EMPOWER GALA

Friday, September 23, 2022 | 6:00 P.M. | 5:30 P.M. VIP Reception
Chicago Marriot Naperville
1801 N. Naper Blvd. Naperville, IL 60563
Hello!
We are so glad your path has led you here. We had a very successful and memorable 20th and platinum Anniversary, EMPOWER Gala, last year; and we are excited about this year’s event on September 23rd at the Marriott Hotel in Naperville! The registration and cocktail hour begin at 6:00 PM and the dinner and program start at 7:00 PM.
This year we are pleased to welcome VIP Gala guest and four-time Chicago Bulls champion, Horace Grant! At our event, you have the opportunity to purchase tickets to meet and/or sit at a table with him. Just say “YES” to this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
A Huge Thank You to This Year’s Empower Gala Sponsors

Headliner Sponsor


Paddle Raise Sponsor

Hero Sponsors

Hero Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Program Sponsors


Feature Sponsors

Feature Sponsors

Essential Sponsors

Essential Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Napa Valley
Cult Winemakers VIP Access
Experience Includes:
- Private VIP tour and tasting at Fantesca Estate & Winery (Winemaker Heidi Barrett)
- Private VIP tour and tasting at Cardinale Estate (Winemaker Christopher Carpenter)
- A private VIP tour and tasting at Corra Wines (Winemaker & Owner Celia Welch)
- A souvenir barrel head signed by all 3 cult winemakers
- 8 consecutive hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service
- 3-night stay in a 1-bedroom suite at the Westin Verasa Napa Hotel in downtown Napa
- Round-trip coach class airfare for 2 within the 48 contiguous U.S. to San Francisco or Oakland, CA
- Winspire booking & concierge service
VIP Winery Tours
Fantesca Estate & Winery
Not open to the public, the estate vineyard and winery operation encompass 53+ acres (nine of which were planted for Cabernet Sauvignon and one acre for Petit Verdot), located in Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain District just a mile above the historic town of St. Helena. Their cross-shaped wine cave stretches 298 feet through Spring Mountain’s eastern ridge and provides ample room to age Fantesca’s boutique-style Napa wines, currently housing Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay vintages. Souvenir barrel head signed by Winemaker Heidi Barrett.
Cardinale Estate
The visit begins with the estate’s Intrada Sauvignon Blanc. Introduced to the Estate and their hilltop facility the host will point out the mountain appellations that come together to create their limited production, Cardinale. The exploration will include a tasting of their current release Cardinale as well as a library vintage to discover this wine’s unique marriage of power and finesse. During a private tasting, a selection of artisan small bites will be provided to complement the wines and the Estate Host will explain the artistic sensibility of the winemaker as well as the wine’s full expression of its mountain terroir. Souvenir barrel head signed by Winemaker Christopher Carpenter.
Corra Wines
Not open to the public, Corra Wines is located on the rocky slopes of Pritchard Hill, and on the western benchlands of Oakville and Rutherford. Named for the Celtic goddess representing prophecy, Corra Cabernet ages with grace and confidence. Corra Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in minuscule quantities each year, using exceptional Napa Valley vineyard sites. While production may be limited, strongly favorable reviews of Corra have sent it onto the radar screens of wine collectors both nationally and internationally. Souvenir barrel head signed by Winemaker and owner Celia Welch.
Extra’s with Experience
Beau Wine Tours
Eight consecutive hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service. Located in the heart of Wine Country, Beau is the premier wine tour service in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Beau’s drivers are experts in the wine country area and can make winery recommendations based on your particular taste and interest. (Subject to availability; inclusive of all service fees, PUC insurance, fuel, and driver’s base gratuity.)
Westin Versa Napa Hotel
A 3-night stay in a 1-bedroom suite (one king with sofa bed and kitchenette) with over 700 square feet of welcoming luxury and views of the Napa River or historic downtown. Located on the riverbank in the heart of downtown, this Napa Valley hotel is within walking distance to more than 15 Napa Valley wine tasting rooms, 30 Napa restaurants, and surrounded by plenty of boutiques and specialty shopping. Enjoy the heated saltwater pool, whirlpool, the Westin WORKOUT® Fitness Studio, access to the resort’s private bocce ball courts and nightly wine-tasting reception in the lobby.
Airfare
This package includes round-trip coach class service for two. Airfare must be booked within one year from the date of purchase. Airfare taxes and a $25 per person processing fee are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Canada
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Experience Includes:
- 3-night stay in a Junior Suite at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
- Daily breakfast for 2
- Round-trip coach class airfare for 2 from within the 48 contiguous U.S. to Calgary, Canada
- Winspire booking & concierge service
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Alberta)
This property is located three hours from Calgary and only one hour from Banff. Timeless beauty among the peaks at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where majestic mountains soaring skyward is reflected in the vibrant blues and greens of the glacier that feeds Lake Louise. The ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’ has ski slopes in winter, paddle a canoe on the lake in the summer, savor our cuisine year-round, and just soak up the casual elegance that makes The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise such a memorable experience.
Winter Activities
- Dog Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Ice Skating
- Sleigh Rides
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Johnston Canyon Ice Walk
- Cross-Country Skiing
Summer Activities
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Lake Louise Summer Gondola
*Plus, additional activities around the hotel area for summer and winter.

