CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)–March 15, 2018
By: Kris Adamik
The Chicago Lights Gala of Hope celebrated its 25th anniversary and raised over $675,000 for youth development and social services on Friday, March 2, 2018. The event gathered supporters to celebrate and invest in the work of compassion, hope, and justice lived through these programs.
“We believe that every child deserves quality educational opportunities and access to arts learning. We believe that all young people deserve a path to a good job and satisfying career. We believe that adults who have found themselves in the midst of hard times deserve to be treated with dignity as they rebuild their lives,” said Stacy Jackson, Executive Director for Chicago Lights. “The generosity displayed at the 2018 Gala of Hope is an affirmation of those beliefs and will help propel this work forward. We are truly grateful for our supporters who help make a difference.”
Led by Co-Chairs Chris Horsman and Sara Pfaff, the Gala of Hope brought together over 500 guests at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel for a night of philanthropy and fun. Before the ballroom opened, guests participated in a sold-out Mystery Wine Sale, a “Windy City Escapade” Anniversary Drawing, and an exclusive silent auction. Once inside the ballroom, guests enjoyed an elegantly-decorated space courtesy of Revel Décor and a seated dinner.
The evening’s live auction, which was once again emceed by Ron Magers for the 13th year in a row, featured once-in-lifetime experiences related to dining, travel, and more, including getaways to Hawaii and Scotland, brunch with the Emmy award–winning NHL broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick, and a wine-and-dine evening with Chef J. Joho of Everest and American Master Sommelier Alpana Singh of Boarding House and Terra & Vine. Guests celebrated the success of the event with dancing to the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra for the 14th year in a row.
The 25th Anniversary of the Gala of Hope is grateful for 2018 Partner Kirkland & Ellis, Official Airline Sponsor Delta Air Lines, and Hope Sponsors the Blanco family in loving honor of Jim L. Blanco, Ann and Doug Grissom, Andy McGaan, and Jennifer and Brian Van Klompenberg.
The Gala of Hope supports the life-changing youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Chicago Lights has served over 50,000 people since the inception of its first program, Tutoring, and annually serves over 4,000 children, youth, and adults in the city. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being at Fourth Presbyterian Church.
About Chicago Lights
Chicago Lights is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at Fourth Presbyterian Church and provides hope and opportunity to Chicago’s children, youth, and adults facing the challenges of poverty. Through youth development and social services, Chicago Lights empowers people to thrive academically, secure economic stability, lead healthy lives, and build community. For more information about Chicago Lights, visit www.chicagolights.org.
About the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being
The Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being is Fourth Presbyterian Church’s response to the mental health needs of both its congregation and the wider community and provides professional, caring, and holistic service. For more information about the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being, visit www.reploglecenter.org.
Source: www.chicagolights.org