Saturday, October 24, 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville
1823 Abriter Court, Naperville, Illinois, 60563

2026 EMPOWER Gala – Dream. Believe. Become.

This year’s fun-filled evening will celebrate the powerful impact of empowering kids to realize their purpose, know their value, and discover their pathway. Together, we will continue building resilient kids who say “NO” to destructive choices and “YES” to endless possibilities.

Saturday, October 24, 2026
5:30pm – Cocktail Reception

7:00pm – Dinner, Program, Auction, Music

Exciting Live Auction and Raffle

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville
1823 Abriter Court
Naperville, Illinois, 60563

This important evening will celebrate the impact of empowering young people and parents in our community. Together we will continue to build resilient kids who say “NO” to destructive choices and “YES” to endless possibilities.

With Special Guest Speaker, Mariel Hemingway

Mariel Hemingway is an accomplished actress, author, and mental health advocate whose diverse career has inspired many to embrace authenticity and well-being. Renowned for her roles in films like Manhattan and Star 80, Mariel has also made significant contributions as an author and advocate. She has written six books, including Healthy Living from the Inside Out, a guide to holistic wellness, and her powerful memoir Out Came the Sun, which openly addresses her family’s struggles with addiction and mental health.

Today, Mariel is dedicated to empowering others through her programs on self-embodiment. By helping individuals let go of limiting roles and survival habits, she guides them toward discovering their true selves and living with purpose, abundance, and love. Her work embodies a profound commitment to fostering mindfulness, kindness, and self-acceptance, inspiring others to become who they were meant to be.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors

Twilight Dreamer Sponsor

Wishing Star Sponsor

Dream Weaver Sponsor

The Winding Way Sponsor

Glimmering Highlight Sponsor

Moonbeam Benefactor Sponsors

Dream Spark Sponsors

Special Supporters of KidsMatter

In-Kind Sponsors

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants Logo
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants Logo

KidsMatter Foundation, Inc. is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. KidsMatter Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 36-4448507. BRIDGE (Basic Registry of Identified Global Entities) number is 5570260059.

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