Filtering by: MEF

MEF's 28th Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Dinner
Oct
29
5:30 PM17:30

MEF's 28th Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Dinner

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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 is the date of MEF’s 28th Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 East Delaware Place in Chicago. Honorees are Sally Grimes, Group President of Tyson Foods and Richard G. Scalise, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Hearthside Foods.

Register as an Individual
Register as an Organization

CAN'T MAKE THE EVENT? 

Please consider making a contribution here to the Dinner to support MEF student success!

CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO MIDTOWN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Please mail to:
Midtown Educational Foundation
c/o PJH & Associates, Inc.
205 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60606

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Terry Sullivan with questions regarding this year's dinner.


SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

HOST TABLE - $50,000

- Host of the evening with top priority seating for 10
- Recognition in program book

BENEFACTOR TABLE - $25,000

- Priority seating for 10
- Recognition in program book

PREMIER TABLE - $10,000

- Ringside seating for 10
- Recognition in program book

SPONSOR TABLE - $5,000

- Preferred seating for 10
- Recognition in program book

INDIVIDUAL RESERVATION(S) - $500 EACH


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TEST EVENT PAGE 4
Sep
15
7:00 PM19:00

TEST EVENT PAGE 4

JOIN US FOR THE LIVE-STREAM EVENT

HERE ON OCTOBER 26th AT 7pm

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

  • You must click on the image above to activate the video player. The Gala video feed will go live at 6:55 PM Central on Monday, October 26th. The Gala presentation will start at 7 PM. In case you are joining late, you can rewind/scrub back to the beginning. You can also pause and rewind the video at any time.

  • If you experience any issues with the above video player, please refresh this page and try again. Or, go directly to the YouTube Live video page: https://youtu.be/U40hubdADHs (You can chat live with other YouTube viewers on this page.)

  • If you prefer, you can watch this video via the YouTube app on your SmartTV, Firestick, Roku, or other TV streaming device by opening the YouTube app on your device and searching for “Reach for Excellence Virtual Gala”

  • For any other technical issues, please message Vince at MEF.

 
29th Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Gala

Benefiting the Midtown Center for boys and Metro Achievement center for girls

 

HONORING

 
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John J. Conroy, Jr.

Principal and Former Global Chair, Baker McKenzie

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Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr.

Executive Partner, Madison Dearborn Partners

Professor, Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

 

This year's MEF Gala will be a free, virtual event,

running from 7:00 - 7:45pm on October 26 on this webpage.

Add to Calendar

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Donate Here
Sponsor the Gala as an organization
  • Join us for the free watch party - Help pay respect to our honorees and students during the live virtual event streamed here and on YouTube.

  • Make a donation - Use the donate button here or text MEFGala to 76278. MEF donors have pledged $50,000 in matching gifts for MEF’s Week of Giving (Oct. 26-Nov. 1), doubling the value of your gift!

  • Sponsor our event - Sponsors will get recognition on our website and social media during the event as well as after.

  • Spread the word on social media! - Please share our posts and videos with your network to let people know about this impactful fundraiser.

  • Can’t make it on Monday the 26th? The video of the Gala will remain online for MEF’s Week of Giving, Monday, Oct. 26th-Sunday, Nov. 2nd, 2020. Check it out and continue sharing it all week!

MEF Virtual Gala

1,000,000.00
701,000.00

Metro High School Freshman, Taylor, talks about the importance and impact of Metro's Character Education classes for her as well as kids from unstable homes.


SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

HOST - $50,000

BENEFACTOR - $25,000

PREMIER - $10,000

SPONSOR - $5,000

INDIVIDUAL RESERVATION- FREE!

While we are offering this year's event free of charge, we hope that viewers will give generously if they are able. And don’t forget to help us spread the word!


CHECKS CAN BE MADE OUT TO MIDTOWN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Please mail to:
Midtown Educational Foundation
c/o Michele Olsen
718 s Loomis
Chicago, IL 60607

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Terry Sullivan with questions regarding this year's event.


