About Chicago
Known as the Windy City, Chicago sits on Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois. Chicago is home to the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), where onlookers can see a place where four states meet. Chicago is a place of invention: the Twinkie was invented here, and spray paint was also canned for the first time here.
Chicago is also home to the Chicago River, the only river in the world that runs backwards (done for sanitation needs). Because the goal of the backwards-running river was to divert sewage and other waste away from Lake Michigan, the Chicago River is considered a great feat of engineering.
Chicago is home to one of America’s favorite baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago Bears NFL franchise is known for the 1985 powerhouse team that released “The Superbowl Shuffle.” Finally, Chicago offers some unique architecture that makes the city worth visiting.
Charity Event Options in Chicago
It takes a lot of manpower to prepare a charity event venue in Chicago. But you don’t have to do it all alone.
- Event Decor
Once you choose your venue, you’ll need to evaluate the decor you require to make your charity event a smash hit. You’ll find a plethora of event decor experts and event rental services around The Windy City. Whether you’ll need something simple or a great deal of decor items, you’ll find what you wish for easily in Chicago.
- Private Car Service
Chicago is a busy area, and traffic can be tough to say the least. Whether you expect VIP guests from out of town, or you need reliable and knowledgeable drivers to help you navigate the city yourself, you’ll find many private car services across Chicago.
- Catering
You can’t have a successful event without food, right? Hiring a caterer for even the simplest of charity event menus is a great idea, and that decision can relieve you of a lot of stress. You may choose from local fare to appetizers to cultural specific cuisine; there is a caterer in Chicago available for your unique needs.
Charity Event Companies in Chicago
Chicago is full of talent. Ask local experts to help you set up your Chicago charity event venue so you can concentrate on details like the guest list.
- Tablescapes
Whether you need event furniture, audio/visual equipment or decor, the professionals at Tablescapes are equipped and ready to assist you in all aspects of event rental in the Chicago area. Tablescapes offers over thirty years of event rental experience, and the company promotes diversity in the workplace.
- NM Private Car Service
Looking for a flat rate private car service? Call the professionals at NM Private Car Service. NM Private Car Service offers transportation within the metro area of Chicago as well as in suburban areas. Consider a company like NM Private Car Service for your own needs as well as that of your VIP guests.
- Blue Plate Catering
Your charity event will likely offer some type of food, from appetizers to full meals. The professionals at Blue Plate Catering can prep everything from hors d’oeuvres to sit-down dinners. They deliver, and their unique menu will make your event one to remember.
Pros and Cons of Charity Events in Chicago
The Windy City is a unique metropolitan area with lots to do and some beautiful landscapes; however, it is not without its disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of hosting an event in Chicago.
Advantages
- Public transportation system runs smoothly
You might be surprised that such a large city would possess a transportation system that runs as efficiently as Chicago’s, but, it’s true. Most buses and subways are punctual, and they are much more convenient than having to find an often elusive parking space in the Windy City.
- Neat landmarks
The Willis Tower is the second tallest skyscraper in the United States, and when you climb to the observation area of the building, you can see four different states that meet near Chicago. Lake Michigan is a beautiful body of water, and the Chicago River was designed to flow backward. Don’t forget Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs.
- Great food
If you’re a “foodie,” you’ll love trying out all the various cuisine available around Chicago. From pizza to polish sausage to gourmet food, Chicago has something to offer everyone. Restaurants dot the landscape of the city as well as throughout the suburbs of the area as well.
Disadvantages
- Crime
Let’s face it – Chicago has a bad reputation for crime. It is no secret that there seems to be a good bit of crime, especially in certain parts of the city. However, make a point to travel via a private car service rather than walking, and be aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure your safety while visiting the Windy City.
- Traffic
Some locals in The Windy City say the worst thing about living in or visiting Chicago is the traffic. The traffic is bad all hours of the day. Finding a parking spot is a chore, too. Most locals utilize either private car service or public transportation to traverse the city.
- It’s expensive
Living in Chicago is expensive due to high property taxes as well as the everyday expenses – food, fuel, and housing. Planning your charity event will require an easy to navigate budget.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Navy Pier
Once an amusement park and shipping dock, Navy Pier is now a place to take a scenic stroll in the Windy City. Navy Pier is also home to an IMAX Theater, where special presentations come to life on the special screen. Navy Pier is also home to several restaurants, gardens, and shopping opportunities.
- The Willis Tower
The second-highest skyscraper in the United States, the Willis Tower – formerly the Sears Tower – boasts a Skydeck from which one can see four states from the view. The SkyDeck is on the 103rd floor, and one must have tickets for access to the area.
- The Buckingham Fountain
Designed in Art Deco period motif, the Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest of its kind in the entire world. Visit the fountain in the evening to see the water show; however, the best viewing is at dusk, when the water show becomes a water-and-light show.
