#1 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #2)
This year’s gala saw extra buzz: It served as the debut of a new partnership between the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet. The two renowned companies performed in the evening’s production of Orphée et Eurydice, which earned rave reviews. After the opera, some 450 guests attended a dinner dance at the Hilton Chicago. The event raised more than $1 million. Next: Fall 2018
#2 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 2017 event began with a performance at Symphony Center, where highlights of the program included Tchaikovsky’s suite from Sleeping Beauty. Following the concert, 500 guests headed to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for a black-tie dinner dance decorated with plum blooms and magnolia foliage from Revel Décor. The event raised $1.4 million. Next: Fall 2018
#3 Theater, Dance & Music Event
This year’s gala raised $1.5 million, which represents a boost over the $1.3 million raised in 2016. The benefit drew 580 guests and offered a new format: Performances were held during dinner, instead of before. Featured performers included Alexandra Billings and the Q Brothers. Next: May 12, 2018
#4 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Some 700 guests attended this year’s gala, which featured a concert led by conductor James Conlon and violinist Itzhak Perlman. Afterward, gala guests sat down to a three-course dinner in a festive tent on festival grounds. The evening raised $1 million. Next: July 2018
#5 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #6)
This year’s gala took place at the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, a new performance venue that was under construction at the time of the event. The exclusive happening drew 450 guests, and raked in $1.74 million. The 2016 event, by comparison, raised $1.4 million. Next: Spring 2018
#6 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Starting with a performance at the Auditorium Theatre, the black-tie gala went on to offer cocktails, dinner, and dancing at the Palmer House Hilton. Some 700 guests attended the event, which raised $1.6 million. Next: Spring 2018
#7 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Broadway star Billy Porter performed at the 2017 gala. Some 500 guests turned out for the black-tie affair, and the evening brought in close to $1 million—quite a bit more than the $850,000 raised in 2016. Next: Spring 2018
#8 Theater, Dance & Music Event (new to the list)
Now in its 26th year, the event takes place at Chicago’s famous Auditorium Theatre and showcases performances from top local dance companies. (Think the Joffrey Ballet Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and more.) Proceeds from the event benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Chicago Dancers United Dancers’ Fund—this year’s happening raised $233,000. The event also includes a gala celebration at the Hilton Chicago. Some 2,300 guests attended this year’s performance; 600 attended the gala. Next: August 18, 2018
#9 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The Chicago Children’s Choir celebrated its 60th anniversary at the 2016 gala, which broke fund-raising records by raking in $1.25 million. Some 750 guests typically attend the evening, which features performances from the choir and famous choir alumni. The 2017 event was live streamed. Next: Fall 2018
#10 Theater, Dance & Music Event
“A Night in the Forest” was the theme for this year’s gala, which took place at Venue One and drew 350 guests. With cocktails, a seated dinner, and live and silent auctions, the night also featured a presentation of the Lookingglass Civic Engagement Awards. Last year, the event raised $825,000; this year, its take increased to $865,000. Next: Winter 2018
#11 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The theme for this year’s festive event was “Forbidden Planet.” Some 400 guests attended the benefit for the L.G.B.T. theater company, and the event raised $78,000, a slight increase from 2016. Event highlights included outer-space-inspired decor, a punch-out prize wall, and snacks from local eateries. Spring 2018
#12 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The contemporary dance organization hosted its gala at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. The gala’s 450 guests included artists and civic and corporate leaders, and the evening brought in $800,000. Next: Spring 2018
#13 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The event, which supports programming for its member theater companies, drew 240 guests to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The evening offered cocktails, dinner, and an awards presentation. The gala raised $125,000. Next: Spring 2018
