Join us for an evening of storytelling, art, and youth voices:
Friday May 6, 2022, in person at Navy Pier
5:30 pm: Reception & Art Show
7:00 pm: Dinner & Youth Presentations
9:00 pm: Closing Celebration
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.
Join the 2022 Gala!
BUILD Gala 2022: BUILD the Future
Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier
840 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
FESTIVE COCKTAIL ATTIRE
Getting There
Valet park ($55)
All drop offs at Grand Ballroom Entrance, far east end of Navy Pier Remote self-park ($37, 2-6 hours) at Navy Pier East Garage.
For Further Information
Contact Stephanie Arevalo at (312) 479-3990
stephaniearevalo@buildchicago.org
This Year's Honorees
BUILD is about the power of community, and each year we honor those who went above and beyond:
BUILDer for Life:
J. Thomas Hurvis
- Co-Founder, Old World Industries, LLC
- President, Caerus Foundation, Inc.
- Founder, Three Lakes Foundation
Tom believes in the power of collaboration—creativity, experience, passion, and philanthropy coming together to make a better world. Like BUILD, Tom believes in engaging an entire community, in change that lifts everyone. As a lead donor to our new campus, he is now building a legacy on the West Side—one that is only beginning.
Corporate Community BUILDer:
BMO Harris Bank
When BMO joined the work of revitalizing Chicago’s West Side, their goal was real change. driven by its Purpose to “Boldly Grow the Good,” BMO sought out local leaders, supported local initiatives, and invested in infrastructure organizations like BUILD to help them grow. They are partners and teammates, redefining what corporate philanthropy can be.
Philanthropy BUILDer:
United Way
United Way of Metro Chicago is changing the philanthropy game through the Neighborhood Network initiative—supporting and funding neighborhood-led coalitions that galvanize resources, ideas, and energy that make the Chicago region stronger. A new way forward together, worthy of their famous name.
Neighborhood Hero Award:
Principal Charles Anderson, Michele Clark Magnet High School
For more than 18 years, Principal Anderson has created spaces where young people can learn, thrive, and plan their futures. His irrepressible energy transforms everyone around him—bringing community in, inviting everyone to lead—even giving us a home as we built our own. BUILD has never been prouder to be an Eagle.
Distinguished Alumni Award:
Anthony Bush, Bank Policy Institute, Assistant VP of Government Affairs
At 14, Anthony was struggling with homelessness and a gang-involved family. BUILD became his lifeline. With support and hard work, he graduated high school, college, earned an MBA, worked for the late Rep. Elijah Cummings on Capitol Hill, and now is in financial services—specializing in consumer, small business and economic inclusion policy. As a leader and change-maker, Anthony is just getting started.
Our Sponsors
Thank you so much to our sponsors for their unwavering support! You are BUILD’s community at its best.
City BUILDers / Event Sponsors
BAKALAR FAMILY CHARITABLE FUND
Community BUILDers
Jim & Karen Frank
Timothy Schwertfeger
Neighborhood BUILDers
School BUILDers
Robert Kohl & Clark Pellett
Avy & Marcie Stein
Block BUILDers
Anonymous
Norman & Virginia Bobins
Meg & Bill Hayes
Hurvis Group
Bruce & Laurie Kaden
Lieber Family Foundation
Jim & Kelly McShane
Stephen Miles & Rebecca Hawkinson
John Nitschke & Jean McLaren
Brooke & David Sloane
John & Sue Wilson
Siobhan Sanders
Howard “Bud” & Diane Schwarzbach
Youth BUILDers
Anonymous
Steve Abbey & Pamela Brick
Adam & Lorena Levy Alonso
Malaika Caldwell
Matthew Fisher
Brent & Katie Gledhill
Amy & Pete Kadens
Pamela & Rodrigo Levy
Terry & Carol Moritz
The Sachem Company
Jack Segal & Michael Halberstam
Shah Capital Advisors
Scott & Nancy Skie
Bryon & Sue Stanislaw
Joseph & Judith Weil
Leila Whitley & Michael Kerrigan
Sponsors as of May 2, 2022
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
