On September 18, more than 350 civic, corporate, and community leaders gathered at 167 Events in the Fulton Market District for the After School Matters Annual Gala — an unforgettable evening dedicated to celebrating Chicago’s young people. Together, guests raised nearly $2.4 million (and counting!) to support ASM programs, proving once again that when Chicago invests in its teens, everyone benefits.
“What I love most about After School Matters is that it reaches every corner of our city. No matter where a young person lives, they have access to programs that inspire and empower them. This organization is a shining example of how we build a safer, more equitable, and strong Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Spotlighting Teen Talent
The Gala wasn’t just about raising funds — it was about showcasing the brilliance of ASM teens. Guests were welcomed by a stunning dance performance of Spirit from Les Enfants at Gately Park, followed by a show-stopping set from the Gallery 37 Musical Theater program with songs from Hadestown.
Throughout the evening, “Teens in Action” stations invited guests to experience programs up close, from perfume-making and EMT demonstrations to tennis and welding. TEENMADE, ASM’s reimagined retail shop, was also on-site with teen and alumni-created art, apparel, and accessories available for purchase. Every item supported ASM programming and celebrates the creativity of Chicago youth.
Building the Future at Orleans
A highlight of the night was a sneak peek at ASM’s newest teen-dedicated space: the After School Matters at Orleans building, opening in the Cabrini neighborhood this fall. The 36,000-square-foot renovated center will feature a state-of-the-art kitchen, gym, theater, skills trade lab, and more — giving teens even more opportunities to learn, achieve, and explore their potential.
“This new building represents so much more than brick and mortar—it’s a space created for Chicago’s teens to flourish and thrive. We are very excited to expand our reach and provide young people with more programs, especially as we celebrate our 35th anniversary next year,” shared Board Chair Mellody Hobson. “With the support of our campaign and the generosity shown at the Gala, we are building a lasting foundation that will impact tens of thousands of young people for years to come.”
CEO Mary Ellen Caron echoed that vision: “As we look ahead, After School Matters continues to grow right alongside our teens. This fall, we’ll open a new teen-centered building in Cabrini, further strengthening our network of safe, inspiring spaces across the city. It’s an investment not only in young people today, but in the generations of leaders to come.”
Teens Building Chicago’s Future
The Gala also marked a milestone in ASM’s Teens Building Chicago’s Future campaign, which continues through the end of the year. In addition to supporting the Orleans building, the campaign extends to ASM’s Sustainability Fund, ensuring free, paid programs remain accessible to teens in every neighborhood.
Each year, nearly 19,000 teens participate in ASM’s programs — from the arts to STEM to sports to the trades. This summer alone, more than 10,500 teens engaged in 670 programs across the city, developing the skills they’ll carry into work, college, and life.
Thank You!
Presented by ASM’s Board of Directors, GCM Grosvenor, David Herro and Jay Franke, and the Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, the Gala was a beautiful reminder of what happens when a community comes together for its youth.
To learn more about After School Matters and support our teens, visit the Teens Building Chicago’s Future campaign website.