2023 YEAR IN REVIEW
GROWING OUR HIVE Dear Friends, Over the past thirteen years, we have embarked on an incredible journey together—building a community that thrives on social awareness, empathy, and civic action. In the face of challenges both here and around the globe, our work has never been more important. With your support, we have achieved remarkable growth, welcoming nearly 600 new families to our hive last year. Whether showing up on a rainy day to distribute meals to migrant families, rallying classmates to take the Green Bee Challenge to protect our environment, or collecting donations to spread cheer during the holidays, Honeycomb kids are setting a standard for leadership. We are thrilled to share this 2023 Year in Review with you. We invite you to flip through this book to see our accomplishments and the incredible people and partnerships that make our programs possible. Thank you for being an integral part of the Honeycomb Hive.
With gratitude, Kristina Lowenstein & Catherine Tannen Co-founders
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS In 2023, Honeycomb expanded our family volunteer programs to regularly provide essential resources and support to over 40 local organizations. New and expanded partnerships included Love Fridge, Suder Montessori, Night Ministry, Lincoln Perry Apartments, Nourishing Hope, Lurie Children’s Hospital, The National Veterans Art Museum, and more.
*295 volunteers stocked and managed 98 community fridges across the city.
EXPANDING OUR REACH Over 4,100 volunteers participated in our programs in 2023, spanning 88% of Chicago zip codes and over 64 suburban and out-of-state zip codes. Forty percent of Honeycomb volunteers identified as multiracial or people of color. In 2023, 17% of Honeycomb volunteers were in the 6-8 age group, and 30% were age 9-11. The number of teens, ages 12-17, has grown recently as many kids continue to develop their leadership with Honeycomb.
“We enjoy connecting with people who share similar values and meeting people from diverse neighborhoods around Chicago. Helping others makes us feel good.” – Honeycomb Parent
TEENS RISE AS LEADERS A cohort of 42 teens and parents committed to a year of service through the Honeycomb Leadership Corps and dedicated over 1,500 volunteer hours. Together, they managed program operations, served as ambassadors, and mentored Honeycomb youth.
“Regardless of which project I am leading, my favorite part is working with families and connecting with new people….I am grateful that I can be part of someone’s first impression of volunteering and service.” - Kate Quintero, HLC Teen
EARTH MONTH ACTIVATIONS In April, over 400 volunteers participated in projects to reduce waste, conserve local habitats, and incorporate “green” practices into their everyday lives. Honeycomb eco-stewards completed more than 272 green missions in the month-long Green Bee Challenge.
“It’s been wonderful to be able to work alongside a new generation of naturalists.” - Chicago Park District
A MEMORABLE MOTHER’S DAY In May, we partnered with Connection for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) to make the holiday brighter for ALL mothers staying at three Chicago shelters. Honeycomb volunteers created self-care kits with essential and luxury items to pamper and celebrate moms, all of whom are survivors of abuse.
KIDS MAKING HEADLINES Honeycomb youth took center stage advocating our mission, acting as media representatives for the Green Bee Challenge, Summer Swarm, and Season of Service. Our work was featured in 27 local and national media outlets featured Honeycomb's work. Ava Gresser, age 15, was honored with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago. HLC Teen Nate Buescher received the Daily Point of Light award at the International Points of Light Conference in Chicago.
SEED To deepen Honeycomb’s commitment to social justice, we offered a third session of our education series, SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity). Through professionally facilitated discussions, Honeycomb parents and teens convened to partake in meaningful conversations about power, race, and bias. Forty parents, residing in 28 Chicago-area zip codes, have participated in the 8-month program.
SUMMER SWARM The Honeycomb Leadership Corps led our 4th Annual Summer Swarm in partnership with UCAN in North Lawndale. HLC teens collected and donated dorm supplies to help college-bound students prepare for their first year. The Swarm’s work was featured in several media outlets, including ABC7 and WGN-TV.
“I greatly appreciated that you were true partners through the entire process, willing to get through the weeds with us. Honeycomb volunteers are wonderful!” – Andrea Lee, UCAN
COSTUME DRIVE In October, Honeycomb volunteers rallied to support children served by BeAlright through a 1-to-1 Halloween costume match. Volunteers collected and donated new costumes to bring cheer to 166 children staying at three local shelters. These heartfelt donations showed support for survivors and their children on their journey to heal from abuse.
“Honeycomb helps my company make a difference by finding the people that need help most.” – Eric Fox, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
SEASON OF SERVICE On Thanksgiving, we launched our 2nd Annual Season of Service — a 6-week, high-visibility event series that engaged individuals, families, and corporate groups in celebrating the season by giving back. Our expanded holiday offerings included 20+ volunteer projects, 6 supply drives, and our city-wide 3rd Annual Holiday Cheer Challenge scavenger hunt. More than 1,000 volunteers participated, making a meaningful impact on nonprofits across the city.
HOLIDAY CHEER CHALLENGE And to close out the year with some fanfare, we hosted the 3rd Annual Holiday Cheer Challenge, a spectacular winter celebration in downtown Chicago. This one-of-a-kind fundraiser drew together hundreds of Honeycomb families, fans, and community partners to spread laughter and kindness across our city and beyond. Teams completed 1,697 missions that fostered collaboration, innovation, and genuine human connection. The event raised more than $150K to support our year-round programs.
“We had so many take-aways from the Cheer Challenge….Mia and her friends were able to talk to people about what Honeycomb does for the community and perform these small gestures for others…just seeing the smiles on those stranger’s faces was incredible.” – Michele Marsella
A LOOK AHEAD… 2023 was a whirlwind year for Honeycomb. From forging new partnerships to launching our second annual Season of Service; we are proud of our collective efforts. But our work is never done. The year ahead will bring new challenges and opportunities which we will approach with renewed passion and creativity. Thank you for being a part of it all!