The Junior League of Chicago’s recent annual gala transformed the JW Marriott into a Prohibition Era speakeasy with lively gaming tables, dinner and dancing all the while raising funds for community impact. Established many years before the advent of Prohibition, the League has worked to empower at-risk families — especially women and girls — through hands-on mentoring, advocacy and education.

Alderman Timmy Knudsen and others at JLC Annual Gala
Alderman Timmy Knudsen and others at JLC Annual Gala
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown accepts the JLC Partner of the Year Award
Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown accepts the JLC Partner of the Year Award

This year’s Gala honored the Chicago Public Library as the League’s Partner of the Year. Some of the earliest collaborations go back almost 80 years to the Madhatters, volunteers who performed children’s stories in libraries across Chicago while wearing many changes of hats to attract the attention of their young listeners. “We were completely thrilled to recognize the JLC’s longstanding partnership with CPL and their extraordinary commitment to literacy,” JLC President Sarah McCarron Burns said.

JLC Advocacy Director-Elect Abigail Simmons and others participate in paddle raise
JLC Advocacy Director-Elect Abigail Simmons and others participate in paddle raise
JLC President Sarah McCarron Burns, JLC Past President Francia Harrington, Alderman Timmy Knudsen, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, and others enjoy JLC Annual Gala
JLC President Sarah McCarron Burns, JLC Past President Francia Harrington, Alderman Timmy Knudsen, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, and others enjoy JLC Annual Gala

In addition to observing the League’s community impact and the Chicago Public Library, volunteers were celebrating the increases in membership which should reach 1,000.

JLC Board Member at Large Danielle LaChance raises paddle on behalf of JLC Sustaining Members
JLC Board Member at Large Danielle LaChance raises paddle on behalf of JLC Sustaining Members
JLC Annual Gala

Sarah Burns told us:

“Our membership team continues to build upon recruitment momentum and our members are more focused than ever on impactful direct service and advocacy, as well as making sincere connections with fellow women who want to serve Chicago. From offering more direct service in literacy with more community partners, to broadening our engagement in Springfield at Day at the Capital, to informing our members on the variety of broadening challenges our neighbors are facing: we’re continuing to expand opportunities for our members to deeply engage in Chicago’s community, with each other.”
JLC President Sarah McCarron Burns toasts JLC sponsors at pre-gala reception
JLC President Sarah McCarron Burns toasts JLC sponsors at pre-gala reception
JLC Sponsor Rogers & Hollands Jewelers President Brent Stern leads the paddle raise
JLC Sponsor, Rogers & Hollands Jewelers President, Brent Stern, leads the paddle raise portion of the night, donning a fun animal hat as a nod to the JLC Mad Hatters program
JLC Annual Gala

To learn more about the Junior League of Chicago visit: jlchicago.org