South Loop Businesses Work Locally to Impact International Change in Education

We love it when people in our community chip in and make a difference.  We like it better when it's a broader coordinated effort.  We recently heard about some local businesses that are teaming up for a great cause:

Gaurang Patel, the Principal of South Loop CPA, has joined together with local South Loop businesses to support Chicago non-profit, Link Community Development USA (Link USA). Link works with governments and communities to transform education systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on serving the most poor and marginalized children in rural areas. Currently reaching over 4,000 schools in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda, Link is making great strides to improve the quality of education for all. 

Gaurang’s passion for promoting education was spurred by his upbringing in Zimbabwe. Political and economic instability in his home country taught Gaurang first-hand the importance of education: basic skills acquired in the classroom – skills that we take for granted every day – can create opportunities to transform lives and escape poverty. While his commitment spans continents, Gaurang became involved locally through the London School of Economics alumni group. He is now a member of the Link USA Board of Directors, headquartered in downtown Chicago. 

Gaurang partnered South Loop CPA with Link USA to show his support for quality education and encourages other business owners to follow his lead. He supports Link USA because it “creates the hope for an underprivileged child to move forward” by leveraging innovative US- based education initiatives and resources in support of Link’s international programs. 

Sixpax core and Pilates studio (1329 S. Michiagn Ave) in the South Loop is also promoting Link USA for the month of November in conjunction with Link USA’s Annual Appeal (Nov 1st through Dec 31st). Along with providing Pilates to the South Loop neighborhood, Sixpax believes in the importance of giving back to the community. Through their “Reach Out. Give Back.” program, Sixpax chooses a local organization to feature each month. This November, Sixpax will reward customers for getting involved and donating to Link USA – even giving free classes and private Pilates sessions for donations of $15 and $45 respectively. 

Local resident and Stella & Dot Independent Stylist, Tracey Harkins, is eager to contribute to Link USA’s mission and is hosting a jewelry trunk show, donating her commission from all sales to Link USA. The event takes place in the South Loop neighborhood on Tuesday evening, November 8th and will help kick-off the Link USA Annual Appeal. If you’re interested in attending, or want to shop online for a great cause, email Link USA at info@lcd-usa.org. 

Inspired by their commitment, these other local businesses have also joined in promoting and supporting Link USA: Well Future Pharmacy, Sloop Dental, The Silver Room in Wicker Park and Holland & Knight Law Firm. 

Add your name to the list by partnering your business with Link USA, or donate now to invest in education today: http://www.lcdinternational.org/donate-link-usa 

Any business or individual to donate $100 or more will be recognized in the Link USA December newsletter.