What is the Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect is an underground movement redefining philanthropy one “butterfly” at a time by providing individuals the opportunity to give to a cause close to their heart. Harnessing the power of social media, together we create a ripple effect of contagious generosity through our Butterfly Drops and Social Butterfly Installations. We recognize that we can be the change we want to see in the world by facilitating small acts of kindness, encouraging generosity, and promoting creativity.

So far, the Butterfly Effect raised over $120,000 and supported over 500 causes. With your help, let’s keep the movement moving! Southgate Market is partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to raise funds for this organization.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository provides food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the community. Chicago’s food bank acts as the hub for a network of more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other programs.

For more information about the charity, click here: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/

You Take a Picture, We Donate to Charity.
Here’s How to Start Your Social Change. 

1. Take a picture of yourself inside the wings

2. Log into your Instagram and post your butterfly image with #southgatemarket and #butterflyeffect

Once your photo is uploaded to the Instagram feed on this page, Southgate Market will make a $5 donation to Greater Chicago Food Depository on your behalf! Greater Chicago Food Depository will receive $5 each for the first 200 photos taken within the wings and with the two hashtags.

Southgate Market’s Butterfly Effect Mural

In November 2019, Southgate Market revealed its version of the famous Butterfly Effect wings, the first of its kind in the Chicagoland area. These Chicago-filled wings create a photo opportunity that serves as the platform to raise money for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Utilizing the uniform shape of Wahl’s butterfly wings, local artist, Charlie McDermott, created a unique art mural that incorporated the city’s emblematic flag and iconic skyline. “I was inspired by the city’s diverse neighborhoods as well as the opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I wanted to create something that symbolized the pride that Chicagoans have,” Charlie states.

You can find the picturesque art mural located outside of Marshalls and Panera on the Street Level.

About the Founder

Tasha Wahl is an artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Her unique vision at the intersection of these disciplines inspired her to create the Butterfly Effect in 2013, an interactive philanthropic movement whose message echoes Gandhi’s belief that we must each be the change we want to see in the world.

Tasha has always believed that small, contagious acts of generosity can transform the world for the better. Her belief echoes Edward Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” theory –that even the softest flutter of a wing can affect the molecules around it, setting off a chain reaction that amplifies into major change.  Using interactive public art and social media, the Butterfly Effect revolutionizes philanthropy.

For more information: butterflyeffectbethechange.com

About the Artist