Gift of Life Gala

Signature Events: Gift of Life Gala

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Hyatt Regency Chicago
& Virtual

empowering communities

bringing our vision to life

Push the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois further along the path to progress by attending the annual Gift of Life Gala. This stylish soiree is a memorable evening of elegance and passion, raising funds to fuel our mission, fun entertainment, and civic spirit.

Now in its fourth decade, the Gift of Life Gala brings together leaders in government, medicine, and business, rallying support for the work and mission of the NKFI. Stand with us and we'll raise much-needed funds for free screening programs and community health initiatives. Together, we will help thousands of Illinois families lead healthier, happier lives.

COVID-19 In Person Attendance Safeguards:
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) prioritizes the health and safety of our kidney communities. The NKFI 2021 Gift of Life Gala is offered in person and virtually. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in cases across the U.S., NKFI has adopted a policy for in-person attendance at the gala. Currently, in order to attend the event, attendees, volunteers, and staff must:

- Provide proof of vaccination, or
- Provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the event

Temperature checks will be conducted at the door and all attendees must be at or below the CDC temperature threshold to enter. Additionally, in accordance with the City of Chicago's mask mandate, masks will be required throughout the event, except while eating or drinking, regardless of vaccination status. We thank you in advance for adhering to our policy to safeguard the health of every attendee.

invitation

View Invitation

Check out the invitation and send it to friends and family members who may be interested in attending.

be a sponsor

Help fuel the NKFI's free community education and patient service programs. Click below to contact us and learn more about sponsoring this event.

Sponsorship Packet

get tickets

Tickets on Sale

Guests have the option to purchase tickets individually, or in a group, by purchasing a sponsorship

(see button to the left.)

location and schedule

let's get to the gala

Event Location

This year's event will be held in River North, overlooking the Chicago River.

Hyatt Regency Chicago

West Tower - Crystal Ballroom

151 E Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

Get Directions

The Evening

Live Auction | Themed Activities

Special Guests | Cocktails

Thursday, October 28, 2021

6:00 pm - Cocktails

7:00 pm - Dinner

10:00 pm - Evening concludes

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Event Details

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Attire

Cocktail attire

Emcee

Regina Waldroup, NBC5 Chicago

event honorees

spotlight on awardees

Gift of Life Award

Ngozi O. Ezike, MD

Director of Illinois Department of Public Health

Each year, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) honors individuals and organizations with the Gift of Life award. This award has been given to recognize individuals and entities that have truly made a difference in the world of kidney disease, prevention, transplantation and organ donation and therefore, have advanced the success of the NKFI.

Corporate Partner Award

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is pleased to acknowledge Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP as this year's Corporate Partner awardee. Katten has given generously of their time and financial resources to the foundation over the years, most specifically as the presenting sponsor of the Middle Market Open since 2009. We thank Katten for their incredible support, and are so pleased to recognize them with the Corporate Partner Award.

photos from past galas

an annual, stylish success

National Kidney Foundation of illinois_Gift of Life Gala

View Pictures

2019 Gallery

2018 Gallery

View Pictures

2017 Gallery

2016

Gallery

View Pictures

gift of life gala sponsors

you make the difference

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois wouldn't be able to impact the lives of patients, families, and communities without the help of our dedicated, Gift for Life Gala sponsors. Interested in sponsoring this event? Click here to review the sponsorship opportunities or contact Allie Widmer at awidmer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.