Our gala didn’t just raise funds. It lifted spirits, sparked joy, and reminded us of the incredible things we can achieve side by side for our beloved school. Pooja Shah City Day Shines Co-Chair
A packed house of Chicago City Day School families and friends gathered on March 7 for the "City Day Shines" gala & auction, a fundraiser celebrating and supporting the 45-year-old elementary school.
Organizers of the parent-run event say that what shone the brightest during the evening were warm feelings of joy, shared purpose, and community.
"The City Day Shines Gala proves what happens when a community comes together with heart," said Pooja Shah, co-chair of City Day Shines. "Our gala didn’t just raise funds. It lifted spirits, sparked joy, and reminded us of the incredible things we can achieve side by side for our beloved school."
City Day Shines, held at RPM Events along the Chicago River, raised $200,000 for City Day. Just as importantly, it provided the school community with an evening to talk, laugh, and dance together.
"It was an incredible night and a tremendous success, made possible by a community that showed up in every way to support our school," co-chair Lori Riley said. "We had such an amazing time that we kept the celebration going for an extra hour!"
The live and silent auctions were the centerpiece of the event, as attendees bid on items and experiences generously donated by people in and outside the City Day community. The auction items ranged from casual fun, such as a sleepover at City Day and special crafting activities, to the height of luxury, like a week in a St. Barth's villa and a round of golf at an exclusive private club in Florida.
Proceeds from City Day Shines will directly benefit the school and its programming.
The organizers of City Day Shines expressed deep gratitude for the event's many sponsors — corporate and family — whose contributions played a large part in the overall success of the event. See more photos from City Day Shines below, and prepare for City Day's next gala, coming your way in 2028!