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26th Annual Golf for the Kids Outing
Aug
6
7:30 AM07:30
MEF

26th Annual Golf for the Kids Outing

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Registration


THIS EVENT HAS ENDED

Interested in donating a golfer give-away (water bottles, towels, golf balls, etc), silent auction, or raffle?

Email Cailie Furlong for Details

Sponsorship Opportunities →

The long drive entertainers, Steve Kois, and Nick Kiefer will be back by popular demand! Read more about them below:

Learn More
Contest Rules

Sponsorship Benefits

PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP ($15,000)

  • Brand exposure to 250+ golfers in all marketing materials leading up to, during and after the outing

  • Lead positioning on promotional signage at event registration and lunch reception

  • Special recognition during starter’s comments and by the Emcee during the lunch reception

  • Three foursomes (12 golfers) including lunch, cocktail reception and dinner *register by June 7h & receive 4 foursomes for the Platinum level!*

  • 20 complimentary raffle tickets for each golfer

  • Platinum sponsor signage on three holes

  • Logo inclusion on all marketing materials including invitation, event website, and gift bags

  • Approved marketing/promotional item included in every gift bag

  • Recognition as a major donor in the Midtown Educational Foundation annual report

GOLD SPONSORSHIP ($10,000)

  • Brand exposure to 250+ golfers in all marketing materials leading up to, during and after the outing

  • Secondary positioning on promotional signage at event registration and lunch reception

  • Special recognition during the starter’s comments and by the Emcee during the lunch reception

  • Two foursomes (8 golfers) including lunch, cocktail reception and lunch *register by June 7th & receive three foursomes for the Gold level!*

  • 10 complimentary raffle tickets for each golfer

  • Gold sponsor signage on two holes

  • Approved marketing/promotional item included in every gift bag

  • Recognition in the Midtown Educational Foundation annual report as a significant donor

SILVER SPONSORSHIP ($7,500) 

  • Brand exposure to 250+ golfers in all marketing materials leading up to, during and after the outing

  • Secondary positioning on promotional signage at event registration and lunch

  • Silver sponsor signage on two holes

  • Two foursomes (8 golfers) including lunch, cocktails and lunch *register by June 7th & receive three foursomes at the Silver level!*

  • 5 raffle tickets for each golfer

  • Recognition in the Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF) annual report

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP ($5,000)

  • Brand exposure to 250+ golfers in all marketing materials during and after the outing

  • Tertiary-level positioning on promotional signage at event registration and lunch reception

  • Bronze sponsor signage on one hole

  • One foursome including lunch, cocktails and lunch *register by June 7th & receive two foursomes for the Bronze level!*

  • 5 complimentary raffle tickets for each golfer

  • Recognition in the MEF annual report

CORPORATE FOURSOME ($2,500)

  • One foursome including breakfast, snacks on course, and lunch

  • Signage on one hole

  • Listing on the day of the event as a corporate sponsor

INDIVIDUAL FOURSOME ($1,200)

  • One foursome including breakfast, snacks on course and lunch

INDIVIDUAL TICKET ($300)

  • Round of golf including breakfast, snacks on course and lunch

COCKTAILS AND LUNCH RECEPTION ($75)

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

  • TURN HOUSE WITH SIGNAGE ($2,500)

  • COCKTAIL RECEPTION WITH SIGNAGE ($2,000)

  • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST WITH SIGNAGE  ($1,000)

  • 50-FT PUTT CONTEST WITH SIGNAGE ($500)

Looking for information and on the June 17th CyrusOne Golf Outing? Visit this registration page.

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Bracket for a Cause
Mar
10
to Apr 8

Bracket for a Cause

  • Google Calendar ICS

Midtown Educational Foundation Presents: Bracket for a Cause

Are you planning on filling out a bracket or two for March Madness? How about adding one more #ForTheKids?

Every year, college basketball fans fill out multiple brackets in hopes of creating the perfect upset and predicting the tournament winner. This year, Midtown Educational Foundation’s Auxiliary Board invites you to “bracket for a cause”!

