Chicago Lights Gala “GLOW” Raises More Than $30,000 to Expand Community Outreach

CHICAGO – Nov. 6, 2013 – The Chicago Lights Associates Board raised more than $30,000 during their second annual gala, “GLOW.” Hosted in support of the programs of Chicago Lights and the children, youth and adults it serves, the neon-themed fundraiser held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 19 attracted 300 individuals.

The event proceeds benefited Chicago Lights’ six outreach programs: Tutoring, the Chicago Lights Urban Farm, the Elam Davies Social Service Center, Summer Day, Chicago Lights Academic Success in Schools (CLASS) and Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy.

Chicago Lights, a community outreach arm of Fourth Presbyterian Church, has served more than 50,000 Chicago residents since 1964. This nonprofit offers programs and services in the Near North neighborhood, several elementary schools and the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. Each year, the organization serves 4,000 individuals of all races, ethnic backgrounds and religious traditions.

“It is through events such as ‘GLOW’ that the Chicago Lights Associates Board supports efforts to empower, educate and inspire individuals throughout Chicago,’” said Chicago Lights Associates Board President Ryann Meyer.  “This gala makes a meaningful difference in Chicago Lights’ ability to change the lives of thousands of children, youth and adults in Chicago.”

In addition to having exclusive access to the MCA’s art galleries, members of the Associates Board became artists themselves by writing their “BRIGHT IDEAS” on a colorful neon Post-it® Note pattern that spelled “GLOW” along the building’s west-facing window.

Guests were treated to an evening of live entertainment by Chicago DJ Broadway, late-night snacks from Wolfgang Puck Catering and complimentary beverages of beer, wine and specialty cocktails. In-kind donors included Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Goose Island, Svedka, Crafthouse Cocktails, Glenfiddich, Hendricks Gin, Virtue Cider and RumChata, as well as Anna Held Floral Studio, Bulgari, CitySwarm, Groupon Inc., jetBlue and Uber. The gala also featured cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery and a colorful candy buffet.

Nine hundred drawing tickets were purchased for the gala’s six signature drawing packages and three signature silent auction packages. Some of the event’s notable guests included Carolina Roman, who is serving as this year’s Miss Latina Illinois, and members of the Chicago Lights Board of Directors.

This year’s gala corporate sponsors were the CME Group, KIA Motors, Texor Petroleum Co., William F. O’Connor Foundation, Gator Trading Partners LLC, Sikich LLP, Streeterville Properties, Travis Financial Strategies LLC and Twinkling Stars Daycare.

To learn more about Chicago Lights and its outreach programs, visit http://www.chicagolights.org.

About Chicago Lights

Chicago Lights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community outreach organization committed to providing social services, meals, tutoring, job-training, and educational programs to Chicago’s children, youth and adults who face the challenges of poverty. Headquartered at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago Lights empowers 4,000 people each year to thrive academically, secure economic stability, lead healthy lives, and build community.

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