Mitch Dudek

Magician and illusionist Jamie Harrison created the whimsical and heart stopping moments in stage production, which is currently playing in Chicago.

"It changed my life," says one beneficiary of the Chicago-based talk show, which handed over Pontiacs, a new home, even a gig on "Will & Grace."

With husband Mick Levine, she ran Ninety Ninth Floor on North Halsted Street, which drew devoted shoppers from a broad cross-section of Chicago, from sheepish cross-dressers to punks and club kids as well as a few famous people, among them Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Slash from…

Mr. Lawless came to America as a second act in his life, and found a calling in immigration reform.

From her home in Lincoln Park Ella Jenkins traveled the world, performing for generations of kids who never forgot listening to and performing with her. She has a Grammy Award, and her music is in the Library of Congress.

Jim Mulligan's kids would hide behind the tree, which grew tall next to a historic home in Logan Square where they once lived. The new owners of the house aim to honor his memory by donating the massive tree to the city.

Country rockers toured with some of the biggest bands of the ’70s.

Mr. Durpetti found his calling in the restaurant. He gabbed with patrons ranging from CTA workers to celebrities.

Ms. Glover made it her goal to meet Prince when she was a dancer working at clubs in Chicago. She went on to perform on his "Sign o’ the Times" and "Lovesexy" tours.

The celebrity home designer will still be taking on gut rehabs, but they won't be on her dime — at least for now.