MADE Magazine Issue 8 | Page 33

MADEINC. The unforgettable VIP dining experience hosted by former professional basketball player Steve Bardo with a Q&A with former professional NFL player Israel Idonije was created for and in Chicago to welcome the newest class of NFL players during draft week. Draft week returned to Chicago and the private dinner was an opportunity to hear from a legendary retired NFL icon and entrepreneur, with an intimate conversation about Idonije’s local rise to greatness, his time in the NFL and his philanthropic work through the Israel Idonije Foundation inspired attendees. The unforgettable evening, held at the exclusive Soho House Chicago, included bespoke cocktails, delicious cuisine and a distinctive group of attendees including Idonije, Les Coney, Kevin Williams of BMW and Kenny Johnson as well as other former Chicago Bears and various influencers from around the city. The dinner hosted 40 select guests. What BMW has done with their commitment to exellence is exciting, setting the standard in their redefinition of the Sports Car. Whether its development of a super car like the i8, building a new business, or even in just tackling a new challenge in your life. The principals to WINNING in anything are the same. It was an honor to share some my lifes story and journey through sport and business along side a leading brand like BMW.” - Israel Idonije Steve Bardo, former professional basketball player, made a slam-dunk impression on guests at the Ultimate Dinner Series, where BMW donated $5,000 to the Elton Brand Academy. During the event, Steve Bardo interviewed Elton Brand on how he achieved greatness as well as how he intended on continuing to live a life of excellence.  Guests enjoyed light fare food and cocktails during an intimate conversation in the Soho District. icon of progress — an extraordinary evolution of The Ultimate Driving Machine®. As a revolutionary plug-in hybrid, this sports car uses eDrive technology to combine the ef ciency of an all-electric motor and the power of a TwinPower Turbo engine for an exhilarating driving experience that’s every bit BMW. ◊ Both events allowed guests the opportunity to see the BMW i8, BMW’s latest innovation, disguised as a sports car. The i8 is described as no ordinary sports car. Like Israel Idonije, it’s an made-magazine.com 33