Live4Lali collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. On June 29, 2025, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation supported Live4Lali at a community blood drive in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Live4Lali is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of substance use while providing education, support, and harm reduction resources. The blood drive aimed to address the ongoing need for blood donations while raising awareness about health and wellness resources in the community. The volunteer assisted with event setup, day-of operations, and represented Live4Lali at an informational table. “It was meaningful to support an event that not only saves lives through blood donations but also promotes health and safety in our communities,” said Christina Petrillo, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “Live4Lali’s mission deeply resonates with the kind of impact I hope to make.” Thanks to the community’s participation, the blood drive ran smoothly and saw 78 individuals donate blood - directly contributing to local hospitals and emergency care services. Live4Lali also engaged attendees in conversations around overdose prevention and recovery support, amplifying their outreach across the area. To learn more about Live4Lali and their mission, please visit: https://live4lali.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The Angel Network Foundation collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.  On June 16, 2025, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with the Angel Network Foundation to host a special Luncheon and Bingo Day for residents and staff at the NWI Veterans Village in Northwest Indiana. Angel Network Foundation is dedicated to supporting underserved populations, including veterans, by providing resources, companionship, and compassionate community programming. The event was designed to foster connection and provide meaningful engagement for the veterans who call the NWI Veterans Village home. The SBB Research Group Foundation’s volunteer spent the afternoon serving approximately 50 meals and running a lively Bingo session, complete with a range of thoughtful prizes. “It was a true privilege to spend time with the residents and bring a little joy to their day,” said Steve Mallon, a volunteer with the Foundation. “The smiles throughout the room were a reminder of the importance of community-driven support.” Prizes included gift bags filled with snacks, toiletries, and useful household items to enhance residents' apartments. This collaborative initiative helped Angel Network Foundation further their mission of supporting veterans with dignity and compassion. The event created a warm and festive environment that encouraged social interaction and celebrated the service and sacrifice of those living at the NWI Veterans Village. To learn more about Angel Network Foundation and their ongoing efforts, please visit: www.angelnetworkfoundation.org This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Boston Dance Alliance collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. The SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with the Boston Dance Alliance to support the Cambridge Dance Company’s Informal Showcase, an engaging, educational event held in Cambridge on May 30th. The Boston Dance Alliance is committed to supporting and amplifying the local dance community through advocacy, access, and collaboration. The showcase served as an educational experience as well as a performance opportunity. Attendees learned how choreography is developed, how dancers interpret music and rhythm, and how dance continues to shape Boston’s cultural identity. The event featured live dance performances, insightful Q&A sessions, and conversations with the artists. Volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation contributed to the evening’s success by welcoming guests, collecting donations, distributing programs, capturing media, and managing a live stream of the event. “Dance is such a powerful way to connect with the community,” said Lauren Pajer, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “We were excited to support an event that not only showcased talent but also made dance more accessible and understandable to a broader audience.” The interactive elements of the event allowed attendees to engage deeply with each performance and fostered a shared appreciation for the artistic process. This initiative helped the Boston Dance Alliance and Cambridge Dance Company reach new audiences while reinforcing the importance of the performing arts in local culture. The involvement of volunteers and community partners like the SBB Research Group Foundation helped ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all in attendance. To learn more about the Boston Dance Alliance, please visit: www.bostondancealliance.org This story can be found on Business Wire

LivingWorks Chicago collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   On June 7th, volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with LivingWorks Chicago to support their annual BikeWorks fundraiser. LivingWorks Chicago is dedicated to empowering students through academic support, physical activity, and extracurricular activities. This volunteer initiative aimed to assist in executing the day-of logistics for BikeWorks, which includes a charity bike ride and run where participants raise funds to support the organization’s community programs. Volunteers played an important role in the event’s success by setting up and operating stations along the bike course, preparing and serving lunch and snacks, and assisting with a variety of additional tasks to ensure the event ran smoothly. “It was incredibly rewarding to be part of a day that not only raised essential funds but also brought together families, friends, and supporters for a joyful, active cause,” said Steve Anderson, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. “We could see the impact of our efforts in real time.” The support from the Foundation allowed Living Works Chicago to focus on participant engagement and fundraising efforts, while volunteers handled key operational tasks. The funds raised from the event will directly benefit LivingWorks’ programs that provide support for students at Kilmer Elementary School. To learn more about LivingWorks Chicago and their mission, please visit: www.livingworkschicago.org This post can be found on Globe Newswire

