more from our community

Stories from the past

Take a walk down Magellan's Memory Lane with these stories and photos from events we've participated in, opportunities we've had, people we have had the pleasure to meet.

RISE FROM THE FIRE

Music to Our Ears: Benefiting 100 Club of Chicago

March 28, 2019, was not just a toe-tapping good time. The iHeart Radio “Rise From the Fire Concert” offered Magellan Corporation, as sponsor, the opportunity to contribute to the superb work of the 100 Club of Chicago—a nonprofit organization that provides for families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 100 Club offers several forms of assistance, access to resources and moral support, and all sworn federal, state, county and local first responders, and honors our fallen heroes. Since inception, the 100 Club has served 284 families throughout the Chicagoland area with more than $11 million through their programs. Country music greats Midland, Matt Stell & John Gurney performed at the "Rise From the Fire Concert," hosted at one of Magellan's favorite venues, Joe's Live of Rosemont.

Magellan's own Tricia Poplawski, a country music devotee, was there to represent Magellan. Tricia hosted our guests which included customers, suppliers, and active and retired service personnel from the USO IL. An onstage check presentation to the 100 Club Chicago capped off a terrific evening.

CONNECTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS THRIVE 2019

A Culinary Tasting Party

Connections for the Homeless hosted its annual fundraiser, THRIVE, on February 9, 2019.

The “Premier Culinary Tasting Party” generated a whopping $510,000, breaking all past fundraising event records. The funds support Connections' outstanding work offering housing, health, job support and more. The agency is based in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and delivers essential services to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Magellan was the presenting sponsor for THRIVE 2019. THRIVE, the organization's oldest and largest event, was hosted at Architectural Artifacts in Chicago. Eleven Evanston and Chicago-area restaurants set up tasting stations for guests, who were then treated to desserts from local bakeries. The Lakeside Pride Strayhorns entertained during cocktail hour.

We have been a proud supporter of Connections for the Homeless for years, and our own Vickie Horn, Magellan's Director of Hospitality, serves as a member of their Board. To learn more about Connections for the Homeless and their initiatives to “end homelessness one person a time,” visit www.connect2home.org.

FIRST BITES BASH 2019

Chicago Restaurant Week Kick-Off

On Wednesday, January 24, Magellan participated in First Bites Bash 2019 held at the iconic Field Museum. First Bites celebrated the city’s acclaimed culinary scene, featuring bites from more than 70 of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs.

This event represented the kick-off to the 2019 Chicago Restaurant Week, which took place January 25 - February 7.

The star-studded party featured dynamic husband and wife duo, Host Chef Thai Dang and Host Mixologist Danielle Dang of the James Beard Award-nominated HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen. Attendees had the opportunity to experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 60 restaurants showcasing their Chicago Restaurant Week menus. Restaurant Week ran from January 24 - February 9, 2019, attended by foodies who want memorable dining while enjoying the Chicago experience.

Magellan Corporation sponsored the James Beard Awards partnering with the James Beard Foundation in their pursuit to provide “a better food world, one that is diverse, sustainable, equitable, and accessible for all.” In other words, “Good Food for Good.”

IMAGINE THE MOON

A Celestial Evening

The 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 spaceflight -- the mission that first landed humans on the moon -- was cause for celebration.

In commemoration of the historic event, Chicago's Adler Planetarium premiered its new sky show “Imagine the Moon,” which explores “how the moon has evolved in human imagination, ”according to Dr. Andrew Johnston, VP of Astronomy and Collections at the Adler. “Imagine the Moon” debuted on January 16, 2019 with a VIP Reception, followed by the show and discussion with Captain James Lovell (USN, Retired, NASA Astronaut and Naval Aviator).

Captain Lovell, whom Magellan Corporation is proud to call friend, is the first person to fly into space four times.

In 1968, as command module pilot of Apollo 8, he became one of the first three humans to fly to and orbit the moon. He previously flew two Gemini missions, Gemini 7 in 1965 and Gemini 12 in 1966.

"Imagine the Moon" explores how the moon has inspired human creativity, learning, and exploration ever since we have looked to the sky. A 30 minute video can be viewed here.

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS

The Oscars of the Food Industry

Chicagoans know that we are home to some of the finest chefs and restaurants in the world, and now the world does, too.

Magellan partnered with the James Beard Foundation for its 2019 James Beard Awards, known as the “Oscars of the food industry.” Held in May 2019, the event waswill be hosted in Chicago through 2027, affirming Chicago as a culinary mecca.

The kick-off celebration was held on Tuesday, December 10 at the Chicago Cultural Center. In attendance were a number of Chicago’s culinary greats and former James Beard Award recipients. Chicago's own Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz of Boca Restaurant Group were recipients of the Outstanding Restaurant award (presented by Magellan Corporation).

JBF administers a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought-leader convening. Its mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.

Meet & Greet with US Congressman Brad Schneider

Political Considerations Affecting Steel

Congressman Brad Schneider visited the offices of Magellan on August 28, 2018 for a meet and greet, as well as discussion with members of our senior leadership team to discuss a range of industry topics.

In addition to addressing considerations all small business face, Congressman Schneider and the Magellan team discussed the political considerations impacting the steel business, both nationally and internationally.

Congressman Schneider is the US Representative for Illinois' 10th congressional district. He serves on the Ways & Means Committee, and the Committee on Small Business and lives in Deerfield, home to Magellan offices.

