Scholarship Gala

 

Thank you to all that attended and supported our fifth annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Accelerate. This year's event took place on Friday, September 27, 2024 at The Geraghty, and supported programs and students of Chicago State University (CSU), the only 4-year Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, bridging the gap of racial inequity. See photos from this year's event here.

A special part of the evening was our annual Cougar Servant Leadership awards, presented to leaders with tremendous dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding leadership that have helped transform Chicago and Illinois in the categories of Public Service, Education Equity, Alumni Acheivement.

2024 gala room

Sponsors  

Click here to see this year's generous sponsors. To become a sponsor for next year's gala, contact the Chicago State Foundation Executive Director, Melanie Sillas at msillas@drordi.com.

Subject to change in 2025

  • Two (2) tables of ten (10) at the gala 
  • Opportunity to provide a 60-second corporate promotional video to air during gala program
  • Social media post highlighting company’s support of gala (10K+ distribution)
  • Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on website page promoting gala 
  • Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor via the print photo booth
  • Recognition (logo) as Pre/Post Reception Sponsor on reception bars as well as the napkins
  • Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage

Subject to change in 2025

  • One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala 
  • Opportunity to provide a 30-second corporate promotional video to air during gala program 
  • Verbal acknowledgement in remarks from stage
  • Social media post highlighting company’s support of gala (10K+ distribution) 
  • Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on website page promoting gala 
  • Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on invitation (print and digital) 
  • Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor on event signage 
  • Recognition as Platinum Sponsor in all press releases, media alerts and PSAs 
  • Recognition (logo) as Platinum Sponsor in post-event social media promotion 

Subject to change in 2025

  • One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala 
  • Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on website page promoting gala
  • Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on gala invitation (print and digital)
  • Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor on event signage 
  • Recognition (logo) as Gold Sponsor in post-event social media promotion

Subject to change in 2025

  • One (1) table of ten (10) at the gala
  • Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on website page promoting the gala
  • Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala signage
  • Recognition (name listing) as a Silver Sponsor on gala invitations (print and digital)        
  • One individual dinner ticket