Empowering Communities, Stories, and Success
At Xtra Special Moments, we celebrate events that inspire, educate, and unite our community. From empowering women in business to honoring cultural milestones, each gathering highlights leadership, innovation, and positive change.
Many of the initiatives and contributions you’ll see below have been personally led and supported financially by Catherine Thompson. Her commitment to giving back has never been dependent on scale or resources, but rooted in purpose, consistency, and a genuine desire to show up for others — even in seasons where doing so required personal sacrifice. She is a true testament to the Power of One and the fact that we all can make a difference, no matter how small.
Explore our moments below and see how we create Xtra Special experiences.
Community & Impact
EVENT: CCLBA Funding Seminar Women’s Month Guest Speaker
DATE: March 2026
Catherine, owner of Xtra Special Moments, was invited as a featured guest speaker during the CCLBA Funding Seminar held in celebration of Women’s Month.
She shared valuable insights on real estate, funding strategies, and investment opportunities, inspiring attendees through her expertise and experience.
EVENT: Developer Spotlight – Black History Month Feature
DATE: February 2026
Xtra Special Moments was honored to be featured in a Developer Spotlight during Black History Month, representing Chicago communities. This recognition, highlighting our role in advancing positive change, was both meaningful and humbling.
We remain committed to creating lasting community impact and inspiring others through our work.
EVENT: CCLBA Award Nomination Newcomer Developer of the Year
DATE: February 2026
Xtra Special Moments was honored to be nominated for the CCLBA Newcomer Developer of the Year Award. Being recognized alongside fellow nominees who are making significant contributions to revitalizing underserved communities across Chicago is both a privilege and a meaningful achievement.
This nomination reflects our commitment to impactful development and serves as a testament to the work we continue to do in partnership with the land bank and the communities we serve.
EVENT: Co-Sponsor & Curator – Life in the Rhythmic Zone: The Art of Turtel Onli
DATE: October 2025
Xtra Special Moments served as co-sponsor and curator of Life in the Rhythmic Zone: The Art of Turtel Onli, a six-week art exhibit held at the Bridgeport Art Center. The exhibition honored the life and legacy of Turtel Onli—a renowned Chicago artist, author, and educator recognized as one of the founding figures of the Black Age of Comics.
This initiative reflects our commitment to celebrating cultural heritage, supporting the arts, and uplifting influential voices within the community.
EVENT: Winter Outreach – Body & Hand Warmer Distribution
DATE: January 2025
Xtra Special Moments organized and sponsored the distribution of thousands of body and hand warmers to individuals experiencing homelessness across Chicago during periods of extreme cold. This ongoing initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in times of urgent need.
Through continued outreach and advocacy, we encourage others to join in efforts to provide warmth, care, and compassion to those facing harsh winter conditions.
EVENT: Community Well Project - Ghana
DATE: December 2023
Xtra Special Moments, in collaboration with close family and friends, privately funded the construction of a community well in a village in Ghana. This initiative was inspired by the hospitality and warmth experienced during travels through Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.
The project reflects a commitment to giving back and supporting access to essential resources, contributing to the well-being and sustainability of the local community.
EVENT: School Supply Donation Kumasi, Ghana
DATE: October 2023
Xtra Special Moments supported local education efforts by purchasing and delivering school supplies to two schools near Kumasi, Ghana. During the visit, essential materials were provided to more than 50 children, helping to enhance their learning experience.
This initiative reflects our commitment to education, community support, and creating meaningful impact through direct engagement.
EVENT: Medical Supply Donation – Cuba
DATE: September 2023
Xtra Special Moments supported humanitarian efforts in Cuba by purchasing and distributing medical supplies and sanitation products to local communities. This initiative was carried out in support of the Cuban people, addressing essential health and hygiene needs.
The effort reflects our commitment to global outreach and providing meaningful support to communities facing limited access to critical resources.
EVENT: Xtra Special Clean Team – Community Block Clean-Up Initiative
DATE: September 2020 – April 2022
Xtra Special Moments launched the Xtra Special Clean Team, a community initiative that cleaned over 300 blocks across Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods while promoting environmental responsibility.
We had many volunteers from the Chicago communities and suburbs show up in support of cleaning up areas in need. The Clean Team Program provided supplies and offered $10 per contractor bag collected to the children in the neighborhood as an incentive to join the effort. The goal was to engage local residents while encouraging community pride, ownership and long-term sustainable improvement.
EVENT: COVID-19 Community Support – Hand Sanitizer Distribution
DATE: September 2020 – April 2022
During a time when essential supplies such as hand sanitizer and household items were widely out of stock, Xtra Special Moments took initiative by purchasing materials to produce homemade hand sanitizer. These were distributed within the workplace and throughout the community to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
This effort reflects our commitment to supporting public health and responding proactively to community needs during times of crisis.
EVENT: Ongoing Homeless Outreach – Food & Toiletry Distribution
DATE: December 2017
Since 2003, Xtra Special Moments has organized and supported ongoing outreach efforts providing food and essential toiletries to individuals experiencing homelessness across Chicago.
Funded by Xtra Special and carried out by volunteers, these initiatives reflect a long-standing commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
EVENT: Youth & Community Sponsorship Initiatives
DATE: December 2016
Xtra Special Moments has consistently supported at risk youth and community organizations through sponsorships, donations, and outreach initiatives. Efforts include contributing to silent auctions, providing essential supplies, and supporting holiday giving programs.
These actions reflect a core belief that impact is driven by the willingness to give and uplift others.
EVENT: Clean Up Our City Campaign
DATE: September 2016
Xtra Special Moments led the Clean Up Our City Campaign, improving Chicago’s South and West Side communities through organized clean-up efforts. Beginning in 2010 through 2020, quarterly initiatives engaged volunteers to promote community pride and better neighborhood conditions.
These efforts laid the foundation for ongoing outreach and continued commitment to community improvement.
Long before COVID, Catherine recognized the importance of clean and safe neighborhoods for health purposes.
EVENT: Holiday Gift Donation Task Force LGBTQ Youth
DATE: December 2015
Xtra Special delivered gifts and essential donations directly to Task Force, an organization serving at-risk LGBTQ youth on Chicago’s West Side. That same year she also passed out Christmas gifts to the homeless on the Westside. By bypassing "red tape" and meeting people where they are, we continue our commitment to sponsoring local programs that make a tangible difference for Chicago residents
EVENT: School Supplies & Homeless Support Campaign
DATE: August 2015
Continuing our tradition of community support, Xtra Special purchased and donated school supplies for local children and socks for a homeless outreach campaign. These donations were distributed through a local community church to ensure they reached those in need directly.
EVENT: Senior Holiday Support Campaign
DATE: February 2015
Xtra Special organized and sponsored holiday activities to support our seniors, providing custom Valentine’s Day greetings and essential donations. We believe that being a supportive part of the community means doing good in the community, especially during times when love and support are priceless.
EVENT: Christmas Eve Lottery Ticket Distribution
DATE: December 2014
To spread hope and blessings for the holiday, Xtra Special passed out over $300 in Illinois Lottery tickets on Christmas Eve. This random act of kindness is just one of many ways we look to love and support our neighbors, encouraging others to do good and to always believe that something wonderful can happen.
EVENT: The at Risk Youth Campaign
DATE: January 2013
When a Bensenville, IL program for at-risk youth lost its funding, Xtra Special stepped up along with others to fill the gap. We provided essential school supplies and home-cooked meals, staying true to our goal of showing up exactly where and when we are needed most.
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