Golden Hour Gala
Thursday, October 1st, 2026
6:00pm - 10:00pm CT
The Wellsley
504 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Please join us on October 1st for an unforgettable evening of warmth, brilliance, and possibility as The Honeycomb Project celebrates 15 years of impact.
To match the milestone occasion, we’re breaking out the disco ball for a glittery Studio 54 inspired event. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Wellsley by Boka Restaurant Group, the evening will feature a chef-driven seasonal menu, inspiring stories from our Honeycomb Leadership Corps, luxury auction packages, and a night filled with music, dancing, and connection.
Over the past 15 years, we have empowered thousands of young people to lead, strengthened nonprofit partners, and built a powerful culture of family service in Chicago and now Washington, DC. The Golden Hour Gala shines a light on the young leaders shaping our future and celebrates the role supporters like you have played in bringing our mission to life.
Schedule of the Evening
6:00 PM | Cocktails & Meet the Leadership Corps
7:00 PM | Dinner & Program
8:30 PM | Music, Dancing & Mingling
10:00 PM | Farewell
End the night in the upstairs lounge with a karaoke sing-along — a nightcap you won’t forget.
Tickets: $250/individual
Sponsorships start at $1.5K
Year-round perks like brand visibility, early program access, and more
So grab your boogie shoes and join us for an unforgettable night out!
2026 Menu
Indulge in a chef-curated seasonal menu crafted by Boka Restaurant Catering, one of Chicago’s most celebrated culinary teams, known for creating unforgettable dining experiences.
First Course
Arugula & Blackberry Salad, Goat Cheese Crumbles, Black Peppered Walnuts, Lemon Vinaigrette (GF, V, Contains nuts)
Entree
Choice of the following:
Beef Tenderloin, Gratin of Sweet Potato and Yukon Gold Potato, Cauliflower Puree, Grilled Asparagus (GF)
Roasted Halibut Pumpkin Gnocchi, Corn Puree, Mushroom Ragout
Arborio Risotto and Leek Tart, Beet Puree, Confit Baby Turnips, Roasted Maitake Mushroom (GF, V)
Dessert
Selection of confections, baked goods, and sweets
BEEcome a Sponsor
Sponsorship of the Golden Hour Gala is more than a moment in the spotlight—it’s a year-round partnership in building a brighter future for all.
On event night, sponsors enjoy premium perks like preferred dinner seating at reserved tables, repeated name or logo recognition, and signature Honeycomb touches that make the experience unlike any other.
Even more meaningful is the opportunity to sponsor 12 months of programming for the Honeycomb volunteer project of your choice, creating visibility and real impact in the community.
We’ve curated a list of 25 Honeycomb projects in need of support. Whether you’re passionate about a specific organization, eager to expand Honeycomb’s impact citywide, or want to fuel a project that’s close to your heart, there’s something here for you.
Together, we’ll turn one golden night into a year of impact:
Our 2025 Gala Sponsors
HOST COMMITTEE
Eric Fox (Co-Chair)
Jeffrey Sorensen (Co-Chair)
Jessica Droste Yagan & Sam Yagan
Kristen Werries Collier & Paul Collier
Wendy Kerschner
Abby Kritzler
Jazmine Reynolds
Swati Rout
Andrea Sill
Lucy Stratton
Candace Strauss
Ruth & Eric Swibel
Alli Tuffuor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meagan Newman, Chief Operating Officer, Bartlit Beck LLP (Board President)
Jennifer Paik Chung, FP&A Technology Manager, Optiver (Vice President)
Catherine Tannen, Co-Founder, The Honeycomb Project; Attorney (Treasurer)
Natalie Bookey-Baker, Board Chair, The Honeycomb Project, Washington, DC
Raji Bedi, Product Advisor & Investor
Paris Byrd, Chief of Staff: Legal, Obama Foundation
Eric Fox, General Manager at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants
Carlos Garcia, Managing Partner, CMGIS Advisors
Kathryn Konrad, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kristina Lowenstein, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Honeycomb Project
Jeffrey Sorensen, Partner, PwC
Why Your Support Matters
Nonprofits across the country are struggling to meet growing demands with shrinking resources. More than 60 nonprofit organizations rely on Honeycomb’s no-cost programs for essential resources and a reliable pipeline of volunteers.
Whether it’s serving meals at shelters, providing diapers and clothing to families in crisis, or delivering groceries to homebound seniors, Honeycomb families are stepping up in record numbers to care for their communities.
In 2025 alone, over 5,400 youth and families from 70% of Chicago zip codes participated in our programs.
We need your help to grow operations and sustain this momentum. Proceeds from the Golden Hour Gala will help Honeycomb reach more families, deepen our partnerships, and expand our impact across Chicago and DC:
Mobilizing 6,000+ youth and families over the next year
Leading 350+ high-impact volunteer projects
Providing consistent support to 60+ nonprofit partners
Keeping all programs 100% FREE for the families and partners we serve
By supporting the Golden Hour Gala, you will help us meet this moment and welcome Honeycomb into our next chapter - ensuring every child can lead, every family can serve, and every nonprofit gets the support they need.
About Us
Imagine a city where every child is empowered to shape the course of their community, where their voices are heard, and their actions drive real social change. That vision comes to life every day at The Honeycomb Project.
Since 2011, Honeycomb has served as a leader in family volunteering. From tackling food insecurity and housing instability to protecting the environment, we help kids take action on global issues starting in their own backyards.
Honeycomb kids gain a deeper understanding of the world through real-life experiences, while providing vital resources and volunteer support to 60+ nonprofits.
