The Carole Robertson Center for Learning, together with presenting sponsor the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, invites you to the 2026 E3 Gala: 50th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at The Geraghty in Chicago.

The E3 Gala is our signature annual event, uniting more than 300 changemakers to raise resources vital for advancing our mission. This year’s event will be our largest and most meaningful yet and serve as the centerpiece of a full slate of anniversary festivities. 

Program of Events

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Cocktail Reception 

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Program and Dinner 

9:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Mix and Mingle 

Business/Cocktail Attire 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 E3 GALA: TICKET INFORMATION

Enjoy an evening of dinner, networking, and uplifting children and families across Chicago. Reserve your ticket today!

PURCHASE TICKETS

2026 E3 GALA HOSTED BY

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Jacoby Cochran

Host, City Cast Chicago

HONORING SUPPORTERS, PARTNERS & ALUMNI

 

Carole Robertson center for learning Shaping futures awardee

JB Pritzker

Governor of Illinois

 

Curba Merrill Friend of the Center Awardee

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Award Accepted by Timothy Knight

President and CEO, The Robert R. McCormick Foundation

 

Corporate Partner of the Year Awardee

CME Group 

Award Accepted by Eva Giglio

Executive Director, CME Group Foundation 

Stay tuned! The winner of the Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship will be recognized the night of our 2026 E3 Gala: 50th Anniversary Celebration.

2026 HOST COMMITTEE

John Blasi, Board Member, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Kathy Stohr  Cornelia Grumman, Board Member, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Jim Warren 
Carter Culver, Board Chair, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Donna, Lily, Matt, and Sophie Culver Timothy Knight, President and CEO, The Robert R. McCormick Foundation 
Stefanie Curley, Board Member, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Andrew Curley Larry Mages, Board Member, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Mary Mages
Patricia Ford, Executive Director, Steans Family Foundation  Kelsey Malnati Howell, Executive Director, The Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation 
Jessica Gaito, Board Vice Chair, Carole Robertson Center for Learning and Scott Gaito  Megan Schroeder, Principal, Marketing, Adams Street Partners 
   

THANK YOU, 2026 E3 GALA SPONSORS

CHANGE AGENT

CHAMPIONS

The Culver Family

Larry and Mary Mages

LEADERS

john blasi and Kathy Stohr

John and Nicole Smith

ALLIES

 

Stefanie and Andrew Curley

preston design & construction consulting

Jessica and Scott Gaito

Labelmaster

Bela and Rajiv Moté

Constructive playthings

karen salmon

rush university medical center

 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

 

erikson institute

metropolitan family services

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

This evening allows us to raise necessary funds to continue supporting program innovation and general operations. Many opportunities are available to partner with us on our E3 Gala. Please see each sponsorship level below or click the button to learn more. 
CHANGE AGENT: $50,000
  • Two premier tables (20 seats)
  • Five (5) VIP reception tickets
  • Verbal recognition during program
  • One dedicated volunteer day for employees at the Center
  • Prominent logo placement on all event materials, signage, and website
    • Dedicated mention in press release and e-blast
    • 1080×1080 pixel digital ad on event page
    • Company logo on digital screens
    • Logo inclusion on printed gala invitation (if confirmed early)
  • Custom social media thank-you posts
CHAMPION: $25,000
  • One table (10 seats total)
  • Three (3) VIP reception tickets
  • Verbal recognition during program
  • One dedicated volunteer day for employees at the Center
  • Logo on digital screens during event
  • 1080×1080 pixel ad in event digital program/event landing page
  • Two social media thank-you highlights (IG and FB stories)
  • Recognition in post-event impact report
LEADER: $15,000
  • One table (10 sets total)
  • Recognition in event slideshow and program
  • Invitation for 5 employees to volunteer at a Center event
  • Name/logo on website and event signage
  • One social media thank-you highlight (IG and FB stories)
ALLY: $10,000
  • One table (10 seats total)
  • Name listed on website and event signage
  • Recognition in event program and post-event thank-you
  • One social media shoutout

Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you, 2026 E3 Gala Presenting Sponsor and Curba Merrill Friend of the Center Awardee

PNC bank advertisement for carole robertson center fundraiser

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning is a nonprofit organization that works to honor the life and memory of Carole Robertson who, together with her classmates, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair, was killed in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. That horrible act of injustice is emblematic of lives robbed of their full potential. With the community we strive to help children build full, free lives. Lives that reject hate, and rise up.

Our Center reaches more than 2,500 children, youth, and their families across 27 Chicago communities with high-quality early childhood education and youth development programs, bolstered by comprehensive support services for families.

Reflecting Back, As We Look Forward To This Year’s Gala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAKE A DONATION

Questions about E3 Gala and sponsorship, please contact our Development team:

ERICA RANGELVice President of Development
P (312) 243-7300 Ext. 201
erangel@carolerobertsoncenter.org

Since 1976, the Carole Robertson Center for Learning has been dedicated to educating, enriching, and empowering children and families through comprehensive child and family development programs.