Christmas in the Wards 30th Anniversary Fundraiser Gala
Sat, Aug 29, 2026, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm CT
McCormick Place Lakeside Center
2301 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States (US)
About the Event
Christmas in the Wards 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 30 years of hope, generosity, and community impact at the Christmas in the Wards 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala.
For three decades, Christmas in the Wards has brought the magic of the holidays to thousands of children and families throughout Chicago by providing toys, food, winter coats, books, essential resources, and year-round community support. This special anniversary gala honors the volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters who have helped make this incredible journey possible.
Theme: “It Takes a City to Do What We Do!”
Experience an elegant evening featuring:
- 🍽️ Gourmet Dinner
- 🎶 Live Entertainment & Dancing
- 🔨 Exclusive Live Auction
- 🎁 Special Anniversary Celebrations
- ❤️ Inspiring stories of lives transformed through Christmas in the Wards
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first time supporter, this is your opportunity to become part of a legacy that has been strengthening Chicago communities since 1996.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: McCormick Place Lakeside Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois
Attire: Cocktail / Semi-Formal
Tickets
- $250 Individual Ticket
- $2,500 Reserved Table (10 Guests)
- $5,000 Laptop on the Lane Sponsor (10 Guest)
- $10,000 Giving in the Wards Sponsor (20 Guest)
Your Attendance Makes a Difference
Every ticket purchased directly supports the mission of Christmas in the Wards. Proceeds from the gala help fund year-round community programs, including:
- Holiday toy and gift distribution
- Back-to-School initiatives
- Holiday food giveaways
- Spring community events
- Winter coats, books, and essential resources for families in need
- Youth enrichment and community engagement programs
Together, we can continue creating brighter futures for children and families across Chicago.
Celebrate 30 years of giving. Invest in the next 30 years of hope.
All proceeds benefit Christmas in the Wards. Join us as we celebrate a remarkable legacy and help ensure that the spirit of giving continues to uplift communities for generations to come.
Location
McCormick Place Lakeside Center
2301 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, Illinois 60616, United States (US)
Date and Time
Sat, Aug 29, 2026, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm CT
Refund Policy
No refunds offered.
Organizer
Christmas in the Wards
For 30 years, Christmas in the Wards has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and community across Chicagoland. Founded in 1996 with a single holiday gathering serving approximately 50 families in Englewood, the organization has grown into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit initiatives touching the lives of more than 100,000 children and families and becoming the second-largest local toy giveaway in the nation.
Our mission is rooted in a simple belief: every family deserves to experience joy, dignity, and hope not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. Through the generous support of volunteers, corporate partners, donors, and community leaders, Christmas in the Wards provides toys, food, clothing, educational resources, technology, and year-round community programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
What makes Christmas in the Wards unique is our collaborative approach. We work alongside civic leaders, schools, businesses, and community organizations to identify families in need and deliver meaningful support where it matters most. Our motto, “It takes a city to do what we do,” reflects the power of partnership and the collective commitment that has fueled our mission for three decades.
When you attend the 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala, you’re doing more than celebrating a milestone, you are investing in the future of Chicago’s children and families. Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps ensure that Christmas in the Wards can continue uplifting communities, creating opportunities, and bringing hope to those who need it most.
Together, we celebrate 30 years of impact—and together, we’ll build the next 30 years of hope.
Order Confirmation
Organizer
Christmas in the Wards
For 30 years, Christmas in the Wards has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and community across Chicagoland. Founded in 1996 with a single holiday gathering serving approximately 50 families in Englewood, the organization has grown into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit initiatives touching the lives of more than 100,000 children and families and becoming the second-largest local toy giveaway in the nation.
Our mission is rooted in a simple belief: every family deserves to experience joy, dignity, and hope not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. Through the generous support of volunteers, corporate partners, donors, and community leaders, Christmas in the Wards provides toys, food, clothing, educational resources, technology, and year-round community programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
What makes Christmas in the Wards unique is our collaborative approach. We work alongside civic leaders, schools, businesses, and community organizations to identify families in need and deliver meaningful support where it matters most. Our motto, “It takes a city to do what we do,” reflects the power of partnership and the collective commitment that has fueled our mission for three decades.
When you attend the 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala, you’re doing more than celebrating a milestone, you are investing in the future of Chicago’s children and families. Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised helps ensure that Christmas in the Wards can continue uplifting communities, creating opportunities, and bringing hope to those who need it most.
Together, we celebrate 30 years of impact—and together, we’ll build the next 30 years of hope.
