Chicago Lost and Found

“The Big Picture” A new twist to raise funds for art education!

CLF — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:56:44 +0000

Have you ever placed the “mercy” bid at a silent auction? Did you win a one way bus ticket to Toledo with a polka band? Wouldn’t you much rather spend your hard-earned dough on a special gift for a friend….or yourself?

Now you can!

Chicago Lost and Found presents a fresh concept in fundraising to support our mission of art education. This initiative sets a new precedence in the not-for-profit world.

The “Big Picture” 2012 features a Pop-Up Boutique curated by Andersonville Galleria to highlight work by area artists and craftsmen.

The boutique will showcase a wide selection of hand-made finery including jewelry, fashion and art. Our new clutch bag, the latest must-have from Chicago Lost and Found studio, will be included in this impressive line-up.

The artists will be paid for their goods in appreciation of their work.

Here’s how this “Shop-A-Thon” works.

Dollars spent in the boutique are matched by your pledge, similar to a walk or bike-a-thon. You can pledge as little as one cent per dollar of boutique sales. For example, if the boutique sales reach $10,000.00, your one cent pledge would total a contribution of only $100.00.

(Full details on pledge form)

As boutique sales escalate, the pledges also grow maximizing dollars raised for art education.

This concept gives you a choice of where you want to spend your money and we believe a fun way to involve everyone while focusing on education and celebrating artists.

You become part of “The Big Picture” whether you pledge your pennies or shop the boutique at the event. Your dollars serve dual purpose in the success of a new approach in fund raising.

Make a pledge and get set for a SHOPPING frenzy!

Get involved, keep creativity alive.

Pledge now!

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2012 Big Picture: May 24, 2012 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Victor, (311 N. Sangamon) Featuring celebrity Chef Dale Levitski Executive Chef of Sprout and Frog N Snail and Cabaret Duo Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen. Tickets are $30 (Before May 18th) or $40 at the door.

More information Tickets

Get Your Tickets to the Big Picture Soiree :: May 24, 2012

CLF — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:42:32 +0000

Join Chicago Lost and Found May 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at The Victor, (311 N. Sangamon) for the 2012 Big Picture, raising needed support for education in the community through the visual arts. Tickets are $30 (Before May 18th)

More information Tickets

Letter From Our Founder – Mitch Pennell

Mitch — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:44:34 +0000

I began Chicago Lost and Found in 2007 because I saw a need. As creative programs continue to disappear and budgets for the arts are cut, I feel compelled to help reverse this tragedy. With limited funds but a lot of passion, I can do my part by using the junk most people throw away. Where most people see trash, I see beauty.

Chicago Lost and Found is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creative transformation. We are committed to rescuing the discarded and unwanted. Through re-purposing, we create value, which in turn provides creative opportunities to build and support the community.

The centerpiece of the organization is the Creative Studio. This is where Chicago Lost and Found provides employment for artists, seamstresses, carpenters and other craftsmen to create art from junk and discarded materials found in alleys, dumpsters, construction and demolition sites or anyplace where refuse hides. Finished works are sold through exclusive retail establishments and the Chicago Lost and Found website. All proceeds fund our educational outreach.

We are preparing to initiate new creative programs through the educational outreach at Chicago Lost and Found to launch in early 2011. This rollout will include classes and workshops for children and adults, focusing on reusable products such as plastics, paper, glass, electronic parts, textiles and natural fibers. We have formed partnerships with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Hawthorne Scholastic Academy. We will continue to create new partnerships and programs in the future to expand our reach and increase our impact.

This is a very exciting time for Chicago Lost and Found as we introduce many new programs and involve more and more people that are stepping up to make a difference. I am thrilled to announce our Christmas tree skirt is featured in the November holiday issue of Cooking with Paula Deen. With the distribution reaching 7.5 million readers, you can only imagine what’s going on in our studio trying to keep up with the orders. I feel like I’m sewing in my sleep most nights.

While launching a nonprofit such as Chicago Lost and Found presents constant challenges, my enthusiasm and commitment have stayed on course. I am passionate about this mission and believe when we work together, the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. This theory is evident in the pieces we create from junk.

A unique facet of Chicago Lost and Found is that everyone can be involved. Whether you contribute financially or give your time, become a student or teacher, volunteer or have junk we can use, we hope you will jump on this wagon as we move forward to make a difference.

Regards,

Mitch