RPBG HONORS DORIAN BEZANIS WITH
9th ANNUAL PRESIDENTS' AWARD
At our Annual Meeting on October 29, the RPBG honored esteemed community icon Dorian Bezanis with our 9th Annual Presidents' Award - the award presented each year to an RPBG member or other community leader for contributions to the local real estate community and to our organization.
Dorian is a deserving recipient - as he is a long standing fixture at RPBG meetings and other community events. As President of Alpha Adjusting, Dorian is consistently available to service our needs when we face a building emergency. Dorian is a skilled and experienced long term owner of multifamily as well. Always offering candid and thoughtful opinions, Dorian brings great energy into the room, and he never hides his enthusiasm for dance. He also generously supports community non profits - through his involvement on local boards and his generous sponsorships. For the past three years, Dorian has joined RPBG ranks as a Director.
Dorian joins the ranks of other recipients: Angie Maurello, Community Investment Corp (CIC); Tom Heineman, long standing Treasurer; Al Goldberg, who founded the Glenwood Avenue Artfest; Jay Johnson, for his tireless efforts at bringing economic vitality to main corridors in Rogers Park; Carla Price, for setting an example for top quality ownership and management; Steve Cain, 14 year editor, writer and producer of RPBG newsletters; Ibrahim Shihadeh, Creative Designs, for outstanding development projects; and Ken and Eddie Walchak, for nearly 50 years serving our needs through their ownership of Clark Devon Hardware Store.
Congratulations, Dorian, for this well deserved honor.
PIctured - RPBG award recipient Dorian Bezanis and Curt Yearwood, founder of Alpha Adjusting, celebrate Dorian's deserved award.
NEXT UP!
DIRECTORS ONLY MEETING
DEC. 4, 6 8:30PM
Becovic Management Group
Sales Office
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
GREG VITI
KELLER WILLIAMS
ONEChicago
I have been involved in Real Estate brokerage, management and development since the 1980's. I am a proud father of two energetic, intense daughters. My wife and I love to eat out, ski and travel. I am big into self-improvement and I read and listen to many books and Podcasts on the subject. I try to help others in my industry whenever possible. I enjoy event planning and getting friends together to build a stronger bonds.
RPBG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Watch our video showcasing RPBG's 30 year history. Learn how our organization was formed, of the challenges we faced and the opportunities we've been given.
The final 7 minutes show one of RPBG's most epic moments.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS
Every year, the Rogers Park Builders Group strives to give back to the Rogers Park community in generous, creative and impactful ways. Below are a few projects from recent years that we are most proud.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
For the 2nd year in a row, RPBG and some of its members covered the full cost for Sullivan High School's Annual Middle School Basketball Tournament. This free, double elimination tournament, provided a competitive and fun outlet for 120 Chicago area students. The youth were introduced to this terrific local high school and participated in classroom discussion focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM
One of RPBG's finest moments occurred in 2016, as the RPBG helped transform a regular classroom at Sullivan High School into a full fledged life skills space. Serving the students of the School's special needs program, which helps students with autism and Down Syndrome, the classroom includes a full kitchen, laundry and day bed. The students eagerly use this room to learn basic life skills and independent living.
FUNDRAISER FOR IMMIGRANTS
During Covid, our community partner, Northside Community Resources told us that many immigrant families living in Rogers Park were struggling, as they did not qualify for federal relief programs. RPBG and its members engaged in a special fundraising drive generating contributions totaling $18,000 to support our newest community members.
GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Starting in 2002, RPBG has consistently sponsored the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an important local festival, founded by our Board member Al Goldberg, which showcases our eclectic and creative community. Many of our members also support this summer street festival through booths and generous sponsorships.
CHICAGO HIGH RIDGE FOOTBALL TEAM
A tragic fire resulted in a local youth football program losing its equipment. RPBG's $2500 gift helped purchase new replacement items. Other local businesses and community members joined the RPBG in supporting this drive, which allows for the Hi Ridge Chargers to continue to compete, offering youngsters from around the neighborhood the chance to gain play tackle football, under the guidance of a set of skilled coaches.
RPBG believes that these sorts of time tested activities are what is needed to keep the neighborhood youngsters engaged and involved in challenging and fun activity.
RESTORED VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LOCAL H.S.
In 2019, Andrew, the Sullivan High School Music Director, told us that someone had uncovered 60 year old musical instruments in the school's basement. "If we can restore these," Andrew promised, "I can create a marching band and revive a rock 'n roll program. RPBG came through with funding, resulting in restoration of dozens of instruments. That Fall, Sullivan had a marching band and a successful rock 'n roll band program. RPBG also underwrote private music lessons in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and renown local music store, Flatts & Sharpe.
SULLIVAN GRADUATION PICNIC
Due to Covid, the Sullivan HS graduates in Spring, 2021 had no prom, and little fanfare to commemorate their important milestone. At Principal Thomas' request, the RPBG covered the cost of a pre-graduation picnic, attended by graduates and staff. Many students happily celebrated their accomplishment over tacos, pizza, raffle prizes and festivity with their friends and SHS's dedicated faculty.