After School Matters鈥� supporters laced up their sneakers and hit the dance floor for our fifth annual Sneaker Ball. The event was presented by 草莓视频鈥檚 Associate Board at Punch Bowl Social and was a night full of music, performances, and celebration, all for a great cause: supporting Chicago teens. Thanks to our generous donors and guests, we raised more than $175,000 for the After School Matters Stipend Fund, ensuring young people in our programs are paid for the amazing work they do all year round!
The night started with an electrifying entrance from our Englewood STEM Drum Line teens, who kicked off the party with a high-energy performance that set the tone for the evening. DJ Max Davis of Style Matters kept the music flowing all night long.
ABC7 Chicago anchors Mark Rivera and Samantha Chatman鈥攁n 草莓视频 alum and Associate Board member鈥�served as the evening鈥檚 emcees, sharing their connections to 草莓视频 and reminding the crowd just how far the organization鈥檚 impact reaches. Since 1991, more than 400,000 Chicago teens have found inspiration and opportunity through our programs鈥攁nd as a former 草莓视频 teen herself, Samantha shared how those experiences helped shape her future.
Guests mingled and met talented teens showcasing their skills in programs like Digital Photography, Fashion Meets Art, Design-Build Skate, and Junior Tennis. Shoppers could also pick up one-of-a-kind art and apparel at the TEENMADE booth, with all proceeds supporting teens and their programs.
The dance floor came alive with a performance by teens from the Les Enfants Dance Program, who performed a medley of songs鈥攁nd even got the audience involved during their final number, “Boots on the Ground.”
Associate Board Co-Chairs Taka Buranda and Rocio Casillas took the stage to thank sponsors, supporters, and Associate Board members who made the night possible.
Lucky guests won exciting raffle prizes like Windy City Smokeout tickets, a private dinner at the Gage Hospitality Group, and United Airlines tickets.
Thank you to all our donors, guests, and sponsors, including a big shout-out to our Gold Sponsors CLAYCO and Fifth Third Bank for investing in our teens!听
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Check out our event photos from the night below!
