The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity gala brought in more than $2.5 million to benefit 18 local charities on February 10. This amount exceeded last year’s fundraising efforts by $1 million! This black-tie event is always held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, and raised $2,520,465, bringing the 31-year total funds raised to $60 million.
“First Look for Charity is one of Chicago’s finest one-day fundraisers and we are thrilled to have such a great turnout this year to support the charities,” said Kevin Keefe, 2023 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “On behalf of the Chicagoland new-car dealers, we couldn’t be prouder to host this benevolent event that directly impacts our communities.”
Misericordia, one of the participating charities, hosted an event with the beloved Sister Rosemary Connelly in attendance.
First Look for Charity 2023
As the name of the event implies, those who attended ‘First Look for Charity’ are part of the premier viewing of each year’s Chicago Auto Show. This year's event featured almost 1000 vehicles on display. Tickets to the fundraiser were $275 each, and purchasers could elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor was replete with live entertainment and a variety of gourmet food and beverage stations.
Fans toasting to the success of First Look for Charity 2023.
A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prize vehicles: a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, compliments of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Honda dealers and Chicagoland Subaru dealers. The first winner, Patty R., Chicago resident and Misericordia supporter, said “First Look for Charity is one of my favorite events! I have been eyeing the CR-V for a few years. [I am] happy to see it is a hybrid and now it's mine!"
ABC-7's Ryan Chiaverini (L) and Val Warner (R) and friends at First Look for Charity 2023.
Winning the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was Eddie H. of Chicago. “Thank you to Subaru for donating to such a wonderful charitable event. My family and me are thrilled to be the lucky winners.”
Chic supporters at First Look for Charity 2023.
The 2023 First Look for Charity beneficiaries included: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; the Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; and Misericordia; New Star; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
At Misericordia's First Look event, Lou Manfredini served as the emcee and Alex Maragos was the auctioneer.
The 2023 Chicago Auto Show runs now through Feb. 20, opening daily at 10 a.m.
(For more information on the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com.)
Misericordia's Heart Breakers made their debut First Look performance during the event.
You might also like:
Dine for a cause: No Matter What culinary fundraiser to benefit Chicago's youth
(1) comment
What a swanky event! I will definitely have to plan to join next year.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.