One is a charter school--Village Leadership Academy--at 800 S. Wells. A school that helps disadvantaged youth become leaders in their communities someday. With strong academics, cultural opportunities and a huge dose of self-esteem building and confidence level enhancement.

A coincidence: a guy I sat next to at a birthday party a few weeks ago leaned over and suddenly started telling me about a school that his nephew was attending that was unbelievably effective, and he was so glad his sister had sought the school out for her son. Turns out, Village Leadership Academy was the place he was talking about. I had never heard of it before despite living just a few blocks away.

The other South Loop institution that was showcased was William Bigham. Bigham owns William H. Bigham Galleries, one of which is at 1528 S. Wabash; he and the gallery participated in the South Loop Gallery Walk a few Friday nights ago. It's an upscale, bright wonderful place cluttered with all kinds of bold art, jewelry and collectibles. And Bigham is an uplifting person who is generous of spirit. He is also an engineer who has strayed from his profession--but he does use his engineering ability to create the famous Bigham Awards, framed or sculpted unique conceptual art pieces that commemorate any occasion or any person who has achieved a goal.