Spring 2025 Development Corner Updates

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity

McCormick Place, Chicago, IL | Friday, February 7

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity black tie gala on February 7, 2025, was a remarkable evening that united our ALS supporters. With nearly 10,000 attendees, the event successfully raised over $2 million for 18 partner charities in just one night, showcasing the community’s commitment to this important cause.

We were privileged to have Tracy Butler from ABC 7 Chicago serve as the emcee in our Iron Horse VIP Suite, where we honored some truly inspiring individuals. The Seeds of Hope Awards were presented to Tracey Kreiling and Diane Ducey. Tracey has dedicated over 13 years to ALS United Greater Chicago, driven by the memory of her father, Tom, who passed away from ALS in 2012. Her extensive involvement includes volunteering, advocacy, and participating in events like the Walk ALS program and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Diane, a well-known media personality in Central Illinois, has dedicated the last eight years to leveraging her platform on ESPN 93.5 to promote awareness and generate funds for the Central Illinois community. In addition to her broadcasting efforts, she has played a vital role as an emcee at our Walk ALS events in Champaign, represented ALS United at Mini-Walks, showcased ALS United merchandise, and created videos aimed at engaging audiences beyond the radio.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Courage Award to Cynequa Smith, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. Embracing a positive outlook, Cynequa focuses on her happiness and the support of her loved ones, rather than her challenges. Actively engaged with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and her family, she affectionately refers to her powerchair as the “Batmobile,” symbolizing her determination to maintain independence. In her own words, Cynequa expresses, “I have ALS. Not every day is going to be joyous, but I can do my best to make everything great.”

Do-It-Yourself Fundraising

Turn your passion into progress: host your own event to support the ALS community! Get inspired by local champions like the organizers of Sausagefest and join us for upcoming events making a real impact.

Sausagefest | Saturday, March 8

It was a record-breaking year for Sausagefest as a few hundred people gathered together on March 8 and 1 ton of the Schrementi’s family sausage recipe was sold, raising $4,500 for the fight against ALS!
Sausagesfest is an annual event that has evolved to support ALS United Greater Chicago in honor and memory of Justin Dodson. Justin was a good friend and fraternity brother to some of the founders of Sausagefest, and they dedicate the day to Justin to help raise awareness and funds for ALS.
Over the years, they have raised $20,000 for ALS and continue to make a real difference in the fight against the disease!

Little Al’s Mokena Inn Presents the 1st Annual Fight for ALS Fest | Saturday, May 17

Rock for a reason at Little Al’s Mokena Inn as they host their First Annual Fight for ALS Fest. Enjoy a day of live music, raffles, and community support benefiting our mission. $20 cover, 100% donated to ALS United Greater Chicago. Featuring music from Steve Ramone Band and The Rockaholics.
Enjoy raffles with donated gift baskets, specialty pint glasses, and more. Plus, Mokena’s first-ever street festival will be happening the same weekend! Join us as we kick off this annual tradition and make some noise in the fight to end ALS.

Create Your Own DIY Fundraiser

When you fundraise your own way, you bring your community into the cause on your terms. Host a trivia night, run a lemonade stand, dedicate your birthday, or plan something totally unique.

• Start your own fundraiser or find an event near you: alsunitedchicago.org/get-involved
• Event calendar: alsunitedchicago.org/calendar

Shine a Light on ALS This May

May is ALS Awareness Month, a time to educate, advocate, and inspire others to take action. Whether you’re living with ALS, caring for someone who is, or simply passionate about the cause, your voice matters. There are so many ways you can help raise awareness this month:

• Host a casual gathering with friends or family to share your ALS story.
• Speak at a local group or club meeting.
• Start a Walk ALS team and invite your network to join you.
• Partner with us to bring ALS information to your community, church, or workplace.

You don’t have to do it alone. If you’d like support, our staff are happy to help you plan or connect you with an ALS Awareness Ambassador who can join you in telling your story.

However you choose to get involved, know that your efforts make a difference. Together, we can make sure more people understand ALS, and why it’s time for action.

Walk ALS Chicago Kick-Off

Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL | Tuesday, April 8

We launched our Walk ALS Chicago Season on Tuesday, April 8th, surrounded by an energetic and passionate crowd. This year, we are excited to continue with our cherished theme, “In Our United Era.”
During the event, we covered a range of topics, including how the fundraising efforts for 2024 are being utilized, new features for Walk Day in 2025, various ways to get involved, plus we unveiled a new mission component that will be launched on Walk Day.

We were thrilled to embrace our “spark” through a video highlighting the faces of individuals with ALS that we have supported or are still supporting. To connect the spark with attendees, everyone was given a friendship bracelet featuring a sunflower and a spark charm.

Although the kick-off has officially wrapped up, Walk Season is just getting started, and it would be even more enjoyable with your participation!

Together, we end ALS.

You + Walk ALS Chicago = In Our United Era

Walk ALS Chicago | Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL | Saturday, May 31

To genuinely embody the spirit of “In Our United Era,” we invite all those dedicated to eradicating ALS, while ensuring that individuals affected by the disease receive exceptional care, to join us on Saturday, May 31st. Whether you attend solo or gather a group to enjoy the day together, we offer a variety of activities that cater to everyone’s interests.

