Chicago is known for its many philanthropic organizations that support various causes such as health, the environment, hunger, homelessness, education, culture, and more. These charities hold events throughout the year where people can attend, participate, and donate to support their causes. Some of the major upcoming events highlighted include the Ronald McDonald House Charities gala in March, the Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Ball in May, the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball in July, and the After School Matters Gala in September. These events feature live and silent auctions, celebrity guests, dancing, and raise funds to support their philanthropic missions in Chicago.

1. Don't miss the best benefits and
philanthropic events in Chicago
By Yosef Meystel
Image courtesy of ASM
Darkroom at Flickr.com

2. Chicago is a city that is known for its charities and
philanthropic organizations. There is everything from health
and environmental to hunger and homelessness or kids,
education and culture. Each charity helps the city and its
inhabitants making an impact on their lives and ensuring that
the quality of life in Chicago improves. In Chicago, it’s not just
the philanthropists that are giving, but the people who live in
the city as well. They attend, participate and donate to the
different charities through the different events that the
nonprofit organization hold. Here are some of the most
important benefits and conferences that you can’t miss if
you’re interested in helping a cause in the Chicago area.

3. Benefits:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s
Big Mac Under Glass Gala – March
This year’s gala was held with a Mission: Possible theme, where “secret
change agents” were going around the UIC Forum selling raffle tickets with
secret codes for one of five auction prize briefcases. To participate in the
event, you could have attended and donated by buying your ticket, that
ranged from $475 to $10,000 at the VIP table. Be sure to place your bid for
the amazing packages that are auctioned off.
Make-a-Wish Foundation’s Wish Ball – May
Every year the ball is held to bring together individuals who are interested
in supporting hundreds of children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,
and this year is extra special since they are celebrating their 30th
anniversary. You are sure to find cocktails, dinner, a raffle, silent auction
and of course dancing. Some celebrities make guest appearances. This
year’s ball will be held at the U.S. Navy Pier and you can get your ticket
from $600 a ticket to $6,000 a table, up to $12,000 for a premium table.

4. The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball – July
This year’s theme “Penguins in Paradise” is sure to be tons of
fun during this summer’s biggest party held by the Women’s
Board. This ball has been around since 1977 and it has
successfully raised funds throughout the years to help the
Chicago zoo, one of the last free zoos in the country, maintain its
habitats for the animals. You’ll definitely be dancing the whole
night, so be sure to wear comfortable foot wear.
Image courtesy of clarkmaxwell at Flickr.com

5. After School Matters Gala – September
Last year’s gala was simply amazing with over 1,000 supporters
going out to donate, get to know the foundation and participate in
the biggest event of the year. Different celebrities attended the
event including George Lucas.
Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Carl Sandburg Literary Awards
Dinner – October
Every year this foundation honors different authors and hold this
dinner to raise awareness of the importance of reading, especially
in our younger generations. This year’s honorees will be novelist
Erik Larson, who will receive the Carl Sandburg Literary Award for
nonfiction, and Amina Gautier as a Chicago-based emerging
author. There will be many guest authors and the idea is to have an
amazing night with lively and entertaining conversation.

6. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s One Dream Gala – December
This fund is actively supporting people with Type 1 diabetes and is in
need of support to continue research to find a cure. They touch people’s
lives, giving them hope for a better life. This gala was held last year in
December and during the event there was a silent auction, a live auction,
a concert and other interventions that filled the spectators with hope and
inspiration. Just last year it raised almost $4.2 million, making it almost
one of the biggest events in Chicago.
Some extra ones:
Paws Chicago’s 15th Annual Fur Ball
In an effort to raise funds for the homeless pets of the city of Chicago,
this is the 15th edition of this Fur Ball, where people get together usually
accompanied by their pets. There is a silent and live auction in addition
to a raffle, but the lucky ones will be the canine companions. They will
have a buffet and spa set up just for them. While us humans can enjoy
drinks, dancing and that warm sensation of knowing we helped in a cause
to help homeless dogs and cats.

7. Chicago Walk with us to Cure Lupus
This walk, which is organized along with Alliance for Lupus Research
(ALR), is a fundraising program that joins people together every year to
walk and help further investigation to prevent, treat and cure lupus. All of
the proceeds go to supporting this cause and improving the lives of all of
those who live with lupus.
Power of Play Charity Basketball Tournament
This two-day event is jam packed with basketball. This 5 on 50 basketball
tournament is raising fund for the youth of Chicago. There will be two
tournaments: a youth tournament (ages 13-17) and an adult tournament
(18 or over). With participation from Sports Authority and Buffalo Wild
Wings, you are sure to enjoy basketball along with the skills competition
and the live entertainment. By playing a sport we love, we can also
contribute to helping these children have a brighter future.
Chicago is a city that cares, and its various foundations, charities and
nonprofit organizations, along with their sponsors and supporters are
living proof that change can happen, only if we’re willing to take part in it.