Heartland Animal Shelter collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation, which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.  On June 4th, the SBB Research Group Foundation partnered with Heartland Animal Shelter for a hands-on volunteer initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of shelter dogs. Heartland Animal Shelter, whose mission is to provide compassionate care and find forever homes for homeless pets, joined volunteers at an on-site event to assemble over 100 “busy boxes” - engaging activity kits filled with treats. In preparation, the Foundation also hosted a supply drive to collect materials for the kits. As a special guest, Heartland Animal Shelter brought along Miss Marple, a sweet and curious rescue dog who has since been adopted. Her presence was a heartwarming reminder of the lives positively impacted by events like this. "It means so much to know these busy boxes will brighten the days of Heartland’s dogs. While they wait for their forever homes, enrichment helps them stay happy, engaged, and hopeful," said Laura Heisinger a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation. The project underscored the importance of mental stimulation for shelter animals, helping to reduce stress and promote adoptability. This initiative provided much-needed enrichment tools for the canine residents of Heartland Animal Shelter, helping to improve their quality of life during their stay and supporting the shelter’s mission of compassion and care. To learn more about Heartland Animal Shelter, please visit: www.heartlandanimalshelter.org This story can be found on Globe Newswire

Chicago Children’s Museum collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   Chicago Children’s Museum is dedicated to creating a vibrant space where children can learn through play, explore their creativity, and engage with hands-on experiences that spark curiosity. On Saturday, May 31st, four volunteers from the SBB Research Group Foundation proudly supported this mission by assisting museum staff on one of the museum’s busiest days. Volunteers helped guide museum-goers, including many families, by directing them to various exhibits and demonstrating how the interactive displays worked. Their efforts ensured a smooth and welcoming experience for all visitors, while allowing museum staff to focus on delivering the best possible programming. Jordan Dubnow, a volunteer with the SBB Research Group Foundation who organized the project, shared his appreciation for the opportunity: “I loved seeing the excitement the children have to discover and learn. The energy was contagious.” He also noted the importance of volunteer support during times of financial strain, adding, “The museum has faced multiple funding cuts recently, and the additional help we provided was appreciated.” The partnership between the SBB Research Group Foundation and the Chicago Children’s Museum reflects a shared commitment to fostering education, creativity, and community, especially when resources are limited but the needs of young learners remain high. To learn more about Chicago Children’s Museum and how you can support its mission, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire .

