For 77 years the summer gala so many Chicagoans wouldn’t miss has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s Summer Ball and the 300 guests attending the gala at the Theater on the Lake this year were in absolute agreement that its mission-inspired wonder makes it the party of the season. A compelling example of how some of Chicago’s most committed creators tell an organization’s story with glamor and authenticity, the Summer Ball raised $2.4 million in support of BGCC’s mission to empower young people to reach their full potential by delivering life-changing educational mentorship and programs.
Andrea Chadwick and Whitney Huffsmith served as Co-Chairs of the Ball benefitting BGCC which has provided life-changing programs for youths for the past 120 years. Karen McEniry serves as Woman’s Board President.
“The incredible support we witnessed at this year's Summer Ball is a testament to Chicago's unwavering commitment to its young people,” Susanna Wickham, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, said. “All contributions made that evening help ensure our Club members have access to the opportunities, relationships and experiences that empower them to reach their full potential. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening such a success and who continues to believe in the bright futures of the young people we serve.”
One of Chicago's longest-standing philanthropic events and one which best highlights the people it serves, the gala featured a moving speech from 2026 Youth of the Year Runner-Up, Demario, a high school junior and a proud member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Club in East Garfield Park.
After the program, guests were entertained by DJ Spin VXN along with a live saxophonist and drummer. Culinary highlights included catering from RPM Catering.
Lydia Fenet, a world-famous auctioneer who raised over one billion dollars for more than 800 organizations, auctioned off incredible items, including a Harry Winston “The Emerald” Timepiece in 18k white gold with brilliant cut diamonds; an at-home dining experience for 20 with celebrity chef Thai Dang of Crying Tiger; fly-Fishing Experience at the Premier Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming; a Skybox Suite and first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game; a private Suite at United Center to see Ariana Grande; and an exclusive dinner at Lincoln Park’s highly anticipated Christophe’s Fine Food for 10 people
The Summer Ball’s 2026 Legacy Sponsors were Linda and Wilbur Gantz, and Gold Sponsors included Meredith Bluhm-Wolf and Bill Wolf, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation, Jacky and Michael Ferro, Whitney and Joseph Huffsmith, ITW, Karen and Roger McEniry, Kate and R.J. Melman, Jill Albert Mills and Charlie Mills, Cathleen And William Osborn, Barbara Speer and Christopher Noon, Liz Stiffel, Robin Loewenberg Tebbe and Mark Tebbe, and the Bruce and Elizabeth White Family Foundation.
Members of the Woman’s Board make it their mission to support Chicago’s youth while at the Club as well as beyond their high school graduation. To date, BGCC Woman’s Board scholarship programs have awarded more than 100 scholarships, totaling over $5 million in funding, for Chicago youth. BGCC offers academic, social, and leadership activities for students in some of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Youth are matched with professional adult mentors, giving kids a safe place for after-school hours.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and its programs, please visit bgcc.org.
Photo Credit: Sean Su Photo | Purple Photo Group.
