more information on how to give back.

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ChiGivesBack
Sandi Robinson is building community at Sophy and in the world: Feature in Rolling Loud
Sandi Robinson is building community at Sophy and in the world: Feature in Rolling Loud

“Sandi Robinson, a luminary in hospitality and co-founder of the nonprofit ChiGivesBack, is a force to be reckoned with. As director of sales & marketing for The Olympia Companies, she leads Sophy Hyde Park with aplomb. Recognized as the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association’s Department Head of the Year and HSMAI’s Director of Sales and Marketing of the Year, her accolades speak volumes. In an interview with rolling out, Robinson shares insights from her remarkable journey, including her dedication to philanthropy through ChiGivesBack.”

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Sandi Robinson
Hooters partnered with ChiGivesBack to provide scholarship to Leo Catholic High School Student
Hooters partnered with ChiGivesBack to provide scholarship to Leo Catholic High School Student

In honor of Black History Month, the Hooters Restaurants of the Chicagoland area presented a $1,000 scholarship for college to Joshua Smith. Smith is currently a junior at Leo Catholic High School in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood of Chicago….Hooters partnered with ChiGivesBack for the scholarship selection process. ChiGivesBack Co-Founder John Boddie nominated Smith. The Hooters of the Chicagoland area has volunteered with ChiGiveBack on several local initiatives so far this year including MLK Jr. Day and the Black History Month Scholarship selection.

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ChiGivesBack
2023 ChiGivesBack Impact Report
2023 ChiGivesBack Impact Report

As we reflect on the strides we've made in 2023, we're excited to share the incredible impact our programming and initiatives have had on our community. But guess what? The best is yet to come in 2024, and we want YOU to be a part of this impactful journey! Let's make 2024 a year of boundless impact! Together, we're turning dreams into reality, one initiative at a time.

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ChiGivesBack
ChiGivesBack Co-Founders John Boddie and Sandi Robinson Appearance on “Spotlight Chicago” to discuss the 7th Annual Chicagoland Toy Drive.
ChiGivesBack Co-Founders John Boddie and Sandi Robinson Appearance on “Spotlight Chicago” to discuss the 7th Annual Chicagoland Toy Drive.

In this exclusive interview, ChiGivesBack co-founders, John Boddie and Sandi Robinsondelve into the origins of ChiGivesBack, highlighting the organization's commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Learn about the passion driving the 6th Annual Chicagoland Toy Drive and the incredible journey it has been for the past six years.

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Sandi Robinson