Chicago Scholars collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program.   In celebration of Women’s History Month and in alignment with its mission to develop young adults from under-resourced communities, Chicago Scholars hosted its inaugural Women Lift and Lead networking reception on Monday, March 31st. The event welcomed nearly 50 guests and marked a vibrant kickoff to the 2025 program year. Women Lift and Lead is a unique initiative within Chicago Scholars’ career readiness programming. For the past five years, the program has empowered young women of color to build direct relationships with women in senior leadership roles. Through carefully curated interviews and mentorship pairings, Scholars are matched with industry-aligned leaders to engage in honest dialogue about career journeys, leadership, and personal development. The SBB Research Group Foundation provided resources to support the enrollment of 20 additional Scholars compared to last year and helped with the Women Lift and Lead networking event through event support and on-site participation. The event created a welcoming and dynamic space for students, mentors, and supporters to connect and celebrate the power of mentorship and education in shaping women’s careers. The reception also served as a recruitment event for the upcoming Women Lift and Lead programming set to take place later this year. “It was so inspiring to see these young women getting to connect with business professionals who are truly making an impact in their lives. We are grateful to be able to support Chicago Scholars Women Lift and Lead Program,” said Mitchell Lederer a volunteer for The SBB Research Group Foundation. To learn more about Chicago Scholars, please visit www.chicagoscholars.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Math Circles of Chicago received a $5,000 grant from the SBB Research Group Foundation , which awards monthly grants to support impactful organizations. Math Circles of Chicago , a nonprofit , is reimagining how students experience math by creating spaces where curiosity leads, challenges are embraced, and problem solving becomes a source of confidence and creativity. Through free, high-quality programs open to students in grades 3–12, the organization fosters a love of math that extends far beyond the classroom. Serving over 4,000 students across 150 schools, Math Circles of Chicago focuses on reaching communities that have historically been excluded from enriching STEM opportunities. With more than 60% of participants coming from low-income households, the organization works to ensure that every young person, regardless of background or test scores, has access to meaningful, joyful math learning. The core of the program is the Math Circle: a small group of students led by a passionate and skilled educator who guides them through challenging and thought-provoking activities. These sessions go beyond worksheets and memorization. Instead, students explore deep mathematical ideas, tackle complex problems, and build critical thinking skills in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, and persistence is celebrated. “Our program is about creating joyful, meaningful experiences with math, something too many kids miss out on. We want students to have fun, to be challenged, and to discover that math can be both exciting and empowering,” said Doug O’Roark, Executive Director. For many students, Math Circles provide a transformative experience. They develop not just stronger math skills, but also greater self-confidence, perseverance, and the ability to work collaboratively with peers. Math Circles of Chicago is committed to closing opportunity gaps and making rich, empowering math experiences accessible to all students across the city. By investing in young people’s potential and creating inclusive spaces to explore math deeply and joyfully, the organization is helping to shape a future where every student can thrive. "We are happy to support Math Circles of Chicago in their mission to create inclusive spaces where students can explore, enjoy, and excel in math," said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation (RKCF) collaborated in a volunteer initiative alongside the SBB Research Group Foundation , which partners with local nonprofits through its Champion A Charity Program. Renaissance Knights’ mission is to harness the power of chess through intentional, comprehensive programs that promote cognitive growth, character development, mentorship, and community engagement—empowering youth with the skills, support, and opportunities they need for lifelong success. Sandeep Navalgund, a volunteer from the SBB Research Group Foundation, supported this mission by helping plan and volunteer at the 2025 Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship , hosted annually by RKCF. This year’s event took place on February 8th at McCormick Place and welcomed over 660 students from across the Midwest. The tournament aims to introduce students—particularly those from Title I low-income schools in Chicago Public Schools (CPS)—to the game of chess and the critical thinking, planning, and social-emotional skills it fosters. “It was wonderful to see so many students and families excited to participate, regardless of age or skill level,” said Navalgund. He emphasized the event’s significance, noting, “This is one of RKCF’s marquee events and plays a vital role in their mission to teach lifelong skills such as planning, persistence, and patience.” To learn more about Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation’s comprehensive youth programs, visit www.rknights.org . This story can be found on GlobeNewswire

The SBB Research Group Foundation recognizes three Chicago-area charities as the June 2025 finalists of its monthly grant program supporting impactful nonprofits (in alphabetical order):  CREO DuPage (Glen Ellyn, IL) empowers families through college-centered services that help students enter and graduate, prepared for fulfilling careers. Rooted in the belief that education unlocks opportunity, the organization fosters a culture of aspiration, support, and long-term success. DoodleBug Workshop (Wheaton, IL) supports individuals with special needs by providing vocational skills, fostering independence, and building self-esteem. With support from dedicated volunteers, the organization creates an inclusive space where participants grow, thrive, and gain a sense of purpose through hands-on learning and community connections. Math Circles of Chicago (Chicago, IL) sparks curiosity and confidence in students through engaging, challenging math experiences. By offering free, high-quality programs led by dedicated educators, the organization creates inclusive spaces where all students can explore math, build problem-solving skills, and develop a lasting love of learning. The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant . Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly. This story can be found on GlobeNewswire