top of page

Signature EventsGift of Life Gala

gift of life gala

 November 2, 2024

Hilton Chicago

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 2024 Gift of Life Gala is offered in person.  Wearing of masks is optional at the event. 

Overview

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.

get tickets

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

(see button to the left.) 

Location and Schedule

location and schedule

let's get to the gala

Hilton Chicago.jpg

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 

A small block of rooms is available at a discounted rate on a first-come, first-served basis. Click below to book before 10/18/24.

The Evening

  

Raffle  |  Awards

Special Guests  |  Cocktails

Saturday, November 2, 2024

 

6:00 pm -   Cocktails​ 

7:00 pm -   Dinner and Program

9:00 pm -   Raffle Winners Called

10:00 pm - Evening concludes

 

Hilton Chicago.jpg

Event Details

  

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Attire

Cocktail attire, guests are strongly encouraged to wear orange or something diamond inspired as we celebrate NKFI's 75th (diamond) anniversary

 

Emcee

Regina Waldroup, NBC5 Chicago

 

event honorees

spotlight on awardees

new IPHA logo with marks.jpg

Gift of Life Award 

Illinois Public Health Association

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.

Holly-Mattix-Kramer.jpg

Harold & Molly Schwartz Founders' Award

Dr. Holly Mattix-Kramer, MD, MPH

The family of Harold & Molly Schwartz established the Founders Award in their honor, following Harold’s death in 2005.  Harold was a founding member of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) and supported the NKFI in its efforts throughout his life.  The Founders Award will be given to a volunteer or board member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and achievement on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. This is not an annual award; it is given based on merit. 

Sen. Christopher Belt.PNG
HunterRed600x600.jpg
rep maurice west.jpg

Advocate Award 

Illinois State Senator Christopher Belt

 Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter,

Illinois State Representative Maurice West

The Advocate Award recognizes an individual or individuals responsible for significant advocacy promoting NKFI’s legislative priorities. Awardees are responsible for significant activity around a legislative issue that has a positive impact on kidney health.

Honorees
Pictures

photos from past galas

an annual, stylish success

2022-EQ-GALA-NKFI-0132.JPG

2023

 Gallery

2022 Gallery

2021

 Gallery

Sponsors

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.

NANI_Logo_Gradation_Color_RGB_300dpi - sm.jpg
AIN_logo_blue_stacked.png
NM_Organ Transplant Center_logo 08.23.24.jpg
FreseniusKidneyCareLogo_RGB (1).png
GOHlogo_4color.jpg
Morgan Stanley Graphic.jpg
NxStage_FMC_Corporate.png

The Schaaf Foundation

Mark & Judy Schwartz

USRC_Horizontal_Logo__FullColor_RGB.png
UCM_Logo_Brand_RGB.png
Organ Recovery Systems Logo.png
National Dialysis Accreditation Commission.jpg

Host Committee

Mark and Judy Schwartz, Co-Chairs

Marc and Jacqueline Bishop

Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Pam McElvane, DMBA Media

Drs. Tipu Puri and Anita Chandra-Puri

Dr. Kareen Simpson

THANKS FOR FUELING OUR FUTURE

explore more events

improving lives, improving communities

signature events

Join the NKFI at a community-building event, and help us create resources for education, patients, and families.

educational
events

Take control of your own health and connect with experts and resources at one of our free educational seminars.

professional
programs

Learn from leaders in the field and deepen your understanding of CKD at an NKFI professional development day.

bottom of page