2020 Virtual Gala a Success!

When the COVID-19 pandemic sadly forced our annual gala to pivot to the digital space it brought questions and challenges unlike anything we have experienced in our history. Despite obstacles, with the incredible work of our volunteers and staff, and the generosity of our donors, we persevered and raised nearly $175,000!  The money raised through our Once Upon A Time Gala efforts will allow us to provide the necessary funding to support vulnerable children while also helping to respond to the current emergency needs of our families.

Children’s Place counts on the revenue from the annual gala to help these vulnerable children overcome challenges and reach their full potential. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, impoverished families are even more at risk. Together we rallied to ensure needed funding did not disappear. We are so thankful for all the supporters. We knew in this time of crisis we could count on you!

2020 Co-Chairs

George Aliaga, Marsh
Danielle Haddad, CNA

Committee Members

Fredi Bensdorf, Community Volunteer | David Blocker, QBE North America | Erika Buchanan, Community Volunteer | Sam Dewey, Community Volunteer | Spencer Ellena, VITA North America | Marie Godush, VedderPrice  | Mina Im, Nuveen | Melissa Recatto, Community Volunteer | Matthew Roma, CIBC | Michael Silverman, SmithBucklin | Gwendolyn Smith, Litera Microsystems | Andrew Wakeford, Zurich | Diana Ware, Alliant/Mesirow Insurance Services

Online Silent Auction: Closed

As part of the Children’s Place Association Once Upon A Time Gala Virtual Experience, supporters were able to bid from anywhere in North America on exciting prizes including vacations, high fashion items, sports memorabilia and so much more. On Saturday, April 25 at 11:59 pm the auction closed. If you have won an item, a member of the Children’s Place staff will be in touch to arrange for pick up, drop off, or mailing. All proceeds will go to help children and families challenged by illness and poverty. We thank you for your support!

Chicago Champion for Children Award

Children’s Place Association is pleased to honor CNA as the Chicago Champion for Children for 2020. This award recognizes the Chicago-based company’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families through support of human service organizations like Children’s Place.

For more than two decades CNA has partnered with Children’s Place Association, providing both financial support and hands-on volunteer involvement. CNA has donated nearly $130,000 for programs that help children and families overcome poverty and illness. CNA employees have also brought volunteers service to bear on numerous projects, including constructing a playground for Children’s Place preschoolers and organizing annual holiday gift and food drives for needy families. Over the years, CNA has helped change the future for hundreds of young children facing economic and health challenges. CNA is truly a Champion for Chicago’s most vulnerable.

Founded in 1897, CNA has spent nearly 125 years providing insurance solutions that allow their customers to better manage risk and growth. But they are just as passionate about giving their time and financial support to the nonprofit community as they are about building a profitable and successful business. Giving back is truly in the DNA of CNA’s culture and philosophy. They have a long-standing commitment of service diverse communities around the globe. From employee volunteering and charitable giving to ensuring their customers are prepared for natural disasters they are actively making a different for the greater good.