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.
COVID-19 In Person Attendance Safeguards:
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) prioritizes the health and safety of our kidney communities. The NKFI 2023 Gift of Life Gala is offered in person. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing of masks is preferred at the event.
location and schedule
let's get to the gala

Event Location
This year's event will be held at the historic Hilton Chicago.
Hilton Chicago
Continental Room
720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Staying the Night?
A small number of rooms are available at a discount. Contact Michelle Scott to book.
The Evening
Live Auction | Themed Activities
Special Guests | Cocktails | Live Entertainment
Saturday, October 21, 2023
6:00 pm - Cocktails
7:00 pm - Dinner and Program
8:30 pm - Joan Collaso Band
10:00 pm - Evening concludes

Event Details
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Attire
Cocktail attire, guests are strongly encouraged to wear orange!
Emcee
Regina Waldroup, NBC5 Chicago

event honorees
spotlight on awardees

Gift of Life Award
Dr. Joaquin Brieva and Jennifer Sutton Brieva
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
NANI - Nephrology Associates of
Northern Illinois and Indiana
This award was established to recognize corporate partners who generously subsidize NKFI programs, events, and initiatives year after year. Our work would not be possible without their support and dedication to the mission.
photos from past galas
an annual, stylish success
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 Wesley Bauer at wbauer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.
Host Committee
Mark and Judy Schwartz, Co-Chairs
Curt Anliker
Marc and Jacqueline Bishop
Habilitative Syetems, Inc
Deepak Mital, MD, FACS
Drs. Tipu Puri and Anita Chandra-Puri
Kareen Simpson, MD, Associates in Nephrology