31st Annual Reach for Excellence Appeal
MEF’s 31st Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Appeal. MEF’s largest fundraiser, benefiting Chicago kids at MEF’s Midtown and Metro Achievement Centers.
MEF’s 31st Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Appeal. MEF’s largest fundraiser, benefiting Chicago kids at MEF’s Midtown and Metro Achievement Centers.
MEF’s 30th Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Virtual Gala. Benefiting Chicago kids at the Midtown Center and Metro Achievement Center and honoring Mary Presberg and Heidi Capozzi.
MEF’s First-ever Virtual Gala. Benefitting the Midtown Center and Metro Achievement Center and honoring John J. Conroy, Jr. and Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr.
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.
Please consider making a contribution here to the Dinner to support MEF student success!
Please mail to:
Midtown Educational Foundation
c/o PJH & Associates, Inc.
205 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60606
Please contact Terry Sullivan with questions regarding this year's dinner.
- Host of the evening with top priority seating for 10
- Recognition in program book
- Priority seating for 10
- Recognition in program book
- Ringside seating for 10
- Recognition in program book
- Preferred seating for 10
- Recognition in program book
Join Midtown, Metro, and the Bucktown community on Friday, September 27th as we raise and taste chili from local restaurants and businesses!
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.
Benefiting the Midtown Center for boys and Metro Achievement center for girls
Principal and Former Global Chair, Baker McKenzie
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.
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!
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.
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!
Please mail to:
Midtown Educational Foundation
c/o Michele Olsen
718 s Loomis
Chicago, IL 60607
Please contact Terry Sullivan with questions regarding this year's event.
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
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
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
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
One foursome including breakfast, snacks on course, and lunch
Signage on one hole
Listing on the day of the event as a corporate sponsor
One foursome including breakfast, snacks on course and lunch
Round of golf including breakfast, snacks on course and lunch
Looking for information and on the June 17th CyrusOne Golf Outing? Visit this registration page.
Join the Midtown Educational Foundation Auxiliary Board on Friday, May 17th for the 7th Annual Soiree at Architectural Artifacts from 7pm-11pm
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”!
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
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
The Metro Advancement Council invites you to the 22nd Annual Luncheon benefiting Chicago’s Metro Achievement Center for Girls!
Join us for the 6th Annual Kickball Tournament at Lincoln Park!
Join us for the celebration after at Woodie's Flat at 1535 N Wells St | Chicago, IL 60610
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join MEF’s Auxiliary Board in our very first workout event at Barry’s Bootcamp Lincoln Park!
Your $30 ticket includes:
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!
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:
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.
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!
This info session and tour are for any women interested in volunteering at Metro Achievement Center for girls this fall!
Please fill out a volunteer interest form before you arrive.
Contact Carolyn Madigan with questions.
This info session and tour are for any women interested in volunteering at Metro Achievement Center for girls this fall!
Please fill out a volunteer interest form before you arrive.
Contact Carolyn Madigan with questions.
The Reach for Excellence Awards Dinner offers an opportunity to help place Chicago’s disadvantaged youth on a path to success.
Join us for the 5th Annual Kickball Tournament at Lincoln Park!
If you are registering your team under your company's name, please use the Organization Registration Form here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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:
Raffle Tickets: 1 for $25 | 5 for $100
Soiree Tickets: $100 in advance ($125 the week of (starting 5/15) and at the door.)
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.
Canpango & Evanston Capital Management
Thank you to our event sponsors Adiat Baker, Alpha Baking Company, Geoffery Euston, The Eldridge Group and Telnyx!
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.
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.
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.
Includes the purchase of a prime table for eight, sponsorship recognition in event invitation, event signage and verbal comments during event presentation.
Includes the purchase of a premium table for eight and recognition of support through event signage.
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.
Join MEF Board Member Michael Scudder as he shares wisdom and observations from his time working as former White House Legal Advisor to President George W. Bush and General Counsel of the National Security Council.
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!
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!