Instructions:

1) Sign up below via Eventbrite (up to 10 brackets can be purchased at a time)
2) A confirmation email will be sent to you including the group password
3) Create your bracket

Prizes:

1st: $150 + 1 Ticket to the MEF Soiree on May 17th at Architectural Artifacts
2nd: $75 + 1 Ticket to the MEF Soiree on May 17th at Architectural Artifacts
3rd: Ticket to the MEF Soiree on May 17th at Architectural Artifacts

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Midtown-Metro Kickball Tournament
Aug
25
9:00 AM09:00

Midtown-Metro Kickball Tournament

Join us for the 6th Annual Kickball Tournament at Lincoln Park! 

  • $30 per player
  • Registration includes all-day tournament play, a MEF swag, lunch, lawn sports and admission with specials to the afterparty at Woodie's Flat
  • Teams must have 12-16 players and must have at least 4 girls. 
  • Please indicate your team captain when you register or indicate that you are registering a partial team.

Can't Make the Whole Event?

Join us for the celebration after at Woodie's Flat at 1535 N Wells St | Chicago, IL 60610

  • Beverage Specials & Fun! 
  • Wristbands $10
Register Now!
Sponsor Event

 

SPONSORSHIPS

All sponsors will get name and logo recognition at the event, in email, on MEF's website and social media channels. A "Kickball Field & Team Sponsor" will get a team of 12-16 players + name and logo recognition on one of the tournament's four fields.

Use the Registration Form to sponsor the Tournament today, or contact Cailie Furlong at cfurlong@midtown-metro.org for more details.

  • Presenting Sponsor - $3,000 | title sponsorship + a team of up to 16 players
  • Catering - $2500 | Signage at lunch & on field + a team of up to 16 players
  • Kickball Field and team - $1000  | Signage on field + a team of up to 16 players
  • Umpires - $750 | Signage on field
  • Water - $300 | Signage on field
  • Lawn Sports - $200 | Signage on field
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Metro Summer Open House
Jul
24
11:00 AM11:00

Metro Summer Open House

You're Invited!

Midtown Educational Foundation's Summer Open Houses

Come see Metro Achievement Center for girls in action and learn about how you can help guide Chicago's low-income youth onto pathways of success.

  • Take a tour of the center and see Metro's award-winning summer enrichment program as over 400 girls enjoy hands-on classroom activities, high school apprenticeships, sports, art, character education and more
  • Meet current staff, students and Metro Advancement Council members
  • Learn about MEF's model and discover ways you can make a difference in the lives of Chicago youth
RSVP Here

Can't make it on the 24th? Join us for Midtown Center for boys' Open House on July 17th at 1819 N. Wood from 11am-3pm.

 

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Midtown Summer Open House
Jul
17
11:00 AM11:00

Midtown Summer Open House

You're Invited!

Midtown Educational Foundation's Summer Open Houses

Come see Midtown Center for boys in action and learn about how you can help guide Chicago's low-income youth onto pathways of success.

  • Take a tour of the center and see Midtown's award-winning summer enrichment program as over 400 boys enjoy hands-on classroom activities, high school apprenticeships, sports, character education and more
  • Meet current staff, students and Midtown Advancement Council members
  • Learn about MEF's model and discover ways you can make a difference in the lives of Chicago youth
RSVP Here

Can't make it on the 17th? Join us for Metro Achievement Center for girls' Open House on July 24th at 310 S. Peoria from 11am-3pm.

 

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Charity Class at Barry's Bootcamp
Mar
24
2:30 PM14:30
MEF

Charity Class at Barry's Bootcamp

WORK (OUT) HARD AND GIVE BACK

Join MEF’s Auxiliary Board in our very first workout event at Barry’s Bootcamp Lincoln Park!

Your $30 ticket includes:

  • 60 minute Barry’s workout
  • post-workout beverages & snacks
  • One raffle ticket for your chance to win our healthy goody bag
  • One raffle ticket for your chance to win a ticket to our 6th Annual Soirée on May 18th!

