Join us for an evening of storytelling, art, and youth voices:
Friday April 29, 2022, in person at Navy Pier
Founded in 1969 to face gang violence on Chicago’s West Side, BUILD has grown into a leading youth development organization, helping thousands of young people escape gangs, overcome trauma, and achieve bright futures. Our Annual Gala is our biggest celebration of hope, a fundraising lifeblood that makes ALL our programs possible.
BUILD supports Chicago’s most vulnerable youth
BUILD supports Chicago’s most vulnerable youth: with street violence prevention and intervention, out-of-school activities, summer camps, mental health care, educational support, and much more. We reach 6,500+ young people each year, most of whom fall outside society’s safety net. They face more obstacles than ever - help us sustain the support they need. Be a guest, be a donor, be a fundraiser – be a BUILDer!
BUILD Gala 2022: BUILD the Future
BUILD is about the power of community, and each year we honor those who went above and beyond:
BUILDer for Life:
Tom Hurvis
Corporate Community BUILDer:
BMO Harris Bank
Philanthropy BUILDer:
United Way
Neighborhood Hero Award:
Principal Charles Anderson
Distinguished Alumni Award:
Anthony Bush
Revisit our Previous Galas!
BUILD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS: 2019 GALA
The last time our Annual Gala was in person was for our 50th Anniversary, April 2019 – 800+ guests and youth came together for an unforgettable showcase and celebration.
Awards:
Lifetime BUILDers: Christine and John Bakalar
Corporate Angel: Target
Philanthropy Leadership: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
BUILD GOES VIRTUAL: 2020 GALA
Our 2020 Gala went virtual on just six weeks notice – we took our art auctions online, and created a full week of homemade video stories and performances introducing our staff, partners, and youth to the world. Watch them all here!
Lifetime BUILDers: Marcie and Avy Stein
Corporate BUILDer: Comcast /NBC Universal
Philanthropy Leadership: The Blackhawks Foundation
BUILD YOUTH CO-HOST LIVESTREAM: 2021 GALA
For the 2021 Gala, our youth co-hosted a livestream, sharing their own powerful poetry, speeches, and music. We celebrated partners and highlighted our specialized Crisis Response Unit, honoring the daily heroism of their work and the families they serve. Watch the individual performances, or relive the entire livestream.
Lifetime BUILDer: Jack Segal
Special Volunteer Award: Peter Todd
Corporate BUILDer: Oliver Wyman
Philanthropy Leadership: Healthy Communities Foundation
