Aspire’s Big City Night 2019 Gala was a Celebration of Inclusion

(February 2, 2019) – Aspire’s 21^st annual Big City Night: Emerald City gala was a shining celebration of inclusion!

Together, thanks to the support of nearly 500 attendees, presenting sponsor Walgreens, and numerous other sponsors and friends of Aspire, we raised more than $250,000 to further Aspire’s mission and create more inclusive communities.

Guests were transported for a night in the Emerald City, where we heard stories of heart, wisdom, and courage from several Aspire supporters, participants, and their families. We heard young men like Paul plant the idea in dozens of Chicago’s best employers that people with disabilities should be included in their hiring decisions. We celebrated families like the Singhs, who have passed on our spirit of inclusion to their children.

It was a special night for these and many more reasons! For kids like Alex, it was one of the first and only opportunities he had to spend a night out that didn’t revolve around hospital visits.

As Alex’s mom put it, “Alex doesn’t get too many chances to have a weekend out. Especially not a weekend in the city not spent at the children’s hospital. We were able to do what we could to share Alex’s story, express what Aspire means to us and so many with disabilities, and we were able to leave all medical concerns behind and enjoy a night out.”

A big thank you to all who attended, donated, sponsored, supported, and volunteered to bring this event to life. Together with people like you, we’re better!

For more photo highlights from the evening, be sure to check out our Facebook album here and watch our video highlight reel here.