On April 29, more than 500 guests attended the Midwest Regional Office of UNICEF USA’s 10th annual UNICEF Hope Gala and raised more than $1 million to support the work UNICEF is doing around the world to “put children first.” The event, which celebrated UNICEF’s 70th anniversary, featured a silent auction and raffle, live auction, dinner, and music by the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra at The Geraghty in Chicago.
“As long as there are children in any corner of the world who are facing such unimaginable situations, children everywhere are threatened,” UNICEF USA President and CEO Caryl Stern says. “And as long as children are the victims of warfare, of famine, drought and disease, UNICEF will be beside them, putting them and their needs first, as we have done now for 70 years.”
Gala Chair John Luce adds, “What can just one person do to protect the world’s children? For me, finding my home within UNICEF was the answer to those questions. I found that UNICEF is the main provider of that life-saving care in every region of the world. I immediately saw that my contributions of time, advocacy and financial resources were helping the organization support more children, in ever more immediate and innovative ways.”
Find out how you can get involved with the organization here. Plus, join UNICEF as they celebrate Kid Power Month at the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier on May 20. Stop by for games and entertainment and to learn more about the UNICEF Kid Power Band, which allows kids to “unlock lifesaving food packets for kids in need around the world” with each step they take throughout the day.
