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Chicago Auto Show's 2025
First Look for Charity Gala
The Chicago Auto Show’s 33rd First Look for Charity
gala will take place on Friday, Feb. 7, from 7-11 p.m
at McCormick Place. The gala is produced by the
Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the
organization that represents local new-car dealers, and
raises more than $2 million annually for 18 Chicago
area charities.
This black-tie affair offers an exclusive, first chance to
experience the Chicago Auto Show ahead of the
10-day public opening at McCormick Place on Feb. 8.
Guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet food and
drink stations from local restaurants, specialty
cocktails, and live music across the show floor.
Participating restaurant and beverage sponsors
include, but are not limited to, Andy's Frozen Custard,
Bailey's Irish Cream, Biteable Baked Goods, Bumbu
Rum, Carnivale, Catered by Design, ERIS Ciderhouse
& Brewery, Goose Island Beer Company, Michael's
Grill and Salad Bar, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur,
Norman's Bistro, Smoke Daddy, Tres Agaves Tequila,
Trinchero Family Estates Wines, Tuco & Blondie,
along with McCormick Place’s in-house caterer,
OVG360.
Gala attendees also have the chance to walk away
with the keys to a brand-new vehicle. This year, two
new vehicles will be given away, a 2025 Chevrolet
Equinox EV and a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. Any
attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win.
However, the winner must be present at the time of the
drawing.
Tickets to the event are $325 each and can be
purchased at FirstLookforCharity.org
Benefactors can indicate which charity or charities they want
their donation to benefit. They may also choose to split the
donation evenly among the 18. Of each ticket, $269 is
tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Make-A-Wish Illinois: I Wish to Party
Saturday, March 01, 2025 , 8:00pm-11:59pm
The Make-A-Wish Illinois Associate Board invites you to I
Wish to Party. A premier Chicago charity event for young
professionals, tickets include premium open bar, passed
appetizers, bites from Chicago’s hottest restaurants,
silent auction, and live music.
Morgan Manufacturing
401 N Morgan Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets visit https://wish.org/illinois/our-events
Vernissage 2025
April 24, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00 pm
The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago invites you to attend the Vernissage Champagne
Brunch—this year’s spectacular benefit—on the opening
day of EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair, taking
place at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall.
Enjoy a lavish brunch from 10 am-12 pm, first access to
EXPO CHICAGO beginning at 11:30 am—before the art
fair opens to the public—and complimentary cocktails
from 12–4 pm. Tickets also include access to EXPO
CHICAGO for the entirety of the fair, from Thursday, April
24, through Sunday, April 27, at any time during General
Admission hours.
Proceeds from this event raise significant funds in support of the
MCA’s Learning programs, which offer compelling opportunities for
Chicago youth to explore, discuss, and reflect on the MCA’s
exhibitions and programs, as well as the world of contemporary art
and culture.
https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/vernissage-2025/
EXPO CHICAGO
Contemporary Art Fair
April 24–27, 2025
EXPO CHICAGO showcases leading contemporary
and modern art galleries each April at Navy Pier’s
Festival Hall, alongside a diverse and inventive
program of talks, on-site installations, and public
art initiatives. Inaugurated in 2012, EXPO
CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a
vibrant international cultural destination, while
highlighting the region’s contemporary arts
community.
www.expochicago.com
Zoo-ologie
Friday, April 26
5:30/7 p.m.–10 p.m.
Café Brauer at Lincoln Park Zoo
PARTY WITH THE AUXILIARY BOARD AND SUPPORT
LINCOLN PARK ZOO!
Want to support your favorite animals and have an
unforgettable night? Join the Auxiliary Board of
Lincoln Park Zoo on Friday, April 26, for the 12th
anniversary of its signature cocktail party, Zoo-ologie!
This year we will also be celebrating the 40th
anniversary of the Auxiliary Board.
Tickets to the event include an open bar, bites from
Chicago’s best restaurants, dancing, and a raffle—all
inside the beautiful historic landmark, Café Brauer.
Funds raised from Zoo-ologie will help keep the zoo free and
open to all 365 days a year. Your philanthropy also enables
best-in-class animal care and welfare practices, global
conservation initiatives, and community engagement programs.
www.zoo-ologie.org