The Carole Robertson Center for Learning, together with presenting sponsor the Robert R. McCormick Foundation celebrated this year’s 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.
Thank you to all of our supporters who helped make this one of our largest and most meaningful gala yet—an extraordinary moment in our yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in support of children, youth and families.
Want to view more photos of the evening?
Program Highlights
With a cocktail reception, dinner, paddle raise and drop, and time to mix and mingle over dessert, this year’s E3 Gala opened doors to connection, celebration, and impact—marking a milestone moment in our 50th anniversary year.
Emcee
City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran graced our E3 Gala as emcee for the fourth time. He brought warmth and energy to the evening, ending the program with a sentiment that filled the room with hope and inspiration:
“The next 50 years is full of promise, opportunity, growth, and transformation.” – Jacoby Cochran
Shaping Futures Award
One of the evening’s most memorable moments featured youth participant Jasteline A., a 5th grader enrolled in our program, who shared how the Center has shaped her growth. Jasteline, together with Julissa Cruz, VP for Community-Based Advocacy, presented our inaugural Shaping Futures Award to Governor JB Pritzker, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to early childhood—opening doors to opportunity, equity, and a stronger future for every child and family in Illinois. On his behalf, we welcomed Dr. Teresa Ramos, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, who spoke about the administration’s commitment to children and families across the state.
Curba Merrill Friend of the Center Award
Cornelia Grumman, Chair of the Campaign Cabinet and member of the Center’s Board, presented the 2026 Curba Merrill Friend of the Center Award to the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in recognition of its extraordinary 25-year partnership with the Carole Robertson Center for Learning. Reflecting the values Curba Merrill brought to the Center’s founding leadership—faith, imagination, and trust—the Foundation’s lead gift demonstrated faith in the impact of early childhood education, imagination in envisioning what transformed spaces could mean for Chicago’s communities, and trust in the Center’s leadership and vision.
Timothy P. Knight, President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Corporate Partner of the Year
CME Group received this year’s Corporate Partner of the Year award in recognition of their long-standing commitment to opening doors for children, youth, and families in our community. Since 2008, they have gone beyond financial support—investing in early childhood education, engaging employee volunteers, and strengthening programs that help young learners thrive.
We were honored to recognize CME Group, and to welcome Eva Giglio, Executive Director, CME Group Foundation to the stage to accept the award on their behalf.
Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship Award
Eden Morales, a youth development assistant at the Center and last year’s scholarship awardee, took to the stage to present the 2026 Carole Robertson Memorial Scholarship to Melanie Suggs. Melanie’s journey reflects the very heart of the Center’s commitment to opening doors through care, connection, and opportunity.
From a young age, she found belonging at the Carole Robertson Center, where she grew, built friendships, and developed the confidence to thrive.
Today, Melanie is an honor roll student with a clear sense of purpose, and a goal to carry forward both her resilience and a commitment to helping others.
Program Videos
The Legacy We’ve Built: 50 Years of Impact
For 50 years, the Center’s mission and values have remained steadfast. In this special anniversary video, hear from key leaders who helped shape the organization’s journey from 1976 to 2026 as they reflect on our earliest years, the pivotal decisions that guided our growth, and the lessons that continue to inspire our work today.
Invest Today, Empower Tomorrow
In 2022, the Carole Robertson Center launched its first major fundraising campaign: Invest Today, Empower Tomorrow. Focused on capital improvements and a sustainability fund, the campaign marked a pivotal moment in the Center’s journey. Hear from campaign leaders and supporters about the vision, commitment, and community investment that brought the campaign to a successful conclusion in 2026.
“I believe that our children and families have the highest potential. We just open some doors, make sure the bricks are laid so that they have the ability to walk on the roads that should be paved for them.” – Bela Moté
Forward Together: Our Next 50 Years
As the Carole Robertson Center for Learning celebrates 50 years of impact, this closing video from our 2026 E3 Gala looks ahead to the future. From our founding by families for families to the growth of our programs, communities, and partnerships, the Center’s journey has always been driven by a vision of opportunity and empowerment for every child and family we serve. This video offers a glimpse into what’s next and the bold vision guiding the next 50 years of the Center’s work.
Publication Date: June 30, 2026
