International Women’s Day Fundraiser Dinner
Join Expanding Lives at Chez Adele for a culinary celebration of West Africa.
Proceeds from each dinner ticket empower young women to make
lasting change in their communities.
Each $50 dinner ticket includes an appetizer and choice of entrée. Book by March 7th to secure your spot!
Please visit Expanding Lives or send payment via Venmo@ExpandingLives
Enter “I support girls’ education.” in the comment box when submitting your payment.
Suya Deviled Eggs Appetizer:
Savory, slightly spicy deviled eggs with a special creamy West African peanut and mayo sauce.
Suya Bowl Entrée:
Chicken with crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, and smooth peanut sauce with a side of plantains.
Yassa Entrée:
A Senegalese vegetarian dish of caramalized sweet onions and a tangy, citrusy, dijon mustard sauce. Served with rice.
Smash Burger Entrée:
Two perfectly grilled beef patties, caramelized onions, American cheese, pickles, mayo, and ketchup on a toasted brioche bun.
Book by March 7th to secure your spot!
Drag Queen Bingo with Expanding Lives
Celebrate International Day of the Girl with Expanding Lives and HamBingo Mary’s
8 games: 6 Bingo + 2 Bonus Games!
Jello shots provided by Hamburger Mary’s! $3 each or 2 for $5
Proceeds split 50/50 with Expanding Lives
No frontiers: a fundraising concert
All donations will benefit the Expanding Lives organization.
2025 RAGBRAI Fundraising Ride
Expanding Lives founder Leslie Natzke, joined by a passionate team of EL supporters, will take on the 2025 RAGBRAI ride—cycling 406 miles over seven days—to fuel opportunity and create lasting change. Their goal is to raise more than $7,000 to support Expanding Lives programs that empower young women through education.
Expanding Lives Pop-Up Fundraiser at Fitzgerald’s
Join Expanding Lives for an evening of vibrant rhythms by Funkadesi, community connection, and purpose, as we come together to support young women’s education in West Africa. Stop by the table to explore unique items, learn more about our mission, and help make a lasting impact.
Expanding Lives 5K 2024
A family-friendly community race to fundraise for the Chicago-based nonprofit Expanding Lives.
Drag Queen Bingo
Celebrate International Day of the Girl with Expanding Lives and Drag Queen Bingo!
This isn't your grandma's Bingo! Join us for an amazing, fun-filled evening of games and entertainment in support of Expanding Lives!
HamBingo Fundraiser
Come join us for a night of bingo to support Expanding Lives’ programs!
Summer Celebration
Come party, say goodbye, celebrate & hear speeches from our 2019 scholars. Children welcome, kids’ activities, silent auction, appetizers and wine pull!
Expanding Lives Summer Event: Honoring Our Scholars
Come party, say goodbye, celebrate & hear speeches from our 2018 scholars. Children welcome, kids’ activities, raffle, silent auction, appetizers and cocktails!
Panel: Models of Empowerment and Resiliency
Consuella Brown, Danielle Achiaa Boachie & Alicia Crosby Our final round of panelists will discuss obstacles as black and/or African women, share frameworks of justice and resilience & help scholars prepare for their return home.
Leadership, Creativity & Entrepreneurship
Panelists Shayla Reid, Jennifer Park & Nina Morris will discuss their the personal and professional life paths and how they've overcome barriers while transforming into leaders in their various fields.
Cultural Activity: Lincoln Park Zoo
On Wednesdays evenings and Saturday afternoons, scholars, accompanied by a group of volunteers, get a chance to see more of Chicago and what Americans do for fun.
Panel: Finding Your Voice
Panelists Rubab Hyder, Nesha Griffin & Sharmain Siddiqui will discuss the persistence of pursuing education, mentorship, campus activism, how to use your voice in challenging situations & more.
Gift Wrapping 2017
Every year, a team of lovely volunteers wrap gifts at Lincolnwood Mall. All proceeds go to Expanding Lives!
Panel: Models of Empowerment and Resiliency
This is our final panel for 2017 & our last organized event!
Closing Ceremony
Come party, say goodbye, celebrate & see a presentation from the 2017 scholars.
Panel: Building a Career in Social Justice
Panelists include Sharmain Siddiqui, Kate Harrington-Rosen & Molly Pim.
Cultural Outing: World Arts & Music Festival
After the panel, Expanding Lives will spend the afternoon at Evanston's World Arts & Music Festival
Panel: Finding Your Voice
Panelists will share their knowledge, wisdom and personal experiences. July 1 panelists include Lesley Williams, Rubab Hyder...