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We Love this Town

On October 7, Byline was proud to join with local civic and community leaders to support the Women’s Global Education Project (WGEP) as a host sponsor of the organization’s annual Ndajee celebration. For 15 years, Chicago’s most-dedicated philanthropists and women’s-rights advocates have gathered to raise much-needed funds to benefit hard-to-reach girls. The money ensures they have access to the resources they need to get an education and to be equipped with the confidence to make their own healthy life decisions.

This year was no different. Over 250 guests crowded into Salvage One to celebrate Ndajee, which means “get together” in Wolof, one of Senegal’s national languages. Guests were treated to African drumming and dancing by Ayodele as they circled the silent-auction items on offer while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, wine and craft beer.

WGEP works to break down the economic, social and cultural barriers that mean only 39 percent of African girls attend secondary school, and fewer than 15 percent graduate high school. By providing girls in these communities full-circle support including access to academic support, health education, counseling, leadership training and education within the broader community, WGEP is able to break the cycles that keeps girls and women trapped and unable to reach their full potential.

Byline supports this commitment and is proud to lend our support to empower girls and women to live their best lives, wherever they may be. And we’re starting here, in our own Chicagoland communities. Byline has been proud to be a trusted partner in the Chicagoland neighborhoods that we’ve called home for over 100 years. We are honored to serve where our patrons also live, work and play right alongside us. We know that it’s in all our best interests to keep our unique and varied communities thriving. We wouldn’t have it any other way: we’re just where we want to be.

To find out how Byline could support your event, contact us.