2026 Gala: Illuminate the Future
The future shines brighter today for the more than 250 children and teens in the care of One Family Illinois, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our friends, supporters, and partners.
At our 2026 Illuminate the Future Gala, held November 5 at The Geraghty, about 300 guests and sponsors came together to raise an incredible $426,000 in support of Illinois youth and families. Their generosity reflects a shared belief that every child deserves the love and stability of a forever family, backed by a strong and caring community.
Witnessing so many people unite around this mission was both inspiring and affirming. The evening celebrated not only the impact we have made together, but also the collective commitment that makes our work possible nd motivates us to continue creating brighter futures for children and amilies.
That spirit of dedication was embodied by this year's honorees. Lynn Kiley received the Legacy of Family Award in recognition of the vision and leadership that helped bring our Chicago Village to life. BorgWarner, a longtime community partner whose generous financial support and volunteer engagement have played a vital role in sustaining our work, was honored with the Heart of the Village Award.
Following a heartfelt introduction by One Family Illinois professional foster parents Carmen and Antonio Moyet, featured guests Israel and Gabriel Villa shared their powerful journey from foster care to thriving adulthood. Their story illustrated what is possible when siblings are able to remain together in foster care and are surrounded by encouragement and opportunity.
The evening was filled with energy and artistry, from the elegant cocktail-hour music of Innocenti Strings to the inspiring dinner performance by Voices of Youth Ensemble, culminating in a lively celebration that packed the dance floor.
Our short gala video captures the spirit, joy, and inspiration of the evening in less than two minutes. Whether you joined us in person or are experiencing the event for the first time, we invite you to watch and see what is possible when a community comes together to illuminate the future for children and families.
Watch Video
Thank you to those who were part of this remarkable evening and for helping create brighter futures for children and families across Illinois.
