What a night! On September 18, we threw our annual Gala, our biggest celebration of the year, at 167 Events in Fulton Market—and it was nothing short of spectacular! More than 400 of Chicago’s most passionate civic, corporate, and community leaders came together to celebrate and support Chicago teens. $2.5 million and counting was raised to invest in life-changing after-school and summer programs for teens all across Chicago.
A Night of Inspiration and Talent
The event was packed with inspiring performances, heartwarming speeches, and incredible teen talent. Guests mingled while enjoying interactive displays showcasing everything from boxing to music, cooking to creating perfumes and visual arts—ALL created and performed by our young people.
The energy in the room was electric, especially when our Board Chair Mellody Hobson took the stage. “Teens who participate in After School Matters programs are more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to go to college. Half of our seniors, when asked what they want to do with their life, say they want a career based on the program they participated in,” shared Hobson, “That shows how much After School Matters programs are influencing young people just off of exposure.”
ASM CEO Mary Ellen Caron followed with a shout-out to the new ASM building being renovated at 1065 N. Orleans. “It is a new moment for ASM. We talk a lot about the safe and supportive spaces we provide across the city – and I’m excited that we will be adding another teen-centric ASM building next year in the Cabrini community,” shared Caron, “This new world-class building is a direct investment in Chicago teens—our collective future.”
Raising the Bar—and the Paddle!
Before the paddle raise kicked off, an inspiring video was featured, including testimonials from ASM culinary teen Oliver, his instructor (and ASM alum) Araceli Mireles, recent ASM teen Erica and her mentor Lisa Caraballo, former ASM Program Director, sharing ASM’s impact on their lives. With an overwhelming show of support, $118,000 was raised on the spot for the After School Matters Stipend Fund, which provides direct financial support to our teens. This fund ensures our teens are paid to participate in programs.
A Glimpse Into the FUTURE
Each year, up to 19,000 teens get the chance to dive into creative, career-driven programs that set them up for success. This summer alone, nearly 11,000 teens took part in programs that spanned the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM.
The Gala wasn’t just about speeches and raising money—our guests were treated to a dance performance that infused Latin and Chicago House music from Latinos Juntos from Curie Metropolitan High School. HHW Vocal Arts Ensemble from Gallery 37 performed moving renditions of “Dome Epais” and “Prayer of the Children.” ASM creative writing teen Dominic, and Samantha Chatman, ABC7 anchor and alum, kept the crowd engaged and entertained as the evening’s emcees.
After School Matters’ TEENMADE retail was also on-site, allowing guests to purchase teen-created artwork and apparel. Additional teen works are available for purchase at the TEENMADE website. All proceeds support our programming. TEENMADE is the reimagined ASM Gift Shop that centers Chicago teens’ creativity and voice.
Join Us in Empowering Chicago Teens
We’re beyond grateful for the support from everyone who attended the Gala, and to our Visionary Sponsors: Anonymous, GCM Grosvenor, Hobson Lucas Family Foundation, and Lisa Wardell. Because of you, Chicago teens will have even more opportunities to find their passion, grow their skills, and shape their futures.
Want to get involved or learn more? Check out afterschoolmatters.org to explore ways you can support, volunteer, or donate. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one Chicago teen at a time!