“It’s fun for everyone! There are plenty of opportunities to socialize, raffles, and even the kids have a special area. If you’re debating going, do it! You won’t regret it. The team at ALS United makes all participants feel incredibly welcomed!” – Emma-Leigh S.

We are excited to present beloved attractions such as I Have a Bean Coffee, Sunflower Station, Kids Zone, music, food, and additional offerings. In addition, we are pleased to introduce new features, including a photo booth, an event emcee, mission elements, incentives, a sunflower raffle, and more!

Top 5 Reasons NOT to miss Walk ALS Chicago:

“(Walk Day) is a mix of emotions—joy, hope, and determination. There’s a sense of unity as everyone walks together toward a common goal.” – Jill Baughman

1. You are now part of a community. If ALS has affected you or a loved one, you have joined a family that, while uninvited, offers unparalleled support, empathy, and warmth. Expect to forge new friendships.
2. Engage with the Care Services and Multidisciplinary Clinic Staff who have assisted you or your loved one throughout their journey. We take pride in hosting these dedicated professionals who are eager to connect with you.
3. Embrace our theme of unity. To foster connections, create and exchange bracelets as you visit different tents, and participate in a new initiative to contribute to a meaningful mission visual.
4. Enjoy the festivities! We are skilled at organizing memorable events, complete with food, music, games, prizes, and interactive features, including a brand-new photo booth for 2025.
5. By attending, you become part of the largest ALS Support Group event of the year.

Want a chance to win an orange YETI cooler? Register for Walk ALS by 11:59pm on April 30th for your chance to win! Cooler will be given from the stage on Walk Day.

Current Stats: 65 Teams, $175,000 raised, 313 participants.

Register today: walkalschicago.org.

Lou Gehrig Day

Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL | Monday, June 2
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL | Sunday, June 15

We are looking forward to the annual Lou Gehrig Day commemorative games with MLB this June! It’s always a great day to come together at the ballpark and help raise awareness for ALS.

The Chicago White Sox will be hosting Lou Gehrig Day on Monday, June 2nd when the Sox take on the Detroit Tigers at 6:40pm. The Chicago Cubs will be hosting their ALS Awareness game on Sunday, June 15th when the Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:20pm.
We will be gathering together with all of our ALS supporters before each game, so please email sarah@alsunitedchicago.org if you plan to be part of the Lou Gehrig Day festivities. We would love to invite you to meet up with us before the games!

Get all the details: alsunitedchicago.org/calendar.

The ALS Classic

Cog Hill Golf Course, Lemont, IL | Wednesday, September 3

We are excited to be hosting our 19th annual ALS Classic presented by Hartford on September 3rd, 2025, at Cog Hill Golf Course & Country Club. The ALS Classic is an opportunity to gather as a community to support our mission either by sponsoring a foursome, joining us for lunch and being a member of our Classic Cantina gallery, or celebrating the winners at the end of the day during our cocktail reception and
awards ceremony.

For more information, please visit alsclassic.org, or contact Julie M. Sharpe, julie@alsunitedchicago.org or 312-498-1197.

Walk ALS Fall Events

Fall in love with our Walk ALS events in the most beautiful month of the year – September!

If you reside in or near Peoria, we invite you to join us on Saturday, September 6th, at Dozer Park. This event promises an exciting 3.5 hours filled with fun, energy, and love, featuring a basket raffle that you won’t want to miss.

Dozer Park, Peoria, IL | Saturday, September 6, 2025
Hessel Park, Champaign, IL | Sunday, September 7, 2025

For those living in Central Illinois, we encourage you to come to Champaign on Sunday, September 7th, at Hessel Park for a delightful gathering that includes camaraderie, games, delicious food, and, of course, walking together in support of a great cause.

If you are situated in Northern Illinois, we are aiming for a September 20th event date, but details are still being finalized.

Whether you are new to the ALS community or have participated in the past, we assure you a warm and welcoming atmosphere. If you have taken a break from joining us, we would be thrilled to reconnect. For our loyal attendees, expect some exciting new surprises this year, which we will keep under wraps for now!

Walk Websites will be live in May so be sure to monitor your email and/or visit alsunitedchicago.org/get-involved/walkals.

Team ALS

Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend | Champaign, IL | Thursday, April 24 – Saturday, April 26

ALS United Greater Chicago is once again partnering with the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend as thousands of people come together to race through the beautiful campus and surrounding areas of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There will be some awesome participants out on the course running for ALS and representing with their bright orange ALS United shirts. We are grateful for their support and are sending big cheers for their races!

Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Chicago, IL | Sunday, October 12

Team ALS 2025 is already breaking records by being the largest ALS charity run team to date, with 250 amazing individuals dedicating their marathon miles to ALS! Team ALS 2025 is made up of folks from six different countries and 30 different states who have so far raised over $151,000 for ALS. Please consider reading their fundraising pages to hear more about their personal reasons for running 26.2 miles for the cause – bit.ly/TeamALS2025. There is a lot of work they will do over the next six months, and we are looking forward to seeing what this team accomplishes this year. And if you are available over the Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend, we would love to have your help volunteering at the Expo or cheering for these awesome charity runners on race day, October 12, 2025!

Team ALS Goes International

We are thrilled to announce that bibs are available to take part in the 2025 BWM Berlin Marathon with Team ALS in September. Reach out to sarah@alsunitedchicago.org today for details!