City Year Chicago Invites the Community to its Annual Ripples of Hope Gala Celebrating a Year of Impact and Looking Towards the Future on April 16th, 2026.

City Year Chicago Invites the Community to its Annual Ripples of Hope Gala Celebrating a Year of Impact and Looking Towards the Future on April 16th, 2026.

Chicago, Ill. — City Year Chicago is proud to announce its annual Ripples of Hope Gala, taking place on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, at The Geraghty. This event is a “can’t miss” for anyone with a deep care for the education community.

Ripples of Hope was coined in a speech by President Kennedy where he says, “... each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” City Year Chicago believes that every AmeriCorps Member serving in schools is a ripple of hope not only for the students and schools themselves, but for the future of our city and our country with young people choosing to embark on a year of service.

The gala is City Year Chicago’s largest fundraiser, recognizing the organization's work toward its vision of educational equity and opportunity for young people to thrive. The event will offer a deep reflection of City Year Chicago’s legacy today and beyond. It also presents a chance to interact with our AmeriCorps Members and hear firsthand about their time in service.

“Ripples of Hope is an opportunity to celebrate our progress and impact with our city. Our attendees will not only walk away with a memorable experience, but a true understanding of what it is City Year Chicago seeks to accomplish every day in our schools and in our communities. It’s a night to feel hopeful and excited about what’s to come,” says Executive Director, Senior Vice President, Valencia Koker.

This year, you will get to hear from honorees including Kirkland and Ellis, LLC, Kevin Warren (President & CEO of the Chicago Bears), and Christine O’Reilly-Riordan (Senior Vice President of Community Relations of the Chicago White Sox and Executive Director of Chicago White Sox Charities) who contribute great care, philanthropy, and passion to our city.

Attendees are invited to RSVP at here: https://www.pjhchicago.com/events/cityyear.

City Year Chicago is a nonprofit organization that engages over 200 AmeriCorps members between the ages of 18 and 25 in public service. City Year Chicago partners with 30 schools, 28 of them being Chicago Public Schools, to support students, strengthen communities, and cultivate the next generation of leaders through service, mentorship, and academic support. Visit City Year Chicago at cityyear.org/chicago/.

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