Shedd Blu 2014 Co-Chairs Talk Philanthropy & Sneak Peek

YOU CAN WIN TICKETS TO SHEDD BLU 2014, SEE BELOW ON HOW TO WIN

One of the most anticipated auxiliary board fundraisers of the summer will take place on Saturday July 26. Before the fun and amazing Brazilian themed fundraiser planned, we spoke with Julie Canna, Laura Micheli and Jon Pfeffer, co-chairs of this year’s Shedd Blu Festa. They shared with us how they got invovled with the organization, a sneak peek at what guests can expect and why they devote their time to the cause and mission Shedd Aquarium represents.

Shedd Blu 2014 Julie Canna, Laura Micheli and Jon Pfeffer

SLC: How did you get involved with the organization?
Julie: I have been involved for about 5 years. I wanted to be involved with an organization that I felt really close to doing great work not only in the organization but outside as well.
Shedd does great work within the organization and outside in the community and is a great part of Chicago culture. The great lakes are important to me and they are working to preserve the Great Lakes as an important to our community.

Jon: I got involved through a colleague, I wanted to be involved with an organization that contributed back to the community as a whole. In conservation and education. Having grown up in Michigan and growing up around the 5 lakes, it was a natural fit.

Laura: I am a Chicago area native who has always loved the water and marine wildlife and I have been very inspired by how Shedd gives you the unique access to these animals through the exhibits. They do a great job of teaching people why it is important to respect the water and wildlife around you.

SLC: How do you balance your philanthropic commitments and work life and personal life?
Julie: Its not easy. The three of us have very small children but for me, I’ve always done work that involved multi tasking. The jobs that I’ve had required it so I’ve become versed in pocketing time and making sure my commitment to the auxiliary board is a true commitment. I’ve personally been involved with multiple boards in the past but right now the Shedd is the only board I am a part of to make sure I had enough time to give to it.

Laura: Shedd is fantastic to work with and they make it fun and easy to get involved and excited on what we are doing. In terms of splitting time, I am on my colleges’ alma mater board as well but I have always had the volunteer aspect in my life. I also have to say that I am very lucky to work at Exelon, they are really supportive of employees donating their time and money to the community.

Jon: Its a natural extension from professional life, but with a great organization that’s run really well and you care about it and the great work they are doing in the community, you make time for it.

SLC: For someone looking to get involved on a junior board what advice can you give?
Julie: There are a number of really great causes in Chicago that a professional can donate their time and their funds so it behoves you to find something that matters to you. What moves you? What makes you excited? When I’m at the Shedd, I get excited, I become enthralled with what the organization provides the community but by the people that work here. The Shedd employs the most fantastic people who really make you understand how important the Shedd’s mission is and feel the passion they feel for being a part of this organization. I don’t feel like I’m giving my time, I feel like I am lucky to be here. Everyone should feel that way about their philanthropic cause.

Jon: When you do get involved with an organization, don’t say no to anything. Whether theres an opportunity in this area or another, go for it. You might not be experienced with it but take it.

Laura: I feel so lucky to be a part of the Shedd organization as a whole and I would tell young people coming into the city to follow their passion. Put yourself out there and be persistent. For our board it takes a while to get on from the time you make the initial contact until we get you into the new member pipeline and then invited onto the board. It doesn’t hurt to come to some of the events and meet our members.

Related: Shedd Blu 2013
SLC: Can you give us a sneak peek of what guests can expect at this year’s #SheddBLU?
Julie: We have a very exciting element this year, guests are going to experience an aquatic show for the first time ever at Blu. It’s going to be awesome! And coming to Blu you get to experience Shedd and get a great understanding of what the ticket prices goes towards and supporting.
Laura: We are pulling some of the fun vibrant elements of Brazilian culture so it will tie into the Brazilian theme making for a fun night out.

SLC: What’s your favorite sea animal?
Jon, Laura, Julie: The sea otters, for Laura, Cayucos especially.

How does volunteering play into your professional role?
Laura: For me its an amazing creative outlet beyond your role in the workplace. You get to domore than you do at work and creative things outside your role at work. We also learn a lot from the Shedd staff that we can bring back to our own corporate positions.
Jon: The Auxiliary board also avails us to a network of a variety of people that we would not necessarily be introduced to professionally but also friendships formed.

Julie: Some of the things that are important as an auxiliary board member seamlessly transitions into my career. We are ambassadors of the Shedd; I have a similar role in the work that I do. You need to be professional, communicate well and get excited about the organization that you are supporting.

SLC: Philanthropy in 3 words, what does it mean to you?
Laura: Paying it forward
Jon: Giving back efficiently
Julie: Sharing my passion

Our favorite fishy face…..

Julie Canna, Jon Pfeffer, Laura Micheli

UPDATED: You can win a pair of tickets to Shedd Blu taking place July 26 from 6pm. One lucky reader will win a pair of tix for a fun night out among some cool sea creatures. All you have to do is tell us your favorite sea animal. email: [email protected] with your full name and favorite sea animal end Thursday July 24 at 3pm.

If you would like to attend Shedd BLU CLICK HERE for Tickets. Want to get involved with the Shedd Auxiliary Board? CLICK HERE

photos: Haley Stracher