Sneakers replaced stilettos and hit the dance floor as After School Matters supporters turned out for the fifth annual Sneaker Ball, hosted by the organization’s Associate Board at Punch Bowl Social.
The event raised more than $175,000 for ASM’s Stipend Fund, ensuring that Chicago teens receive compensation for their time and talent across a wide range of creative, academic, and career-building programs.
ABC7 anchors Mark Rivera and Samantha Chatman — an ASM alum and current Associate Board member — emceed the evening, highlighting the transformative reach of After School Matters, which has provided more than 400,000 Chicago teens with hands-on learning opportunities since 1991. Chatman shared how her own ASM experience helped shape her future, offering a personal perspective on the program’s life-changing potential.
The evening opened with a high-impact performance by teens from the Englewood STEM Drum Line, setting a celebratory tone that carried through the night. DJ Max Davis of Style Matters kept energy levels high while guests connected with students showcasing their skills in digital photography, fashion design, skate park construction, and more. Shoppers had the opportunity to support young creators directly by purchasing student-made art and apparel at the TEENMADE booth.
Another standout moment came courtesy of the Les Enfants Dance Program, whose student performers lit up the stage with a dynamic routine that closed with an audience-involved number, “Boots on the Ground.”
Associate Board Co-Chairs Taka Buranda and Rocio Casillas thanked sponsors and attendees — including Gold Sponsors CLAYCO and Fifth Third Bank — for their continued investment in the city’s youth. Lucky raffle winners went home with prizes like Windy City Smokeout tickets, a private dining experience from Gage Hospitality Group, and United Airlines flight vouchers.
From the art on the walls to the energy on the dance floor, Sneaker Ball was a celebration of teen potential — and a powerful reminder of the impact that community support can have when it meets creativity and opportunity.
How to Help
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that supports Chicago teens with paid opportunities to develop talents and skills to help them progress through school, work, and beyond. Donations help ASM continue to offer programs that introduce Chicago youth to new ideas and encourage them to explore their interests.