Thanks to Barry’s Bootcamp, ALL ticket proceeds will go directly to MEF’s kids!!!

Get Your Ticket Now!
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MEF Mingle: Sippin' with Sedgwick's
Feb
23
5:00 PM17:00
MEF

MEF Mingle: Sippin' with Sedgwick's

Join MEF Auxiliary Board Members, Midtown & Metro volunteers and MEF fans at the Winter Mingle at Sedgwick's Bar & Grill!

20% of all Lagunitas draft beers on 2/23 (and the whole week of Feb. 5-11th!) will be donated back to support MEF kids!

$10 at the door supports MEF kids and gets you free tacos and an entry to win a free Soiree ticket (Save-the-date: Friday, May 18, 2018!)

Bring a friend who might be interested in volunteering, or supporting MEF kids through MEF events.

Stay up to date with the Auxiliary Board here or on MEF's social media channels!

 
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Volunteer Appreciation Christmas Party
Dec
12
5:00 PM17:00
MEF

Volunteer Appreciation Christmas Party

Generously Sponsored by Tyson Foods!

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Join fellow Midtown & Metro friends, volunteers, and alumni at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party! Bring a friend or colleague who is interested in learning more about MEF! 

Enjoy a complimentary evening of food, drinks, and music with MEF friends, volunteers and Board, Auxiliary Board and Advancement Council Members.

The event is complimentary for anyone who RSVPs by December 6th. Each guest must RSVP individually:

RSVP Now

FAQ's:

Can I bring a friend? Yes! You just need to RSVP for them separately.

What if I RSVP'd but can no longer attend? You'll be missed! Please let Chelsea Gibson (chelsea.gibson@midtown-metro.org) know to free a spot up for someone else.

What is the attire? Festive and fun holiday attire - think a notch above business casual but a notch below cocktail attire.

What are parking options?  Street parking is available, or use MEF's referral link for $10 off a Spothero parking spot for new customers.

Is there an Afterparty? Yes! Join us at Nine Muses (315 S. Halsted, 2.5 blocks west) for more merriment from 8pm on.

What will the party be like? Old and new MEF friends gathering for Christmas cheer! There will be a photobooth and a custom snapchat filter to help capture the fun. Christmas music, signature Christmas drinks at an open bar, and delicious food by Tyson & Inspired Catering and Events will make for a festive evening! Presents & Santa hats will be gifted out when you donate to support MEF kids. Keep an eye out for a raffle for great prizes, Christmas games and a chance to win a free Soiree ticket! See you there!

Learn more about how you can support MEF kids this Christmas with a gift to Midtown Educational Foundation.

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MEF Mingle: Old Town Social
Nov
16
6:00 PM18:00
MEF

MEF Mingle: Old Town Social

Join MEF Auxiliary Board Members, Midtown & Metro volunteers and MEF fans at the Fall Mingle at Old Town Social!

$10 at the door supports MEF kids and gets you a $4 beers/$5 glasses of wine, $5 burgers and an entry to win a free Soiree ticket (Save-the-date: Friday, May 18, 2018!)

Bring a friend who might be interested in volunteering, or supporting MEF kids through MEF events.

Stay up to date with the Auxiliary Board here or on MEF's social media channels!

 
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Midtown-Metro Kickball Tournament
Sep
9
9:00 AM09:00
MEF

Midtown-Metro Kickball Tournament

Join us for the 5th Annual Kickball Tournament at Lincoln Park! 

  • $50 per player
  • Registration includes all-day tournament play, an MEF t-shirt, lunch, lawn sports and admission with specials to the afterparty at Ranalli's
  • Teams must have 12-16 players and must have at least 4 girls. 
  • Please indicate your team captain when you register or indicate that you are registering a partial team.
Register Now for the Tournament!

If you are registering your team under your company's name, please use the Organization Registration Form here.

SPONSORSHIPS

All sponsors will get name and logo recognition at the event, in email, on MEF's website and social media channels. A "Kickball Field & Team Sponsor" will get a team of 12-16 players + name and logo recognition on one of the tournament's four fields.

