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Fundraising Event

Start Early’s Annual Luncheon

Through powerful conversations, we saw how investing in quality early learning programs and interventions is a proven solution to addressing many of the challenges in today’s society.

That's a Wrap!

On June 13, we hosted our 24th Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, where we welcomed hundreds of supporters to celebrate our theme, The Power of Starting Early: One Child. One Family. One Community at a Time. We focused on the impact of starting early and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for our youngest learners.

Through powerful conversations and presentations with experts in the field, we saw how investing in quality early learning programs and interventions is a proven solution to addressing many of the challenges in today’s society. If you were unable to join us, you can learn more about the program with our event recap.

Together we can transform lives. Help shape brighter futures – play your part in a child's development.

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2026 Annual Luncheon Sponsors

A special thank you to our corporate and individual sponsors whose commitment to our mission is helping more children reach their full potential.


VISIONARY

Rauner Family Foundation
Zell Family Foundation


PRESENTING

$100,000

Canfield Family Foundation
Kent & Liz Dauten
Karen Rudolph & David Donnini
Anne & Don Edwards
eMed Foundation

Mary & Paul Finnegan
Leslie Graham & Louis Kenter
The Heising-Simons Family Fund

Leslie Bluhm & David Helfand
Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
Dean Mihas
PEAK6 Foundation

Erika Pearsall & Ned Jannotta
Francine & Gregory Purcell

Cece & Tom Ricketts
Collin & Joanna Roche
Tullman Family Office

Wilson/Garling Foundation


CHAMPION

$50,000

 

BMO logo Oberhelman Foundation & Cullinan Properties, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor

Nancy & Steve Crown | The Crown Family
James & Karen Frank
The Hasten Foundation
Malott Family Foundation


PREMIER

$25,000

 

 

Related Midwest, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor

Anonymous
Dave & Jane Casper
Bobbie & Charlie Denison
Janet & Craig Duchossois
Marilyn & Larry Fields
Tom Gimbel
Golder Family
David & Gerri Kahnweiler
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Keiser
Sue & Steve Mandel
Deborah & Stephen Quazzo
Diana & Michael Sands
Catherine Siegel
Julie & Brian Simmons
John & Fran von Schlegell Family
Anne Lovett & Stephen Woodsum
Rika & Joe Mansueto


PARTNER

$10,000

Anonymous
Abbott
Ellen Alberding & Kelly Welsh
CME Group Foundation
Kirsten Feldman & Hugh Frater

Harris Family Foundation
ITW
The Kadens Family Foundation

Klaff Family Foundation
Liz & Eric Lefkofsky
The Malkin Family

PNC
Port Capital LLC & Brien O’Brien
Pritzker Traubert Foundation
PwC
Martha & Scott Smith
Steans Family Foundation
Rick Tuttle

Catherine M. & Frederick H. Waddell


COMMUNITY

$5,000

Anderson Family
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Susan & Stephen Baird

Boeing
Laura Louise Breyer

Linda & Peter Bynoe
Constellation
Terri & Bob DiMeo

Judy & Jamie Dimon
Erikson Institute
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney L. Goldstein
Rachel & Devin Gross

Maxwell Gunnill
Cabray Haines & David Kiley
Mary Ittelson
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
The Dolores Kohl Education Foundation
Learning Resources
Fifi & Ron Levin
Linda & Laurence Levine
Amanda Lipitz & Gregory Smith
The Malkin Family
Charles & Brunetta Matthews
Susan Blankenbaker Noyes
O’Keefe Family
Isabel & Charles Polsky
Rothkopf Family Foundation

Halee Sage & David Friedman
Celena & Nick Sarillo
The Shah Family
Jill & Stephen Smith
Ken & Kathy Tallering
Anne & John Tuohy
Susan & Bill White
Wintrust
Ronna & Steve Zoll


GIFTS

$2,500-$4,999

Patricia Cox
Illinois Action for Children
The Resurrection Project
Jamie & David Schwartz
WTTW | WFMT

In Case You Missed Us

Since its inception, the Annual Luncheon has raised millions of dollars for Start Early’s mission. Learn more about our past Annual Luncheon events.

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What We Do

Our comprehensive approach applies our deep expertise in program, policy and research so that children, families and educators can thrive.

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Support Our Work

Together, when we start early, we can close the opportunity gap and ensure every child has a chance to reach their full potential.

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Our Impact

Learn more about how we are supporting children, families and early childhood professionals as we improve the state of early learning in America.

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