The Signature Room's Charity of the Month program has raised more than $825,000 for 200+ nonprofits

Dec. 31, 2010 - PRLog -- Chicago, Ill. -- In January, SuperSibs!, a national nonprofit organization that supports, honors and recognizes children whose brothers and sisters have cancer, will become the first Charity of the Month for 2011 at The Signature Room at the 95th. Through the benefit program created by The Signature Room owners Rick Roman and Nick Pyknis, they have raised and donated more than $825,000 to over 200 nonprofit organizations since its inception in 1993.  

“Giving back is a vital cornerstone of the restaurant community, and my business partner, Nick, and I felt this program was an important initiative to put into place when we opened The Signature Room,” said Rick Roman, restaurant owner and chairman and CEO of Infusion Management Group. “We are very happy to support these worthy causes during the year,” he added.

Funds for the non-profits are raised via the Signature Selection dinner menu which is created each month by Executive Chef Patrick Sheerin.  Ten percent of the proceeds from this monthly menu are donated directly to the charity of the month.  Chef Sheerin is well known for his commitment to sourcing and cooking fresh, locally grown ingredients.  His monthly menu features seasonal dishes which showcase produce from sustainable farms within the Midwest region. Diners can treat themselves to a gourmet meal while helping to support a deserving organization.

In 2011, the monthly beneficiaries, based in Chicago unless otherwise noted, are:

January: SuperSibs, Rolling Meadows, IL
Mission Statement:  Located in Chicago's Northwest suburbs, SuperSibs! is a national nonprofit organization that supports, honors and recognizes children whose brothers and sisters have cancer.

February: James R. Jordan Foundation
Mission Statement:  The James R. Jordan Foundation empowers children to achieve their full academic potential.  

March: Alzheimer’s Association
Mission Statement:  Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's disease.

April: Autism Speaks, Des Plaines, IL
Mission Statement:  At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.

May: Lincoln Park Homeless Shelter
Mission Statement:  LPCS brings our community together to empower homeless men and women to make life changes.

June: Purple Asparagus
Mission Statement:  Purple Asparagus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing families back to the table by promoting and enjoying all the things associated with good eating, eating that's good for the body and the planet.  Purple Asparagus provides free educational programming at schools, community centers and farmers' markets in some of Chicago's neediest communities.

July: Bottomless Closet, Inc.
Mission Statement:  Supporting unemployed women by providing professional clothing, image coaching and career skills.

August: Open Books Ltd.
Mission Statement :  Open Books enriches lives through reading, writing and the transformative power of used books.

September:  Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA)
Mission Statement:  OCSA is dedicated to saving lives by educating women and their families about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer, the number one gynecologic cancer killer of women.

October: Ignite the Spirit
Mission Statement: Ignite the Spirit is a Chicago Fire Department Charity and we raise money throughout the year to help Fireman/Paramedic's in times of need. We also do many things outside of the department for the past 6 years we have given thousands of toys to local children's hospitals. We are in the process of putting together a bike ride around Lake Michigan to raise money for pediatric cancer.

November: Kids Fight Cancer, Arlington Heights, IL
Mission Statement: Kids Fight Cancer is a not-for-profit corporation that funds the children’s playroom in the Oncology Department of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Kids Fight Cancer provides the salary for a full-time child therapist, the toys and art supplies to make this possible.

December: Chicago Children’s Theatre
Mission Statement:  Chicago Children’s Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical & educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us.  

Mission statements of all Charity of the Month recipients are posted on the restaurant’s website along with full details regarding the application and review process.  The Signature Room at the 95th is located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL.  For reservations, call 312-787-9596 or visit www.signatureroom.com.

About the Signature Room at the 95th
The Signature Room and Signature Lounge are privately owned Chicago favorites, with over 8,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space atop one of the city’s most recognized buildings.  Unparalleled views of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan and the city’s world-renowned architectural gems are rivaled by the sophisticated, contemporary American cuisine that pleases over 800,000 guests each year. An award-winning wine list accompanies a delicious variety of menus ranging from light lunch options to timeless dinner classics, and from gourmet bar fare to specialty brunches. To toast any occasion, The Signature Lounge provides a stunning setting. Visit www.signatureroom.com for more information.