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Fundraising Event

Start Early’s Annual Luncheon

May 6, 2025

The incredible turnout at our 23rd Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Chicago reminded us just how powerful our community can be when we come together in service of our youngest learners and the families who raise them.

Start Early’s
23rd Annual Luncheon

On May 6 we hosted our 23rd Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, presented by Colliers and Helen Zell. The incredible turnout reminded us just how powerful our community can be when we come together in service of our youngest learners and the families who raise them.

Held at a moment in time when early childhood programs—especially Head Start—are facing threats to funding, this year’s luncheon was more than a celebration, it was a call to action. As a community, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to building strong beginnings for every family, starting before birth.

If you were unable to join us, check out our event recap.

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2025 Annual Luncheon Sponsors

A special thank you to our corporate and individual sponsors whose commitment to our mission is helping more children reach their full potential.

PRESENTING

$100,000

Helen Zell


CHAMPION

$50,000

BMO logo

Nancy & Steve Crown | The Crown Family
Tom Gimbel
The Hasten Foundation
Gerri & David Kahnweiler
Diana & Bruce Rauner


PREMIER

$25,000

 

GCM Grosvenor Logo Oberhelman Foundation & Cullinan Properties, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor Related Midwest, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor

Anne & Don Edwards
Marilyn & Larry Fields
Loop Capital

Catherine Siegel


PARTNER

$10,000

Allstate
Noelle C. Brock, Brock Family Foundation

Buffett Early Childhood Fund
Dave & Jane Casper

Mary & Terry Dillon
DRW Foundation
Harris Family Foundation
ITW
The Malkin Family

Charles & Brunetta Matthews
PNC
Port Capital LLC
PwC
Jeanne Rogers & Perry Sainati

Diana & Michael Sands
Julie & Brian Simmons
Linda & Michael Simon
Steans Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Tully
Wilson Garling Foundation


COMMUNITY

$5,000

Ellen Alberding
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Susan & Stephen Baird
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Jimmy & Eleni Bousis
Barbara Brown

Cboe Global Markets
Erikson Institute
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney L. Goldstein
Rachel & Devin Gross

Maxwell Gunnill
The Dolores Kohl Education Foundation
Learning Resources
Fifi & Ron Levin
Elaine & Donald Levinson
Susan Levinson
Laura Sage & Robert Levinson
Loewenberg Charitable Foundation

O’Keefe Family
Sharon Oberlander
Plante Moran
Isabel & Charles Polsky
Pritzker Traubert Foundation

Protiviti
Rothkopf Family Charitable Foundation
Halee Sage & David Friedman

Shah Family Trust
Cheryl & Craig Simon
Ken & Kathy Tallering
Claudia Teran
Anne & John Tuohy

Adam & Carolina Waltuch
Susan & Bill White
Dr. Garrett Young & Mrs. Angela Young
Steve Zoll

In Case You Missed Us

Since its inception, the Annual Luncheon has raised millions of dollars for Start Early’s mission. Learn more about our past Annual Luncheon events.

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