News

Chicago, IL.- Chicago HOPES for Kids is thrilled to announce the success of its annual Seeds of HOPE Gala, held on Friday, June 7th, 2024, at Lacuna Lofts. The event, which took place from 6 pm to 10 pm, brought together more than 200 supporters for an evening of celebration, live music, delicious food, and heartfelt recognition of individuals and organizations making a significant impact in our community.

The highlight of the evening was the overwhelming generosity of our attendees, who collectively raised nearly $100,000 to support our programs and initiatives. This incredible achievement surpassed our fundraising goals and will greatly enhance our ability to provide educational resources and support to children experiencing homelessness in Chicago.

The night featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to our mission:

• 2024 Volunteer of the Year: Chris Ziomek
• 2024 Enrichment Partner of the Year: The Journey Forward
• 2024 Founders Award: Rita Bloomquist
• 2024 Mission Achievement Award: Kimberly King

We were honored to acknowledge these remarkable individuals and organizations, and celebrate their ongoing dedication and support.The success of the 2024 Seeds of HOPE Gala is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community. The funds raised will enable us to expand our STEAM Enrichment campaign, adding three new partners to our Literacy Leaders enrichment portfolio. This initiative provides hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for our students' academic success and future career exploration.

Chicago HOPES for Kids extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to this memorable evening. Your support is vital in helping us continue our mission to empower Chicago’s most vulnerable children through education and enrichment.

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For more information about our programs and how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.chicagohopesforkids.org.

‍Media Contact:
‍‍Jocelyn Tenorio
‍‍Development Manager
‍‍jocelyn@chicagohopesforkids.org

While the focus this time of year for many students is the end of the school year and graduation, students behind Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) are already busy at work planning for the return of the event next spring.

First up on the agenda is selecting a new primary benefactor. This week, organizers announced a new primary beneficiary for the year-long fundraising efforts — Chicago HOPES for Kids. Chicago HOPES is a nonprofit that provides educational and holistic support to Chicago students experiencing homelessness. Volunteers work with students for a minimum of two hours each day. They help students complete their homework and provide one-on-one literacy support.

“We are really excited about the potential of this partnership and seeing how students engage with the beneficiary,” said Irene Martinez, NUDM 2025’s managing and engagement director.

Sammie Hesekiel, NUDM’s managing and student director echoed the excitement and added “it’s something really unique because Chicago HOPES helps the cause of homelessness while focusing specifically on education.”

The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) will serve as NUDM’s long-term beneficiary for its 28th consecutive year. ECF ensures that Evanston thrives by funding local grants to deserving individuals, families and organizations.​

Fundraising efforts for the 51st annual Northwestern University Dance Marathon are already underway. A date and location for the 15-hour event will be announced in the fall.