What began as a one-day event for car enthusiasts has evolved into something more enduring — and instructive — for those interested in local philanthropy, strategic giving, and the long-term stewardship of wealth and values.
Clearwater Capital Foundation’s 5th Annual Charity Supercar Show, held June 21 at the firm’s Hoffman Estates headquarters, brought together more than 1,200 guests and showcased over 265 high-end vehicles — from Ferraris and Ford GTs to McLarens. While the cars were the main draw, the bigger takeaway may lie in how the show’s model of giving, and the conversations it’s inspired, can apply far beyond a single Saturday.
A Giving Model That Goes Further
The Supercar Show is fully underwritten by Clearwater Capital Foundation, meaning that 100 percent of proceeds go directly to local nonprofits. This year’s event raised funds for Fellowship Housing, A Giving Heart Foundation, and The Bridge Youth & Family Services. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $300,000. This year’s event met its fundraising goal, marking a significant milestone in the show’s five-year history.
For donors and organizations alike, it’s a reminder: When event costs are covered by sponsors or hosts, every dollar raised can go to straight to the beneficiaries.
The show also featured a live auction for luxury travel experiences, a DJ on a boat, a pickleball court, and other community-minded programming designed to draw a broader audience beyond automotive enthusiasts.
Cars That Turn Heads — and Open Wallets
Pairing niche passions (cars, wine, design, etc.) with a local giving model can create more memorable — and mission-aligned — events.
Launched in response to the challenges of 2020, the Supercar Show has evolved into a recurring summer gathering that blends automotive enthusiasm with philanthropy. “I’ve attended Chicagoland car events my entire life, and I always dreamed of hosting one,” says James Chapman, Chairman of the Charity Supercar Show. “To see that dream become a force for good is truly special.”
The 265 vehicles on display reflected a mix of heritage, design, and speed — a curated collection that included not only Ferraris and McLarens, but Lamborghinis, Porsches, and the all-electric Rimac Nevera. For collectors and casual fans alike, the show offered a close-up look at cars not often spotted on suburban streets — all in support of local causes.
John Chapman, Greg Davis, and John Sleeting discussing a podcast episode at the event. Photo courtesy of Clearwater Capital Foundation.
Extending the Impact Through Conversation
Clearwater Capital’s philanthropic focus doesn’t end when the engines shut off. Through their podcast series, Clear Conversations: Entrepreneurial Legacies, the firm shares year-round insights into topics like family governance, multigenerational wealth, and values-based leadership.
Each episode delves into topics such as new ventures, scaling for growth, family governance, philanthropy, and the pivotal decision-making processes that shape the future of family enterprises.
Participants at the car show queued to enter the event at Clearwater Capital Headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Photo courtesy of Clearwater Capital Foundation.
Recent podcast episodes explore how Clearwater integrates strategic giving into its broader wealth management approach — and how other families and organizations can do the same.
Hosted by Managing Partner of Family Office Services John Sleeting, the show also devotes special segments to the Supercar Show — featuring conversations with major sponsors, nonprofit partners, and Clearwater leadership, including founder and CEO John Chapman, Foundation Executive Director Greg Davis, and James Chapman, the show’s founder.
Check out episodes on YouTube, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
From Local Event to Scalable Framework
The Clearwater Capital Foundation’s Supercar Show is, at face value, about showcasing fast cars. But beneath the hood, it’s become an example of how interest, community, and values can align. Through a mix of local partnership, clear giving goals, and extended educational content, the event offers a case study in building something more meaningful — and more lasting — than a lineup of supercars.
How to Help
Clearwater Capital Foundation aims to improve the quality of life of those in need by partnering with nonprofits to raise funds, awareness, and support. Donations to the CCF Supercar Show go toward supporting Fellowship Housing, A Giving Heart Foundation, and The Bridge Youth & Family Services.
