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Fundraising Event

Start Early’s Annual Luncheon

June 3, 2026

Save the date for our upcoming 24th Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on June 3!

Save the Date:
Start Early’s
24th Annual Luncheon

Join us for Start Early’s 24th Annual Luncheon on June 3 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago alongside co‑chairs Helen Zell and Bruce Rauner.

The program will feature a fireside chat on building a movement for early care and education with Start Early President Diana Rauner and Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and NYT best-selling author of Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.

Our Luncheon is more than a celebration. It is a call to action, and a reminder of the life changing difference we make when we stand together for children and their families.

We hope you will join us in our shared commitment to building strong beginnings for every family, starting before birth.

Annual Luncheon Speakers

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

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2026 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.


CHAMPION

$50,000

 

BMO logo

James & Karen Frank
The Hasten Foundation


PREMIER

$25,000

 

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

Marilyn & Larry Fields
Tom Gimbel
Leslie Graham & Louis Kenter
Diana & Michael Sands
Catherine Siegel


PARTNER

$10,000

Abbott
CME Group Foundation

Harris Family Foundation
ITW
PNC
Port Capital LLC & Brien O’Brien
Pritzker Traubert Foundation
PwC

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

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Tully
Wilson Garling Foundation


COMMUNITY

$5,000

Susan & Stephen Baird
Linda & Peter Bynoe
Constellation
Terri & Bob DiMeo

Judy & Jamie Dimon
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney L. Goldstein
Rachel & Devin Gross

Maxwell Gunnill
Cabray Haines & David Kiley
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Linda & Laurence Levine
Brunetta & Charles Matthews
Susan Blankenbaker Noyes
O’Keefe Family
Rothkopf Family Foundation

Halee Sage & David Friedman

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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What We Do

Our comprehensive approach applies our deep expertise in program, policy and research so that children, families and educators can thrive.

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Support Our Work

Together, when we start early, we can close the opportunity gap and ensure every child has a chance to reach their full potential.

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Our Impact

Learn more about how we are supporting children, families and early childhood professionals as we improve the state of early learning in America.

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