Save the date

The Spring Gala

An evening of dinner, entertainment, and auctions at Rizzo's Bar and Inn in Wrigleyville. The Gala is the biggest fundraising event of our year, and the single largest source of what Friends of Northside gives back to the school.

Date
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Time
6:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Venue
Rizzo's Bar and Inn
Address
3658 North Clark Street, Wrigleyville

Program and ticket details will be posted here soon.

What your Gala support makes possible

CPS funding covers only part of what it takes to deliver the education our students deserve. Your generosity fills that gap. A few of the things it pays for:

Staff and core student needs

  • Three full-time staff positions
  • Wellness Center resources for students
  • Keeping Kato's Corner stocked

Arts, clubs, and technology

  • Fine arts and music performance support
  • Student clubs across interests and disciplines
  • Computers for the two computer labs

Athletics and team pride

  • Uniforms for women's and men's teams
  • Coaching stipends and equipment
  • Event logistics and program support

How you can help

The Gala runs on parents. There is a way in whatever your time and budget look like.

Volunteer

Join the planning team and help secure donations and sponsorships for a record-breaking night.

Email the Gala Chair

Donate to the auction

Experiences, items, and gift certificates bring the fun and the bidding. Every donation makes a difference.

Instructions for sharing an auction item coming soon.

Sponsor or underwrite

Every contribution makes a lasting impact. We accept cash, checks, online gifts, stock, and employer matches.

Be a sponsor

Thank you to our past supporters

The Gala only works because of the businesses and families below.

Some of our 2026 auction item donors

  • Koval Distillery
  • Ravinia Festival
  • Jerry's
  • Ashland Addison Florist Co.
  • Oriental Trading

Our 2026 corporate sponsors

  • Davis Imperial Cleaners
  • @properties, Leigh Marcus
  • Larry Asimow Landscaping
  • Kirkland and Ellis
  • KBPT Physical Therapy
  • Green Works LLC
  • The Tara and Craig Primis Charitable Fund
  • Friends of Northside Board of Directors
  • Alderman Nugent, 39th Ward
  • CVS, Sandhya Ehle
  • J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Max Nutkowitz

Our 2026 family and individual sponsors

  • The Delgado Nandi Family
  • The Brokmeier Family
  • Hannah and Eli Shearn
  • Sarah Sommers
  • The Siciliano Family
  • Ryan McLennan
  • Erin Grodnick

Friends of Northside is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Gala tickets, sponsorships, paddle-raise gifts, and auction purchases are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.