Junior Council Hosts 37th Annual Snowball Gala
The Junior Council held its 37th annual Snowball Gala at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel on February 28. The black-tie event is a long-standing tradition for Chicago's philanthropic community, raising funds for the organization's charitable work.
All proceeds from the Snowball Gala directly benefit the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Clinic at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. This funding is crucial as the program is primarily supported by grants and donations. The Junior Council, a group of young professionals, has been organizing this event for over three decades, contributing more than $2.9 million to date to the clinic. This financial support ensures that children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS have access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. The funds raised cover a wide range of essential services for patients, many of whom come from low-income families. This includes paying for life-saving medications, lab tests for uninsured patients, and even a dedicated van to transport families to and from their appointments. A significant portion of the proceeds also goes towards a $40,000 scholarship fund established by the Junior Council. This scholarship supports past and present patients of the clinic in pursuing higher education or vocational training, covering expenses like tuition, housing, and books. The gala itself is a cornerstone of Chicago's social calendar, featuring live music, tastings from various Chicago restaurants, and a robust silent auction. The evening culminates in a check presentation to Lurie Children's Hospital, followed by an after-party.
