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First Look for Charity

First Look for CharityJoin us for a Fanciful Evening of Fun, Fellowship and Fundraising!

Franciscan Community Benefit Services, the charitable arm of Franciscan Ministries, is one of 18 charities chosen by the Chicago Auto Trade Association to benefit from First Look for Charity. At this black-tie preview event you can be among the first to experience the largest auto show in the nation with 20+ manufacturers showcasing their newest models.

First Look attendees will have the chance to win a brand new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV or 2025 Hyundai Palisade. (Must be present to win!)

Complimentary fine food and beverages will be provided by more than 20 local restaurants.

First Look for Charity is Friday, February 7, 2025, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The auto show preview is from 7:00 – 11:00 pm, but we kick off the night with a special reception from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Join us in our hospitality suite for a private reception including a full bar and appetizers. This is a lovely way to connect with all of your Franciscan friends.

Your attendance directly supports the following:

St. Jude House

St. Jude House: St. Jude House is our domestic violence prevention center in Crown Point, Indiana which has supported 13,000 families in crisis since 1995. We provide emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling and non-residential programming for more than 650 individuals and their children each year. All support services are provided free of charge.

Madonna Foundation

Madonna Foundation: Established in 2001 by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, the Madonna Foundation has awarded more than 1,400 high school scholarships to female students of low-income families. In addition to tuition support, the Madonna Foundation provides programs aimed at college readiness, financial literacy, academic support and wellness. 100% of our Scholars have successfully finished high school and continued their education.

Gift of Care Program

Gift of Care Program: The Gift of Care Program provides relief to long-time Franciscan community residents who are experiencing financial difficulties because they have outlived their assets. Funds are set aside to support residents who no longer have the means to cover their expenses so they can stay in the community they love, where they are comfortable and among friends.

These ministries and the Gift of Care program support the legacy of our Foundress Mother Mary Theresa Dudzik and the continuing work of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago.

This is our largest single fundraiser, and your sponsorship, donation or ticket purchase directly impacts these ministries. We rely on you, our generous friends and supporters, to help us make this event a success so that we may meet the needs of those we serve. Together, we can transform lives.

For corporate sponsorships, please click here or contact Eileen Gutierrez, Director of Philanthropy and Planned Giving at egutierrez@franciscanministries.org or 331-318-5162.

To purchase tickets, make a donation, or confirm a sponsorship, please visit https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/first-look-for-charity/buy-tickets/.

"The friendliness of all the residents and staff. . . the "Good Mornings" and "Good Afternoons" said with a smile. That truly makes my day."

Lee S., resident of Franciscan Communities

"As the song goes "There's no place like home." My place here is "home sweet home." Employees provide service with kindness and there's so many good people to talk to."

Bernard S., Franciscan Communities Resident

"Mt. Alverna has such a friendly and caring personality and atmosphere. The skilled care helped me achieve independence and regain strength. Even the social activities reinforce physical therapy. I am blessed to have been able to rehab at this facility this past Spring."

Rev S., Mount Alverna