WAKEChicago
WAKEChicago is a volunteer-led group dedicated to engaging alumni, parents and friends in the area. We plan a variety of programs throughout the year for all ages to participate in social, athletic, networking, and service opportunities. We hope you will join us at our next event. Go Deacs!
Support Your Community
Reach out to learn more about how you can be involved with your Community and Wake Forest.
Upcoming Events
Mar 26
Pro Humanitate Days 2026 - Chicago - Gardening with Heartland Human Care Services at FarmWorks
10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Join Windy City Wake Foresters in taking part in a gardening project organized by Chicago Cares in partnership with Heartland Human Care Services. Come out and support the maintenance of FarmWorks, a place of tremendous community value in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. Gardening with Heartland Human Care Services at FarmWorks gives volunteers the opportunity to directly support community members living in food deserts and to learn more about how they can deepen their engagement around food security. Our volunteer group will support FarmWorks through completing tasks such as weeding, shoveling soil and gravel, wheelbarrowing materials, and planting seedlings—all of which address the community priorities of creating more green spaces in the neighborhood and supporting residents in obtaining well-paid, long-term employment. Along the way, we’ll connect with each other and build trust, empathy, and understanding with our neighbors. Volunteers should come prepared with a water bottle and sun protection. Volunteers should expect to be standing and walking during the hours they are volunteering, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Please note: the entrance is located at 407 N. Albany Ave behind Dodge Elementary School.
Mar 28
Pro Humanitate Days 2026 - Chicago - True Believers Community Connectors with Chicago Cares
10:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Join Windy City Wake Foresters in volunteering at a community giveaway organized by Chicago Cares in in collaboration with True Believers Community Connections. Every quarter, True Believers engages in community giveaways, regularly serving around 250 families. By distributing essential resources to neighbors in Auburn Gresham, volunteers will engage meaningfully with each other and our community partners, deepening relationships and building a more equitable Chicago. Chicago Cares believes volunteering should deepen understanding and empathy for the challenges communities are facing, and all of their programs are co-designed with community leaders to ensure they contribute to the community's long-term goals. True Believers Community Connections works to empower underserved, impoverished, and underrepresented individuals and families by providing supportive services, primarily education and training, to strengthen Chicago's most susceptible neighborhoods. Our volunteer group will help by distributing resources, aiding in set-up/clean-up, supporting activity stations, and encouraging neighborhood participation. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes they can easily move around in and should expect to be standing and walking during the hours they are volunteering. There is street parking alongside S Normal Ave, but you are encouraged to pay close attention to street signs for permit/tow zone/loading parking.
Leadership
-
Ben Erwin ('99, P '28, P '30)
Chair -
Meredith Carter (P '29)
-
Mike Carter ('92, P '29)
-
Traci Dolby ('89)
-
Jeff Douthit (P '28)
-
Mindy Douthit (P '28)
-
Jill Erwin (P '28, P '30)
-
Buffy Maier (P '28)
-
Ed Maier (P '28)
-
Melissa McNally ('94)
-
Caleb Pearson ('07)
-
Lindsey von Thron ('06)
Community Event Photos
Community Spotlight
- A Spring Full of WAKECommunities Events
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through March and the “new year” isn’t so new anymore, but the occasionally warmer weather and the flowers starting to bloom in Winston-Salem […] - Shining a Light on Our Community Volunteers
Recently, I took my siblings to their first Wake Forest Lovefeast. (In case you missed the service, the livestream is still available to watch). The Lovefeast may be my […] - Farewell 2025, Hello 2029!
It is hard to believe it has been four weeks already since Wake Forest University’s Class of 2025 walked onto the Commencement stage as students and off as its newest […]
Meet the WAKEChicago Team
Paul Wingate (’92, P ’27), Director of Philanthropy & Donor Engagement, leads Wake Forest’s Chicago community. He is excited to work with you to create local experiences and engagement opportunities for Wake Foresters in the area!
Paul Wingate (’92, P ’27)
wingatpl@wfu.edu
336.758.6082
