Big Shoulders Fund's record-breaking (virtual) Humanitarian Award Dinner

The Big Shoulders Fund hosted its first virtual Humanitarian Award Dinner which was a record-breaker, drawing the largest crowd (over 800) and raising the most funds, nearly $11.2 million. It was BSF's most successful Humanitarian Dinner to date and one of the most successful virtual fundraisers ever in Chicago! The event on May 21st honored the hundreds of principals, teachers and school staff in the Big Shoulders Fund network who have continued to light the way for their school communities during an extremely difficult year.

At the beginning of the event, an anonymous $2 million challenge was issued, on top of two other anonymous $100,000 challenge grants, from donors who were inspired by the heroic efforts of these dedicated professionals.

This year’s one-of-a-kind event featured student performances, live and recorded conversations with school leaders and supporters, a candle lighting by supporters across the city and much more. The night not only highlighted the work of principals, teachers, and school staffs, it also honored the impactful support of longtime supporters Bruce White, founder/chair of Merrillville, Indiana-based White Lodging, and his wife Beth, who were originally selected to be honored with this award in 2020, but asked for this award to be bestowed on the school heroes who created hope and new opportunities for the nearly 26,000 students and 92 schools Big Shoulders Fund serves.

All of the funds raised at the event will support scholarships, academic and enrichment programs, instructional equipment, school facility improvements, faculty support, operating grants and more. (www.bigshouldersfund.org)