Your last chance to get your name in the Chicago Reader

[READER]( Friend, A pair of dice, lip balm, your name in the Chicago Reader. What do all of these things have in common? They’re all things you can get for just a buck. And today’s the last day to get in on it. That’s right. If you chip in today, we’ll print your name in a fresh copy of the Reader. But time is running out—what are you waiting for? [Donate any amount before tonight’s deadline to be on record as a backer of this independent alt-weekly, and we’ll put your name in print.]( We have been so overwhelmed by the response from people all over to our first-ever Reader fund-raising and membership campaign. In fact, we need just 100 more people to give to reach 2,000 contributors. Think about that: 2,000 independent journalism-loving people who will see their names in the Reader later this month. The Reader has a new, independent beginning because of you, and I know just how important that is. I am a native Chicagoan who grew up in a journalism family. My mom started at the Chicago Tribune in the 1960s, where she met my stepfather. While he was able to work within the mainstream media, my mom, as a woman who wanted to cover serious news, was forced out. She then found her way to independent journalism, as both a freelancer, and later as managing editor of the Chicago Defender. When I graduated with a journalism degree in 1984, my path, too, was limited. I was an openly gay journalist in an era when it was hard enough being a woman in the profession, much less a lesbian. So my mother guided me to GayLife newspaper, where I flourished, and from there I co-founded Windy City Times in 1985. My leap to publisher of the Chicago Reader last fall was a big one. Yet in many ways, it was a natural progression. I love Chicago and I love journalism. I’ve been given a chance to create a new model, a path forward to keep the Chicago Reader independent, thriving, and truly alternative. While we can’t be all things to all people, we are working hard to be a Chicago-focused independent voice in media. These days, that is a rare and miraculous thing. But there is no way any of this would be possible without you. People like you have stuck by us for the past 47 years while other alternative weeklies have fallen by the wayside, and we can’t thank you enough for that. You’re a big reason so many of us do what we do. But we all know the state of print media these days. We’re super proud to be trying something new (and something a little bit risky). That’s why we’re asking to you to have our back again and help keep us independent. Today’s the very last day of our fund-raising drive, so we’ll repeat ourselves: [If you want to see more independent, community-driven journalism in Chicago, this is your last chance to chip in and show your support before the deadline.]( Thank you, Tracy Tracy Baim Publisher Chicago Reader [DONATE →]( Want to donate via check? Make checks payable to “Chicago Reader” and mail to: Chicago Reader, Suite 102, 2930 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616. Include your mailing address, phone and email and please indicate if you’re OK with us thanking you by name in the paper. Trouble reading? [View this message as a webpage](. This e-mail has been sent to {EMAIL} [Forward this e-mail to a friend.]( All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. [Sign up]( for Chicago Reader Newsletters. [Privacy Policy]( • [Terms of Use]( • [Manage E-mail Preferences]( • [Unsubscribe]( © 2019 Chicago Reader, 2930 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 102, Chicago, IL 60616