THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US AT THIS YEAR’S E3 GALA!
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.
Because of you, this was 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.
CAROLE ROBERTSON CENTER FOR LEARNING 50TH ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION
Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker issued a proclamation recognizing the Carole Robertson Center for Learning as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and commending its enduring impact on generations of children, families, and our community at large.
2026 E3 GALA HOSTED BY
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MASTER OF CEREMONIESJacoby CochranHost, City Cast Chicago |
2026 CAROLE ROBERTSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
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Melanie SuggsCarole Robertson Center Alumna |
HONORING SUPPORTERS, PARTNERS & ALUMNI
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Carole Robertson center for learning Shaping futures awardeeThe Honorable JB PritzkerGovernor of Illinois |
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Curba Merrill Friend of the Center AwardeeRobert R. McCormick FoundationAward Accepted by Timothy P. Knight President and CEO, Robert R. McCormick Foundation |
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Corporate Partner of the Year AwardeeCME GroupAward Accepted by Eva Giglio Executive Director, CME Group Foundation |
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 and Nicole Smith
john blasi and Kathy Stohr
ALLIES
constructive playthings
stefanie and andrew curley
jessica and scott gaito
labelmaster
Bela and Rajiv Moté
perkins eastman
preston design and construction consulting
rush university medical center
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
erikson institute
metropolitan family services
Questions about E3 Gala please contact our Development team:
ERICA RANGELVice President of Development
P (312) 243-7300 Ext. 201
erangel@carolerobertsoncenter.org
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.