Classic Canyon Melody
5 Night Stay for 2 at 3 wonderful accommodations starting at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, then traveling to the Grand Hotel in Tusayan, Az. located two miles from the entrance to the Grand Canyon and finishing your trip at the Desert Pearl Inn with wonderful views of Zion National Park. This excursion and Canyon experiences are fully customizable with your travel agent from Off the Beaten Path. Airfare not included.

Cancun
Hyatt Zilara or Hyatt Ziva Cancun Resort
Experience Includes:
- 4-night stay for 2 at the all-inclusive Hyatt Zilara or Hyatt Ziva Cancun Resorts
- Round-trip coach class airfare for 2 from U.S. to Cancun, Mexico
- Winspire booking & concierge service
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Alberta)
Hyatt Zilara (Adults Only 18+)
Located along the stunning Yucatan coast of Mexico with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a spacious junior suite king or junior suite double room. Savor culinary experiences at six gourmet buffets and a la carte restaurants, as well as 24-hour in-suite dining. Sip top-shelf cocktails poured by expert mixologists at 11 bars and lounges and enjoy tequila tastings with the resort’s sommeliers. Enjoy unlimited beverages and snacks at lounges, swim-up bars, and in your suite. This resort is located on the widest stretch of beach in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
Activities
- DJ-driven pool parties
- Nightly entertainment including Broadway-style shows, dance performances, and live music.
- Bicycling, tennis, beach volleyball, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and Pilates facility are included.
Hyatt Ziva (All ages)
Located on the beautiful strip of Punta Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast. Enjoy a standard king or double room with a garden view terrace. Newly opened, this playful family escape boasts fine dining at nine international buffet and a la carte restaurants, innovative food carts, and 24-hour in-suite dining. Soak up the sun at three cascading infinity pools overlooking the sea, including an adults-only pool and a kid’s water play area. Ideal position on the northern tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is within the Hotel Zone.
Activities
- Bicycle tour
- Kid’s water play area
- KidZ Club
- Wellness spa
- State-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the sand and sea
- Entertainment featuring live music and performances
Airfare
Includes round-trip coach class service for two to Cancun, Mexico. Airfare must be booked within one year from the date of purchase. Airfare taxes and a $25 per person processing fee are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Food Truck Experience
Great food comes to you!
Experience Includes:
- Food Truck for two hours of amazing service
- You choose the date and location! Subject to availability
- Unlimited tacos with 4 different meats, rice, and beans. All toppings too!
- Up to 100 guests

Experience Includes:
- Food Truck for two hours of amazing service
- You choose the date and location! Subject to availability
- Unlimited Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork and Butter Stuffed Chicken, then choose two sides: Bacon Gouda Cheddar Mac, Broccoli Potato Parmesan, Creamed Corn, Savory Baked Beans, Steakhouse Potato Salad, Cream Cole Slaw
- Up to 100 guests
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Website: Paul Gregory Media
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