We are thrilled to announce that OKW’s fundraisers for this year have raised over $17,000 for local charities. Our commitment to creatively advancing our communities includes donating our time, efforts, and resources to those in need and supporting our staff in these efforts.
Team OKWomen in West Pullman
WOMEN BUILD
October 9 2019
On a crisp, sunny day in West Pullman, the women of OKW Architects gathered to help frame, nail, assemble, lift, and even hoist walls for future homeowners. Benefiting Habitat for Humanity Chicago, the annual Women Build event was a huge success thanks to the tireless efforts from women all around Chicago.
With only a few pesky yellow jackets to distract them, the team put in many hours of sweat to help women in the under-served neighborhood achieve the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. Under the leadership of our project architect Joan Russick, OKW sponsored the event and reached over 160% of our fundraising goal thanks to our network of generous industry partners, friends, and family.
Team “Blasting Off Hunger” at the Merchandise Mart
CANSTRUCTION
October 10 2019
The very next day, OKW mobilized from our office to the Merchandise Mart to meet our partners Leopardo, Milhouse Engineering, and Milhouse Charities for the annual Canstruction Design Competition. Each team builds a sculpture out of non-perishable cans, all of which will be donated to the Chicago Food Depository to feed local families in need. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, we created a 10-foot spaceship to Blast Off Hunger.
As a team, we designed, documented, procured, and ultimately built the finished sculpture, which will be on display in the main lobby of the Mart until November 3. We were able to reach our fundraising goals thanks to our wonderful collaborators, who donated generously to the cause. Although many people were involved in bringing this sculpture to life, OKW’s efforts wouldn’t have been possible without Melissa Toops and DiJon Dunmore steering the ship, plotting its course, and keeping our astronauts motivated.