"We wanted to develop a sustainable, long-term philanthropic program that allows us to truly partner with our charities," says Arvid Povilaitis, Equity Office's SVP for the Chicago region. "Sponsoring fundraisers is one way to provide a venue for our employees and business partners--at all levels--to get involved with the community."

For the program's first year, Equity Office is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Umbrella Tree Studio, a therapeutic art program for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Equity and Umbrella Tree are not strangers. In recent years, Equity has raised money for the organization.

At Umbrella Tree, patients express feelings associated with their illnesses through art, to promote emotional healing, self-expression and motivation. About 50 children participate in the program, which is based at the new John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. The children use the program as therapy for various serious illnesses, including cancer, blood disorders, diabetes, endocrine malfunctions, genetic/metabolic disorders, heart disease, lead poisoning, in addition to abuse and neglect.