Use the Organization Registration Form to sponsor the Tournament today, or contact Chelsea Gibson for more details.

  • Presenting Sponsor - $3,000 | title sponsorship + a team of up to 16 players
  • Food - $2500
  • Kickball field AND team - $1500
  • Kickball field - $1000/field
  • Umpires - $1000
  • Water - $500
  • Lawn Sports - $500
View Event →
Metro Summer Open House
Jul
24
11:00 AM11:00

Metro Summer Open House

You're Invited!

Midtown Educational Foundation's Summer Open Houses

Come see Metro Achievement Center for girls in action and learn about how you can help guide Chicago's low-income youth onto pathways of success.

  • Take a tour of the center and see Metro's award-winning summer enrichment program as over 400 girls enjoy hands-on classroom activities, high school apprenticeships, sports, art, character education and more
  • Meet current staff, students and Metro Advancement Council members
  • Learn about MEF's model and discover ways you can make a difference in the lives of Chicago youth
RSVP Here

Can't make it on the 24th? Join us for Midtown Center for boys' Open House on July 11th at 1819 N. Wood from 11am-3pm.

 

View Event →
Midtown Summer Open House
Jul
11
11:00 AM11:00

Midtown Summer Open House

You're Invited!

Midtown Educational Foundation's Summer Open Houses

Come see Midtown Center for boys in action and learn about how you can help guide Chicago's low-income youth onto pathways of success.

  • Take a tour of the center and see Midtown's award-winning summer enrichment program as over 400 boys enjoy hands-on classroom activities, high school apprenticeships, sports, character education and more
  • Meet current staff, students and Midtown Advancement Council members
  • Learn about MEF's model and discover ways you can make a difference in the lives of Chicago youth
RSVP Here

Can't make it on the 11th? Join us for Metro Achievement Center for girls' Open House on July 24th at 310 S. Peoria from 11am-3pm.

 

View Event →
MEF Mingle: Ranalli's
Jul
5
6:00 PM18:00
MEF

MEF Mingle: Ranalli's

Join MEF Auxiliary Board Members, Midtown & Metro volunteers and MEF fans at the July Mingle at Ranalli's!

$10 at the door supports MEF kids and gets you a free drink. 

Bring a friend who might be interested in volunteering, or supporting MEF kids through various summer events.

Stay up to date with the Auxiliary Board here or on MEF's social media channels!

View Event →
MEF Mingle: Benchmark
Jun
5
6:00 PM18:00
MEF

MEF Mingle: Benchmark

Join MEF Auxiliary Board Members, Midtown & Metro volunteers and MEF fans at the June Mingle at Benchmark!

$10 at the door supports MEF kids and gets you a free drink. 

Bring a friend who might be interested in volunteering, or supporting MEF kids through various summer events.

Stay up to date with the Auxiliary Board here or on MEF's social media channels!

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MEF Spring Soiree
May
19
7:00 PM19:00

MEF Spring Soiree

Join the Midtown Educational Foundation Auxiliary Board on Friday, May 19th for the 5th Annual Soiree at Architectural Artifacts, (4325 N Ravenswood Ave | 60613) from 7pm-11pm:

  • Live music by David Rothstein Music
  • Food stations & heavy passed appetizers by Inspired Catering & Events
  • Open Bar with beer, wine and cocktails
  • Spectacular event spaces with unique architectural antiques
  • Grand Raffle Prize! $5,000 cash (tickets available in advance and at the event.)
  • 2nd Place Prize: 4 all-inclusive suite tickets to the 5/25 Cubs vs. Giants game (3 winners!)

Raffle Tickets: 1 for $25 | 5 for $100
Soiree Tickets: $100 in advance ($125 the week of (starting 5/15) and at the door.)

Purchase your Soiree & Raffle Tickets!

Learn more about the raffle here.
Read the grand prize terms and conditions.
Read the second place prize rules here.

Sponsorships available! Contact Chelsea Gibson for more details.

Special thanks to our Gold Sponsor, Riveron Consulting!

