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Fundraising Event

Start Early’s Annual Luncheon

June 11, 2024

Through powerful conversations and presentations from experts in the field, we saw how investing in quality early learning programs and interventions is a proven solution to addressing many of the challenges in today’s society.

On June 11, we hosted our 22nd Annual Luncheon at the Westin River North in Chicago, where we welcomed hundreds of supporters to celebrate our theme, Start Today. Change Tomorrow. We focused on the impact of starting early and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for our youngest learners. Through powerful conversations and presentations with experts in the field, we saw how investing in quality early learning programs and interventions is a proven solution to addressing many of the challenges in today’s society.

2024 Annual Luncheon Speaker

Head Shot of Nicholas Kristoff

Nicholas Kristof

New York Times Opinion Columnist, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author

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2024 Annual Luncheon Chair

James Reynold Jr., Annual Luncheon Chair

James Reynolds, Jr. 

Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Loop Capital

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Together we can transform lives. Help shape brighter futures – play your part in a child's development.

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2024 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

The Hasten Foundation
Helen Zell


CHAMPION

$50,000

BMO logo DRW logo

Nancy & Steve Crown | The Crown Family
Diana & Bruce Rauner


PREMIER

$25,000

Joyce Foundation logo Oberhelman Foundation & Cullinan Properties, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor
Peoples Gas, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor Related Midwest, 2023 Annual Luncheon Sponsor

Tom Gimbel
Cari & Michael J. Sacks
Diana & Michael Sands


PARTNER

$10,000

Allstate Insurance Company
Noelle C. Brock, Brock Family Foundation
Kerri & Matthew Bruderman
Buffett Early Childhood Fund
Dave & Jane Casper
CME Group Foundation
Mary & Terry Dillon
Marilyn & Larry Fields
GCM Grosvenor
Cabray Haines & David Kiley
Harris Family Foundation
ITW
The Malkin Family
Charles & Brunetta Matthews
Northern Trust
Port Capital LLC
Robert R. McCormick Foundation
Jeanne Rogers & Perry Sainati

Catherine Siegel
Linda & Michael Simon
Steans Family Foundation
Sunshine Charitable Foundation
Laura Thonn & Scott Sallee
Wilson/Garling Foundation


COMMUNITY

$5,000

Ellen Alberding & Kelly Welsh
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Baird
Susan & Stephen Baird
Jimmy & Eleni Bousis
Sarah Bradley & Paul Metzger
John & Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Foundation
the Chicago Bulls
Erikson Institute
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney L. Goldstein
Rachel & Devin Gross
Maxwell Gunnill
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Learning Resources
Ron Levin/Goldman Sachs
Elaine & Donald Levinson
Sharon Oberlander
Barbara & Dan O’Keefe
Plante Moran
Isabel & Charles Polsky
Protiviti
Rothkopf Family Charitable Foundation
Halee Sage & David Friedman
Shah Family Trust
Cheryl & Craig Simon
Sterling Bay
Ken & Kathy Tallering
Anne & John Tuohy
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

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.