Beth Heller Consulting, LLC

01/20/2026

More exciting news and awards for Chicago River Swim!

12/12/2025

The Chicago River Swim has been named a finalist for the Global Alliance's World Public Relations and Communication Awards 2025, and it is an honor to see this first-ever event recognized on a global stage. The nomination highlights the power of reclaiming our river and proving what is possible when a city comes together with purpose.

We are finalists in the Environmental, Social, and Governance category alongside standout campaigns from the Czech Republic and Indonesia, putting the Chicago River Swim in exceptional global company. For more info, read the article below.

Being part of the team that brought this event to life has been deeply meaningful to me. Supporting the Swim’s mission to raise awareness, advance clean water efforts, expand ALS research funding, and increase access to life-saving swim education is a privilege. The inaugural event reached more than three billion people worldwide through global media coverage.

Thanks to Doug McConnell for his vision and the opportunity to work on such a beautiful project. Fingers crossed!

We are thrilled to announce the finalists of the Global Alliance World Public Relations and Communication Awards 2025 ! After careful deliberation by our esteemed panel of judges, we are excited to reveal the outstanding entries that have made it to the shortlist of this Award. Global Alliance W

09/28/2025

We secured lots of great press over the last few weeks to promote the Chicago Furniture Bank’s inaugural Great Chicago Bed Race. At today’s event, stations came out to cover teams assembling beds and racing them down the streets of Chicago. Such a great idea! All to raise money to end furniture poverty.

09/27/2025

Proud of my client Chicago River Swim and all we did to make history. And also happy to get them on the front page of the New York Times this week. Amazing to see Chicago shine around the world as the world class city it is!

09/16/2025

We’re proud to partner with organizations that make a lasting impact in Chicago and beyond. The Jackson Chance Foundation eases the parking burden for families with babies in the NICU, the Chicago Furniture Bank creates homes with dignity for families transitioning out of crisis, the Chicago River Swim raises funds for ALS research and kids’ swim safety, and the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival continues to kick off the holiday season in spectacular fashion. Alongside M. Harris & Co., we’re also honored to work with Choose Chicago in sharing our city’s story with the world and the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation in advancing critical research and education. Each of these nonprofits inspires us every day, and we’re grateful to help amplify their missions.

09/15/2025

Thrilled to work on this special event!

⏳ We’re just 7 days out from making history.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, swimmers will take on the Chicago River in the first organized open-water race in nearly 100 years.

From the starting horns at Dearborn and Clark to the Finish Fest at Franklin, this is more than a race — it’s a celebration of Chicago, of community, and of a mission to support youth swimming and ALS research.

📅 Race Day: Sunday, Sept 21
📍 Main Stem, Chicago River

💙 Be there to cheer, celebrate, and make history with us.
👉 Donations & details in the link in bio.

08/13/2025

Busy week over here — we launched three major events into the universe: the Chicago River Swim, marking the first organized swim in the river in nearly a century; the 34th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, which will kick off the holiday season in Chicago; and Dan Bernstein’s new podcast, bringing his voice and perspective back to sports fans.

11/26/2024

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival was an incredible success. On Saturday night, we welcomed possibly a million people to Michigan Avenue to kick off the holiday season.

The event featured stunning floats and helium balloons, marching bands from across the country (including Hawaii!), and performances by Cameo, the Former Ladies of Chic, the Quad City DJ’s, and Chicago’s very own architect of house music, DJ Chip E, thanks to Choose Chicago.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, who, alongside Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Disney princesses, lit up 200 trees with over 1 million lights. The celebration ended with a fab fireworks show over the Chicago River.

A heartfelt thank-you to Ellen Farrar, the incredible EP of the event, who is like no other!, for inviting me to be part of this project, and to the team at the Magnificent Mile Association—Kimberly, Denise, and so many others—who made it all happen.

Special shoutouts to Alders Hopkins and Reilly, Jim, Bradley, Marc, Maureen, Grant, Justine, Nicole, John, Nneka, Kelly, Daniel, Rich and Chris, as well as the incredible members of the media and influencers who shared this magical night with the world.

Last night was a beautiful reminder of why Chicago is the best city in the world!

11/09/2024

Celebrating 10 years of my client, the Jackson Chance Foundation’s annual Ping Pong Ball! Last night, we gathered for an unforgettable evening to support NICU families by removing the burden of parking costs. For every family with a baby in the NICU, the Foundation provides monthly parking passes, ensuring families can be with their babies every day without the overwhelming financial stress of parking fees.

Carrie Meghie and Terry Meghie founded this organization after their son, Jackson, spent 10 months in the NICU and unfortunately passed away. Through their experience, they saw how the high cost of parking prevented many parents from visiting their babies as often as they wanted. Today, thanks to their vision and dedication, NICU families can focus on what matters most—being there for their little ones.

Last night, we raised vital funds to continue this mission! The event featured a VIP ping pong tournament at Spin Chicago with some of Chicago’s beloved media stars, followed by a thrilling main tournament led by captains Chicago Bulls Will Perdue, Jerry Azumah, Sarah Spain, and Chicago Blackhawks HOFer Denis Savard. It was a blast—easily one of my favorite events of the year!

And a big thanks to my partners in crime Mary Sullivan - Kowalczyk and Stephanie Krol.

10/30/2024

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are bringing some Disney magic to Chicago before the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 23!

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade will return for the 33rd year Nov. 23.

09/23/2024

Thanks for sharing this story for my client, Adriana Chicago Tribune.

Originally proposed as the first Chicago River Swim in more than a century, the race was held in the lake after a late setback.