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors

Canpango & Evanston Capital Management

Thank you to our event sponsors Adiat Baker, Alpha Baking Company, Geoffery Euston, The Eldridge Group and Telnyx!

Sponsorship Levels

Presenting Sponsor: $10,000

  • Title Sponsorship anytime the event is mentioned: “MEF Soiree, Presented by [sponsor]”
  • Tickets for up to 20 guests to attend
  • Your logo prominently displayed on event signage and stage background
  • Your name and logo on all promotional materials, social media and MEF website

Gold Sponsor: $5,000

  • Listed as a Gold Sponsor on all event materials
  • Tickets for up to 10 guests to attend
  • Your logo prominently displayed on event signage and stage background
  • Your name and logo on all promotional materials, social media and MEF website

Silver Sponsor: $2,500

  • Listed as a Silver Sponsor on all event materials
  • Tickets for up to 8 guests to attend 
  • Your logo prominently displayed on event signage
  • Your name and logo on all promotional materials, social media and MEF website

Bronze Sponsor: $1,000

  • Listed as a Bronze Sponsor on all event materials
  • Tickets for up to 4 guests to attend
  • Your logo displayed on event signage
  • Your name and logo on all promotional materials, social media and MEF website

Event Element Sponsorship Opportunity: $500

  • Opportunity to sponsor one aspect of the event i.e. “Courtyard presented by [your company’s name here].”
  • Choose from appetizers, courtyard, desserts, signature cocktails (2), food stations
View Event →
20th Annual Metro Advancement Council Luncheon
May
5
11:30 AM11:30
MEF

20th Annual Metro Advancement Council Luncheon

The Metro Advancement Council invites you to the Twentieth Annual Luncheon benefiting Chicago’s Metro Achievement Center for girls


Zoraida Sambolin
Keynote Speaker
Weekday Edition Co-anchor of NBC5 News Today

As the first Chicago on-air broadcaster to work at both English and Spanish language stations simultaneously, Zoraida broke new ground for Latinos in the No. 3 market in the country. An Emmy-winning journalist, she has won numerous awards for her work on two parenting programs created for cable distribution. Zoraida is a long-time champion of Chicago's at-risk youth and serves on the board of Midtown Educational Foundation.

Zoraida will share her life story and career with luncheon guests. It is sure to be an engaging address as she speaks about the perseverance needed to succeed amidst the challenges she faced as a Latina woman and academically-average student growing up in Chicago.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Chelsea Gibson (email) at 312.738.8300 x 23.

Register for the Luncheon

Sponsorship Levels

PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000

Includes the purchase of one V.I.P. table for eight, recognition displayed in Metro Achievement Center for 2017 year, recognition on the MEF website, presenting sponsor recognition on cover of event invitation, event signage and verbal comments during event presentation. 

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORSHIP: $5,000

Includes the purchase of one V.I.P. table for eight, recognition on the MEF website, sponsorship recognition in event invitation, event signage and verbal comments during event presentation.

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORSHIP: $2,500

Includes the purchase of a prime table for eight, sponsorship recognition in event invitation, event signage and verbal comments during event presentation.

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORSHIP: $1,000

Includes the purchase of a premium table for eight and recognition of support through event signage.

INDIVIDUAL TICKET: $75


The Metro Achievement Center promotes the personal and educational development of Chicago’s inner-city girls, in part through their exposure to professional women in Chicago.

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MEF Mingle: Sippin' with Sedgwick's
Mar
10
6:00 PM18:00
MEF

MEF Mingle: Sippin' with Sedgwick's

Spring Mingle at Sedgwick's!

Join the MEF Auxiliary Board on Friday, March 10

Come meet fellow volunteers, MEF fans and supporters. We ask for a $10 donation at the door to support MEF kids, and we will be raffling off one ticket to the 5th Annual MEF Soiree!

Be sure to order a beer from Pipeworks brewery...

For the whole month of March, MEF kids will benefit from the #SippinwithSedgwicks partnership: 20% of all Pipeworks brewery beers sold will be donated back to MEF!

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