2026 Dream Builders Dinner

One Night, 19,600 Dreams

Welcome to the 2026 Dream Builders Dinner! Please join us for a magical evening on Thursday, May 7th, at the Bridgeport Art Center. Together, we can all be dream builders, and help raise more than $850,000 to support children and families across Northeast Illinois.

Throughout the event, you’ll connect with dozens of vivid, personal quotes shared by our participants – real, tangible encounters with the dreams and futures they want for themselves and their families. You’ll participate in the fun and joy of STEM learning and magical tricks with after-school participants from Ruggles Elementary. We’ll also honor Francia Harrington, Sylvia Puente, and Caleb Cares Foundation – three change makers helping build better futures for children and families.

Tickets and Sponsorships Are Now Available!

Event Details

🗓️ Thursday, May 7, 2026

🕠 5:30 – 6:30 Reception, 6:30 – 8:30 Dinner and Program

📍 Bridgeport Art Center – Skyline Loft: 1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

Bridgeport Art Center Map

Self and valet parking available. Please contact us if you or your guests will need an ADA-accessible entrance.

Sponsorships & Tickets

Tickets and sponsorships are now available! Tap below to view our sponsorship packet or make your payment.

Tap here to view our sponsorship packet!

Tap here to make your sponsorship payment!

Tap here to get your tickets or make a general gift!

Meet Our Honorees

Francia E. Harrington

Bernice Weissbourd Legacy Honoree

Francee Harrington is a dedicated business executive whose philanthropic advisory work advances civic engagement, strengthens nonprofit strategies and deepens impact for foundations. Through her commitment to support children, families and communities through board service, she has been a leader with Chicago Child Care Society and Family Focus.

Sylvia Puente

Dream Builders Honoree

Sylvia Puente is a public policy champion who has advanced equality and opportunity, pioneering Illinois as a leader in providing quality, bilingual early education. She led the Latino Policy Forum from 2009 – 2024.

Caleb Cares

Dream Builders Honoree

Caleb Cares works to prevent bullying, shine a spotlight on mental health and empower young people. Founded by Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and philanthropic leader; accepted by Patsy Mangas, Director, Caleb Cares.

The Bernice Weissbourd Legacy Award, named in honor of Family Focus’ founder, a nationally recognized leader in family support services, recognizes a dedicated member of our Family Focus community whose leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on children and families.

The Dream Builders Award honors an outstanding community leader whose vision, partnership, and commitment have significantly improved the lives of children and families.

Fair Market Values

Each $500 ticket has a fair market value of $200. The remaining balance of $300 is considered a tax deductible gift. Tap here for tax deductibility of all tickets and sponsorships. If you have any questions, please contact Sallie Hazelrigg, Director of Philanthropy, at sallie.hazelrigg@family-focus.org.

Guest Registration

Sponsors and individual attendees can use the form below to manage their guest names, emails, meal preferences, allergies and accommodation needs. Tap here to learn more.

Tap here to register your guests (Individuals – Bronze Sponsors)

Tap here to register your guests (Silver – Presenting Sponsors)

Host Committee

You can help make the 2026 Annual Dinner a success by adding your name to the Host Committee. There’s no obligation to attend or donate – your endorsement of the Family Focus mission is what matters. Your name will be listed on our website, in the event invitation, and program book.

To be included in the program book, please respond by Thursday, April 16th.