NBOA'S 13TH ANNUAL SUMMER SOIREE HUGE SUCCESS
Thursday, August 7th, was a truly memorable night. Over eight hundred housing providers, suppliers, and contractors gathered at Artifact Events in Ravenswood for NBOA’s annual Summer Soiree, celebrating Chicago's neighborhood housing industry.The event was a wonderful opportunity to learn new things, make new friends, and reconnect with old ones. It truly showcased how much we care about our work and each other. As we face the challenges of providing clean, safe, and affordable housing for residents throughout Chicagoland, your support of the Soiree helps ensure that the NBOA and its affiliates like the Rogers Park Builders Group can continue to advocate for you and the people we serve.The Rogers Park Builders Group is a proud affiliate of the NBOA and I was thrilled that so many of our members attended. Please review the slide show of the event and see all the fun. Thank you to all of the Sponsors for your critical support.
Michael Glasser - RPBG President
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JERRY ETTINGER
ETTINGER REALTY
I’m President and Managing Broker of Ettinger Realty, Ltd, formerly Hallmark & Johnson Properties, which I co-founded in 1979. We grew to a 30-agent commercial real
estate brokerage company. In 2008 we transformed into a smaller boutique real estate company specializing in the acquisition, brokerage and property management
of small to midsize commercial and investment properties in the Chicagoland area.
We also have an in-house construction crew which we keep busy with our property management and new acquisition projects. During our 40 plus years, we’ve built
many long-term relationships with clients, brokers, lenders, attorneys, suppliers and contractors that have been invaluable resources and sources of new business.
RPBG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Watch our video showcasing RPBG's 30 year history. Learn how our organization was formed, of the challenges we faced and the opportunities we've been given.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS
Every year, the Rogers Park Builders Group strives to give back to the Rogers Park community in generous, creative and impactful ways. Below are a few projects from recent years that we are most proud.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
For the 2nd year in a row, RPBG and some of its members covered the full cost for Sullivan High School's Annual Middle School Basketball Tournament. This free, double elimination tournament, provided a competitive and fun outlet for 120 Chicago area students. The youth were introduced to this terrific local high school and participated in classroom discussion focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM
One of RPBG's finest moments occurred in 2016, as the RPBG helped transform a regular classroom at Sullivan High School into a full fledged life skills space. Serving the students of the School's special needs program, which helps students with autism and Down Syndrome, the classroom includes a full kitchen, laundry and day bed. The students eagerly use this room to learn basic life skills and independent living.
FUNDRAISER FOR IMMIGRANTS
During Covid, our community partner, Northside Community Resources told us that many immigrant families living in Rogers Park were struggling, as they did not qualify for federal relief programs. RPBG and its members engaged in a special fundraising drive generating contributions totaling $18,000 to support our newest community members.
GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Starting in 2002, RPBG has consistently sponsored the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an important local festival, founded by our Board member Al Goldberg, which showcases our eclectic and creative community. Many of our members also support this summer street festival through booths and generous sponsorships.
CHICAGO HIGH RIDGE FOOTBALL TEAM
A tragic fire resulted in a local youth football program losing its equipment. RPBG's $2500 gift helped purchase new replacement items. Other local businesses and community members joined the RPBG in supporting this drive, which allows for the Hi Ridge Chargers to continue to compete, offering youngsters from around the neighborhood the chance to gain play tackle football, under the guidance of a set of skilled coaches.
RPBG believes that these sorts of time tested activities are what is needed to keep the neighborhood youngsters engaged and involved in challenging and fun activity.
RESTORED VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LOCAL H.S.
In 2019, Andrew, the Sullivan High School Music Director, told us that someone had uncovered 60 year old musical instruments in the school's basement. "If we can restore these," Andrew promised, "I can create a marching band and revive a rock 'n roll program. RPBG came through with funding, resulting in restoration of dozens of instruments. That Fall, Sullivan had a marching band and a successful rock 'n roll band program. RPBG also underwrote private music lessons in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and renown local music store, Flatts & Sharpe.
SULLIVAN GRADUATION PICNIC
Due to Covid, the Sullivan HS graduates in Spring, 2021 had no prom, and little fanfare to commemorate their important milestone. At Principal Thomas' request, the RPBG covered the cost of a pre-graduation picnic, attended by graduates and staff. Many students happily celebrated their accomplishment over tacos, pizza, raffle prizes and festivity with their friends and SHS's dedicated faculty.