#1 Benefit (up from #2)
Benefiting programs for local teens, this year’s gala drew some 1,000 guests and raised an impressive $4.5 million. The coveted guest list always includes leaders of the corporate, philanthropic, and political communities. Held on Navy Pier, the buzzed-about night featured an art gallery filled with work from local teens; the After School Matters teens also performed a medley of Prince songs this year. Next: September 18, 2017
#2 Benefit
This year’s ball took place at a new venue: the Hilton Chicago. The event drew 800 guests (as opposed to 750 last year) and had a “soar beyond” theme. To match the theme, HMR Designs provided decor filled with clouds and butterflies. The event—which is highly regarded for its prestigious guest list and innovations, including being one of the first local galas to use electronic bidding—netted $2.4 million. Next: April 22, 2017
#3 Benefit
In 2015, the benefit featured a performance from REO Speedwagon and raised $4.2 million. It drew some 2,000 attendees and featured a silent auction with more than 400 packages. This year’s event will offer a performance from Cheap Trick. Next: December 10, 2016
#4 Benefit
The event celebrated its 30th anniversary at Navy Pier this year. Some 1,000 guests attended the black-tie event, an increase from 960 guests in 2015. The event also raised more money this year, bringing in $2.3 million as opposed to $2 million last year. Actor and comedian Paul Reiser was the celebrity guest. Next: May 2017
#5 Benefit (up from #6)
This year, the event raised more than $2.2 million, a notable increase from the $1.52 million in 2015. Some 700 guests attended the ball, and they had the chance to interact with snakes—and check out the museum's live butterflies—during the cocktail hour. Other highlights included a meal featuring local ingredients prepared by Calihan Catering. Next: May 5, 2017
Correction: The date for next year's event has been updated.Â
#6 Benefit
This year’s black-tie gala had a “Dark Waters” theme. It raised $1.9 million and drew 700 guests. Highlights included the chance to view the aquarium's octopus; there was also a surprise performance from the Chicago Children’s Choir. And as guests left, they picked up snacks from a pop-up “taco cantina.” Next: June 2017
#7 Benefit
Hosted by the Women’s Board of the Field Museum, the 2015 gala had a “Wonders of China” theme. The event drew some 550 guests and raised $2 million, which marked an increase over the $1.7 million raised in 2014. This year’s event will celebrate the board's 50th anniversary. Next: October 29, 2016
#8 Benefit (up from #9)
Some 700 guests attended this year’s function, which again raised about $2 million for the Chicago museum. During the night, guests checked out two temporary exhibits: "Brick by Brick" and "Above and Beyond." Decor was inspired by a 1930s speakeasy, and entertainment included the glow-in-the-dark dance troupe iLuminate. Next: Fall 2017
#9 Benefit (up from #11)
The 34th annual Heart Ball raked in more than $2 million. Held once again at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom, the ball drew some 900 guests. Highlights included a heart-healthy dinner and a live auction. The event concluded with an after-party on the terrace. Next: April 2017
#10 Benefit
The dinner will celebrate the Chicago Urban League’s 100th anniversary this year, and will mark the occasion with a performance from the iconic Diana Ross. Held annually at the Hilton Chicago, the evening typically draws around 1,700 guests and in 2015 raised more than $1.7 million. Next: November 19, 2016
#11 Benefit
More than 800 guests flocked to the Hilton Chicago for the 29th annual event, where Still Alice author Lisa Genova accepted the Rita Hayworth award. The event also included a violin show during the cocktail reception, a three-course dinner, a live auction, and live music. It raised more than $1 million. Next: May 13, 2017
#12 Benefit
Iconic composer and lyricist Stephen Soundheim received the Carl Sandburg Literary Award the 2015 event; this year, honorees will include Erik Larson, Scott Turow, and Amina Gautier. The event attracts nearly 800 guests each year and typically raises around $1.5 million. Next: October 26, 2016
#13 Benefit
The Israel-based Weizmann Institute of Science hosts the annual benefit, which rakes in funds for its research programs. Last year, the event drew some 800 guests—including prominent business leaders and Mayor Rahm Emanuel—and raised a record-breaking $1.8 million. This year, the evening will honor civic leader and philanthropist Renee Crown. Next: October 29, 2016
#14 Benefit
This year’s elegant function had a “Penguins in Paradise” theme. Jewell Events Catering served penguin-shaped crackers and butter, and desserts came with glowing penguin statues that guests could take home. Some 850 guests attended in 2015, while this year’s crowd saw 900 guests. The festive affair raised some $1.35 million this year, up from $1.1 million in 2015. Next: July 2017
#15 Benefit
At the event, highlights include student scientists performing experiments at each dinner table. This year’s event had an Across the Universe theme, and drew some 600 guests. The evening raised $1.6 million for the Chicago institution. Next: September 2017
#16 Benefit (up from #18)
Animal encounters are a highlight at the black-tie event. This year, guests were able to get up close to a sloth, a porcupine, a penguin, and a llama named Cinnamon. Event Creative handled decor for the first time this year, giving the gala a look inspired by the African sunset. Some 600 guests attended, and the evening raised $1.29 million. Next: Spring 2017
#17 Benefit
The 2015 benefit started off with a “science fair for grown-ups” and also included a dramatic staged reading featuring a physician, a patient, and a parent of a patient. The evening celebrated the $2.7 million brought in by the fund throughout the year; it drew 1,100 guests. Next: December 3, 2016
#18 Benefit
The 2016 gala took place for the first time at Navy Pier. Some 1,000 guests gathered at the event, which raised more than $400,000. The evening featured snacks from more than 35 local chefs, and was hosted by Food Network personality Jeff Mauro. Next: February 3, 2017
#19 Benefit (up from #21)
This year’s ball took place at the Hilton Chicago, and had a “Dream Big” theme. This year’s event drew some 450 guests, up from the 400 last year, and featured a live auction and live entertainment. The event raised more than $1.7 million, which marks an increase over 2015’s $1.4 million take. Next: Spring 2017
#20 Benefit (up from #21)
The elegant evening took place at Morgan Manufacturing for the first time this year. The event drew some 500 guests—as opposed to 400 in 2015—and once again raised $1.5 million. Next: Fall 2017
#21 Benefit (new to the list)
Now in its ninth year, the event drew 600 guests and raised some $1.2 million. For the first time, the gala moved from a hotel ballroom to take place in a raw event space: the Geraghty. The venue gave designers from Kehoe a blank canvas on which to create a striking, whimsical setting that included oversize paper daisies and a ceiling of suspended Slinkys. Singer Vanessa Williams performed. Next: Spring 2017
#22 Benefit
Held annually at the Four Seasons Hotel, the evening is the sole fund-raising event for the volunteer board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. This year’s event had a “Passport to Prentice” theme and drew 400 guests, raising nearly $1 million. Next: Fall 2017
#23 Benefit
With a “Mission: Possible” theme, this year’s gala drew some 650 guests to the University of Illinois Chicago Forum. The gala raised about $500,000. And as usual, it featured an appearance from Ronald McDonald himself. Next: April 22, 2017
#24 Benefit
This annual event, which benefits the Chicago Gateway Green, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The event took place at Architectural Artifacts for the first time and featured a performance from renowned DJ Samantha Ronson. The event drew 1,000 guests and raised $400,000, a sizable increase from $257,000 in 2015. Next: Fall 2017
#25 Benefit
Some 300 guests attended this year’s benefit, which raised $350,000. The evening offered cocktails in the rose garden, followed by dinner in a tent decorated by Kehoe Designs. After dinner, guests danced to the Stu Hirsh Orchestra. Next: June 2017
