Chicago's Philanthropic Gala Scene Returns in Force
Chicago's elite social calendar was active over the weekend, with several high-profile philanthropic events drawing prominent figures. The Black Creativity Gala was held at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry on Saturday night, celebrating Black artists and innovators. Meanwhile, the Saint Clement Parish Anchor Ball on Michigan Avenue reached capacity, requiring a waitlist, and the Make-A-Wish® Illinois “I Wish to Party” event also took place on February 21, highlighting strong demand for exclusive, in-person charitable gatherings.
- The Black Creativity Gala is a cornerstone of a 56-year-old program that grew out of the Civil Rights era, originally conceived in 1970 by local artists and staff of the *Chicago Defender* newspaper. - This year's Black Creativity Gala co-chairs were Cheryl Harris of Allstate and Rashod Johnson of Ardmore Roderick, with Mayor Brandon Johnson serving as the honorary chair, continuing a tradition of drawing top city leadership. - The centerpiece of the Black Creativity Gala is the nation's longest-running juried exhibition of African American art, which in 2024 featured more than 150 works from 100 different artists. - The Saint Clement Anchor Ball is a biennial event, with the 2026 "Saint Clement Live" themed evening benefiting the parish's church and school; the 2024 event raised a record-breaking $1,000,000. - Funds from the Anchor Ball support Saint Clement's "Child First team," which provides academic intervention and social-emotional support, as well as underwriting core service ministries. - Sponsorship for the Anchor Ball is tiered, with top-level "Apostles" sponsors like the Mulaney, Perry, and Schmaltz families contributing $20,000 for a premier table of 10. - The "I Wish to Party" event is organized by the Make-A-Wish Illinois Associate Board specifically to engage the city's young professionals in philanthropy. - Proceeds from "I Wish to Party" help fund the 700+ wishes granted by the Illinois chapter each year; the organization has granted more than 18,000 wishes since its founding in 1985.
