Earlier this fall, Chicago’s civic, corporate, and community leaders came together for a night that was as impactful as it was inspiring. The After School Matters annual Gala, held Sept. 18 at 167 Events in Fulton Market, brought together more than 400 supporters, raising $2.59 million to fund after-school and summer programs that provide thousands […]
For birth parents who choose adoption, finding a community that understands their journey can be transformative. On Your Feet Foundation provides that space — one where birth parents are met with empathy, lifelong support, and resources that empower them to move forward with confidence. As the only secular, independent organization in the U.S. dedicated to […]
On June 14, the Joffrey Ballet, a major grant partner of the Make It Better Foundation, celebrated the Chicago end to an incredible 68th season with its largest annual fundraising event, this year titled, Midsummer Celebration. It only seemed fitting to plan a gala event inspired by Alexander Ekman’s Swedish take on “A Midsummer Night’s […]
On May 18, Marillac St. Vincent Family Services (MSV) held their annual Lumiere Gala, formerly Fleur de Lis, which celebrated the 400th anniversary of St. Louise de Marillac’s — known as “Lumiere” or “vision of light” — pursuit to be in service to others. Her mission and initial efforts manifested into the Daughters of Charity […]
Nearly 300 guests gathered at Walden for Breakthrough’s 2022 Annual Benefit on October 20 to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary. The event raised more than $900,000 for Breakthrough’s programming and resources. The mission of Breakthrough — a 2022 Make It Better Foundation Philanthropy Award Winner — is to develop a safe and stable community within Garfield […]
More than 2,500 Chicagoland residents participated in the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Saturday, October 8, 2022. The event raised more than $1 million to accelerate global research, increase early detection and maximize quality care and support for those living with Alzheimer’s. Despite the chilly Chicago weather, participants dressed in purple attire and gathered at […]
On Saturday, October 1, Shedd Aquarium’s black-tie gala event, THRIVE, raised nearly $2.2 million during a paddle raise for the aquarium’s conservation, education, and animal care efforts. More than 700 people attended the sold-out event centered around the importance of coral reefs and the Shedd’s ongoing coral research. This night marked the return of the annual Board […]
On September 16, The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center hosted its annual fall benefit, “Illuminate,” at Theater on the Lake in Chicago. Nearly 400 guests gathered to raise funds for the medical center’s education, research and community service programs, as well as The Woman’s Board Fund for Excellence in Cellular Therapy. Theater on […]
The Opera Festival of Chicago celebrated a successful second season in July with fully staged productions of Italian opera masterworks Il Corsaro and L’Inganno Felice, along with a special concert honoring the one-hundredth anniversary of the birth of legendary soprano Renata Tebaldi. The Festival, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was born during the pandemic to bring rare […]
The Night Ministry, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides human connection, housing support and healthcare to members of the community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty, held its Lighting Up the Night fundraiser on June 13 at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. It was the nonprofit’s first in-person benefit since 2019, attracting nearly 300 supporters who […]