Magellan is an engaged and active corporate citizen, involved in the world around us not just for business purposes, but to be able to contribute generously to philanthropic and civic causes. Our ability to do so is predicated on the success of our business, and the myriad factors that affect the steel industry.

LUNCH & LEARN WITH RICHARD LONGWORTH

Educational Enrichment for Magellan Staff & Friends

Richard Longworth visited Magellan offices on November 14, 2018 for a Lunch & Learn on the history of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Globalization. Richard is a distinguished fellow on global cities at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Executive Director of the Global Chicago Center.

As a former foreign correspondent for the Tribune and United Press International, Richard travelled and reported news from numerous countries on five continents. His experience in the global market was a catalyst to him joining the Council in his current capacity.

Richard is author of serval books, including “Caught in the Middle: America’s Heartland in the Age of Globalism”, addressing the impact of globalization on the American Midwest. He was in the process of writing his next book, focusing on the Council of Global Affairs, scheduled for released in 2020.

Magellan was grateful that Taubensee Steel and the Chicago Sky were able to join us.

“THE ILLUSION OF FEAR” PRESENTED BY SEBASTIEN BELLIN

Countering Hate and Fear with Love

On October 17, 2018, Magellan Corporation was humbled as Sebastien Bellin, professional European basketball player and 2016 Brussels terror attack survivor, shared his remarkable journey to recovery and overcoming adversity through will, determination and focus.

Sebastien’s presentation, entitled “The Illusion of Fear,” was a pictorial demonstration of courage, will power and the importance of having a team to rely upon. In this case, the team was not the basketball players and coaches that had impacted his career for over 15 years. Rather, his team was the people who provided the resources and gave him the will power to fight, which lead to his survival.

Today, Sebastien is a basketball executive and motivational speaker, travelling the world and sharing his story, and the need to counter hate and fear with love, forgiveness and empathy. We're proud to call Sebastien a friend. Joining Magellan Corporation for this incredible Lunch & Learn presentation were members of the Bulls, Fire, Red Stars and Sky organizations.

BENS LUNCHEON WITH GENERAL MCDEW

A Discussion with an American Patriot

Magellan was proud to host a BENS discussion featuring General Darren W. McDew, USAF (Ret.), emceed by our associate, Mark Fenzel.

Gen. Darren W. McDew, USAF (Ret.) was the commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. USTRANSCOM is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense.

General McDew held staff assignments including serving as a member of the Chief of Staff Operations Group, chief of the USAF Senate Liaison Division and director of Public Affairs. General McDew was vice director for strategic plans for Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served as the commander of 18th Air Force, and commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels as well as a direct reporting unit. He retired in August 2018, but prior to his final assignment as commander, USTRANSCOM, General McDew was the commander of Air Mobility Command.

Guests enjoyed a discussion of US and global affairs through the lens of this American patriot.

LUNCH & LEARN WITH DR. CORINE VRIESENDORP

From South America to Magellan Offices

Dr. Corine Vriesendorp, Director of the Andes-Amazon Program at the Field Museum, visited the offices of Magellan on August 8, 2018 for a lunch & learn program.

Dr. Vriesendorp is a field biologist who works closely with South American partners to bring science to bear on conservation and the quality of life of local peoples. She began her career studying mahogany in Bolivia, researching the impact of logging practices and creating recommendations for better management practices before conducting research on the tropical forest community in Cost Rica.

She has been an integral part of the Field Museum's rapid inventory team since 2003, a program that has led to the discovery of more than 150 species new to science, and helped governments protect more than 9.4 million hectares of forest in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Dr. Vriesendorp is most fascinated by the connections among organisms.

Magellan employees and the Chicago Sky Basketball team were enthralled listening to stories and viewing pictures of Dr. Vriesendorp’s expeditions!

DINNER WITH THE CHICAGO RED STARS

Kicking Back with These Ladies

Magellan had the distinct pleasure of hosting professional women's soccer team Chicago Red Stars for dinner at Steak 48 on August 7, 2018.

Magellan Corporation are big, big Red Star fans, and have been proud to see our logo on their kits and around SeatGeek Stadium. The team was a founding member of Women's Professional Soccer. Supporting organizations and initiatives that work toward gender equality, not just in athletics, but in business, culture, STEM, and elsewhere is a priority at Magellan. It's been our distinct pleasure to support these incredible athletes and their social justice-forward organization.

On this evening, Magellan employees, customers, service providers and charity partners mingled with the players, coaches and staff of the Red Stars over a delicious -- and abundant -- dinner. These remarkable athletes were quick to tell stories of life on the field, juggling the demanding rigors of training with personal lives, and just kick (!) back and enjoy an absolutely delightful evening.

WTT CHICAGO PRESENTED BY MAGELLAN

Tennis for Good

World Team Tennis returned to Chicago on July 27, 2018 for a one night sold out event to benefit the XS Tennis Education Foundation. Located on Chicago's south side, XS Tennis provides Chicago's underserved youth with an enriching safe-haven and positive pathway to college through a community-based tennis and academic enrichment program.

XS Tennis Executive Director Kamau Murray, has brought his vision to life, and Magellan is proud to count him among our dear friends.

Sponsored by Magellan Corporation and held at XS Tennis Village, Billie Jean King’s Philadelphia Freedoms, including Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend, took on an defeated the Washington Kastles.

Guests of Magellan enjoyed a private meet and greet reception with Billie Jean King and the Philadelphia Freedoms players including Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, Kevin King, Fabrice Martin, and Raquel Atowa before enjoying some spectacular world class tennis.