Big thanks to all of our readers and advertisers who’ve stepped up to help us reboot Streetsblog Chicago as a locally funded nonprofit by our April 8 deadline. Last month, the Chicago Community Trust, a local charitable foundation, generously offered us a $25K challenge grant if we can reach $50K in donations and ad sales. That $75K will fund one year of operations; over the next year we’ll work on securing additional grants to make the site sustainable.

We’re now in the homestretch, with less than $13.5K left to raise before we win the CCT grant and start providing daily coverage of local transportation news once again. However, we only have about a month to come up with that money, so we need as much help as we can get. If you haven’t already done so, please donate to the Streetsblog Chicago Resurrection Fund today. In the unlikely event that we don’t relaunch by April 8, all donations will be refunded.

To express our thanks to those who’ve helped us out so far, spur additional contributions, and just have a good time with out loyal readers, we’re hosting a party at the end of the month. Here’s the skinny:

Streetsblog Chicago Donor Appreciation Party, Wednesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m., Revolution Brewing’s Kedzie Avenue brewery, 3340 North Kedzie Avenue.

If you’ve never been to the brewery (not to be confused with RevBrew’s Milwaukee Avenue brewpub), its cavernous taproom is a very fun place to hang out while enjoying the company’s delicious craft beer. All Streetsblog readers are welcome to show up to the party. Admission is free; there will be a cash bar.

Revolution, headed by sustainable transportation advocate Josh Deth, has already made a major pledge towards the Streetsblog Chicago revival effort. On top of that, they’ve very generously offered to buy the first round for readers who have donated $100 or more to the Streetsblog Chicago Resurrection Fund.

If you’re part of that elite group, your name will be on a VIP list at our welcome table, where you’ll be given a drink ticket, as well as your free copy of my book “Bars Across America.” If we owe you a book but you won’t be able to attend, please email me at greenfieldjohn[at]hotmail.com, and I’ll drop one in the mail for you.

Haven’t given a Benjamin to the resurrection fund yet but still want a free beer and book? Everyone who contributes $100 or more between now and March 25 will be on the VIP list as well. You can also add onto a previous donation to reach the $100 mark and get on the list – if you do so, please alert me via email so we can make sure you get your complimentary brew and book.

As always, thanks for your continuing support as we roll towards our finish line. We look forward to seeing many of you at RevBrew and toasting the imminent return of Chicago’s daily transportation news source.

– John