Bright Futures Gala
Thursday May 14th, 2026
Hilton Chicago
EMPOWERING YOUTH, INSPIRING FUTURES
Make a Gala Gift
Purchase 2026 Gala Tickets
Our Mission
Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education and, ultimately, to succeed in school and in life.
Sponsorship
You can contribute towards one of Chicago’s leading providers of best-practice, evidence-based programming that works directly with children to help them make positive choices and remain on the right path towards life success.
Why Support
Youth Guidance meets kids where they are and gives them access to the support and tools they need to thrive. With your generous support, our programs not only impact the individual youth, but help make their schools and communities safer and more successful.
What is the Bright Futures Gala?
Bright Futures Gala is Youth Guidance’s premier annual event to raise the necessary funds for the organization to support programs such as Becoming A Man (BAM) and Working on Womanhood (WOW), which served more than 14,000 youth directly this school year. More than 500 guests are expected to attend in person, including corporate and foundation sponsors, business owners, and philanthropic leaders.
2026 Gala Host Committee
Laura Beres (Co-Chair), Jim Mills (Co-Chair), Kalia Coleman (Co-Chair), Antoinette Townsend (Co-Chair), Beth Kuebler Bob Waibel, Greg Simoncini, John Schmidt, Kimberly Flynn, Lisa Schrader, Melissa Clark, Mena Ruiz, Michael Thomas-Goodwin, Michael Harris, Nick O'Conner, Paul Reilly, Phil Bierman, Rachel Goodman Sturges, Susan Benton, Terrell Anderson, Zak Judd
Sponsor the Bright Futures Gala!
Youth Guidance sees a bright and successful future for every elementary and high school student in under-resourced communities. For information or questions about sponsoring the gala, please contact dev@youth-guidance.org.
Your Centennial Sponsorship Includes:
Logo on Gala 2026 program cover and Youth-Guidance.org.
Two-page color ad in program book (11 x 8.5").
Dedicated post on Youth Guidance social media.
2 tables at Bright Futures Gala (20 guests).
Logo in Gala program and event signage.
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Logo Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in all press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Centennial Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Premier Sponsorship Includes:
Logo on Gala 2026 program cover and Youth-Guidance.org.
Two-page color ad in program book (11 x 8.5").
Post on Youth Guidance social media.
2 tables at Bright Futures Gala (20 guests).
Logo in Gala program and event signage.
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Logo Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in all press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Premier Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Platinum Sponsorship Includes:
Full-page color ad in program book (5.5 x 8.5").
1 table at Bright Futures Gala (10 guests).
Logo in Gala program and event signage.
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Logo Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Platinum Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Gold Sponsorship Includes:
Full-page color ad in program book (5.5 x 8.5").
1 table at Bright Futures Gala (10 guests).
Logo in Gala program and event signage
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Logo Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Gold Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Silver Sponsorship Includes:
Half-page color ad in program book (5.5 x 4.25").
1 table at Bright Futures Gala (10 guests).
Logo in Gala program and event signage
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Logo Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Silver Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Bronze Sponsorship Includes:
Half-page black and white ad in program book (5.5 x 4.25").
1 table at Bright Futures Gala (10 guests).
Logo Included in 2 e-blasts to Gala invitees and attendees
Displayed on Youth Guidance website for 1 year.
Recognition in press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Bronze Sponsor during Gala program.
Your Table Patron Includes:
1 table at Bright Futures Gala (10 guests).
Recognition in press, ads, and promotions.
Acknowledgment as a Table Patron during Gala program.
2026 Bright Futures Gala Sponsors
