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 14, 2026
6:00 pm - Cocktails
7:00 pm - Dinner and Program
9:00 pm - 50/50 Raffle Winner
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
Coming Soon!
Cocktail Hour - Passed Hors D'oeuvres
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Pepper crusted beef with onion jam and shallot aioli on an herb popover
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Mini bao with hoisin duck and pickled vegetables
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Lobster, shrimp, and crab shumai with white truffle cream
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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 with honey habanero salsa and cilantro
Dinner
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First Course: Crunchy kale and arugula salad topped with cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, seedy multigrain croutons, crispy chickpeas, and a honey-maple dressing
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Bread: Assorted rolls, flatbreads, focaccia, savory scones, herbed butter, and pink sea salt
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Entree: Slow braised beef short rib with caramelized pearl onion jus, micro greens and a soy-ginger marinated wild salmon with charred scallions, served with sweet potato puree, honey roasted carrots and charred broccolini
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Vegetarian option: chevre ravioli with shaved asparagus, charred cherry tomatoes, truffle broth and shaved parmesan
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Dessert: Passion fruit cone with whipped cream, tiramisu mousse cup, and pumpkin French macaron with vanilla filling
2026 event honorees
spotlight on awardees
Gift of Life Award
Coming Soon!
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.
Harold & Molly Schwartz Founders Award
Jill Schaaf
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.
Rosann & Richard Noel
Award for Philanthropy
Jim Rolfe & Dan Wikel
This award was established to recognize those who have made a tremendous contribution to the NKFI’s fundraising efforts as well as embodied the philanthropic spirit by inspiring others to give, much like Rosann and Dick Noel for whom this award is named.
Volunteers of the Year
Taylor Diaz & Jerry Taylor
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.
Host Committee
