Chicago's 37th Annual Snowball Gala Tonight

The Junior Council, a group of young professionals, has championed the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago since its inception. To date, the council has raised over $2.9 million for the clinic, which serves more children and adolescents than any other pediatric HIV service provider in the region. Proceeds from the Snowball Gala directly fund critical services for patients, 95% of whom come from low-income families. Donations cover costs for essential medications, laboratory tests for the uninsured, and a dedicated van for transporting families to and from their appointments. Beyond medical care, the fundraising efforts also support a $40,000 scholarship fund for patients pursuing higher education. This initiative helps with expenses like tuition, housing, transportation, and classroom materials, supporting the long-term success of the young people the clinic serves. The black-tie affair is a significant event on the city's social calendar, with the 2024 gala drawing over 1,200 attendees, including some who traveled from out of state. The evening's format includes a premium open bar, a robust silent auction, and food tastings provided by a selection of notable Chicago restaurants. Tonight's event features a packed entertainment schedule, including a set by the Windy City Dueling Pianos, followed by a check presentation to the hospital. The night concludes with an official after-party at Tao, where attendees gain expedited entry with their gala ticket.