Signature Events: Gift of Life Gala
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.
location and schedule
let's get to the gala
The Evening
Raffle | Awards
Special Guests | Cocktails
Saturday, November 1, 2025
6:00 pm - Cocktails
7:00 pm - Dinner and Program
9:00 pm - Raffle Winners Called
10:00 pm - Evening concludes
Event Details
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Attire
Cocktail attire, guests are encouraged to wear a splash of orange
Emcee
Regina Waldroup, NBC5 Chicago
Cocktail Hour - Passed Hors D'oeuvres
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Crispy sweet potato round with beef tenderloin, garlic aioli and micro arugula
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Mini sweet potato biscuit topped with pulled chicken and sweet potato apple butter
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Lobster, shrimp, and crab shumai with white truffle cream
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Coconut crusted shrimp with spicy mango-chili sauce
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Bruschetta with fresh pear, goat cheese, and lavender honey
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Hearts of palm ceviche on a plantain chip
Dinner
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First Course: Burrata and salt-roasted beet salad with seasonal citrus, pickled scallions, and pomegranate vinaigrette
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Bread: Assorted rolls, flatbreads, focaccia, savory scones, herbed butter, and pink sea salt
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Entree: Beef tenderloin filet and pan roasted sea bass with crispy parmesan risotto, glazed baby carrots with pearl onions, herb oil, and charred broccolini
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Vegetarian option: pumpkin ravioli in brown butter sage sauce with roasted butternut squash, poached cranberries, and fried sage leaves
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Dessert: Passion fruit cone with whipped cream, vanilla mousse in a chocolate cup, and white chocolate covered strawberries
event honorees
spotlight on awardees
Gift of Life Award
Sally Metzler, PhD
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
Benesch Law
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) gives the Corporate Partner Award to recognize businesses that go above and beyond in supporting its mission. This honor highlights companies that demonstrate exceptional civic engagement, financial commitment, and innovation in the fight against kidney disease. In essence, the award celebrates corporate champions who not only contribute meaningfully to kidney health initiatives, but also help foster stronger relationships with their employees and communities. The award is not given annually, it is based on merit.
Advocate Award
IL Speaker of the House
Emanuel "Chris' Welch
The Advocate Award recognizes an individual or individuals responsible for significant advocacy promoting NKFI’s legislative priorities. Awardees are responsible for a significant activity around a legislative issue that has a positive impact on kidney health. Examples include, but are not limited to, a patient advocate whose personal efforts were critical to passing NKFI-supported legislation or preventing the passage of legislation that would be detrimental to kidney health; or a legislator who provided leadership and creativity in developing and/or advancing NKFI’s public policy positions.
Volunteer of the Year
Kimberly Gosell (2024)
Dr. April Kennedy (2025)
The Volunteer of the Year Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois honors an exceptional individual whose unwavering dedication, compassion, and service have made a lasting impact on the kidney community. This award recognizes a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in supporting the Foundation’s mission—whether through advocacy, event participation, patient outreach, or educational efforts. Their selfless commitment has not only elevated awareness around kidney health but has also brought hope and support to countless patients and families across Illinois.
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? Contact Allie Widmer at awidmer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.
The Schaaf Foundation
Mark & judy schwartz
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Host Committee
Curt Anliker
Marc and Jacqueline Bishop
Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Michael and Dreina Lewis
Pam McElvane, DMBA Media
Dr. Deepak Mital
Drs. Tipu Puri and Anita Chandra-Puri
Mark and Judy Schwartz
Dr. Kareen Simpson
