2025 Benefit Dinner

October 9
6:00 p.m.
Rockwell on the River

After more than a decade of innovation in early education, VOCEL has big ambitions to combat inequity citywide, leveraging the power of brain-building play in the early years that matter most. Through partnerships with everyday changemakers — parents and educators — in communities with limited economic resources, VOCEL ensures children have the foundation to learn, grow, and lead.

Join us at IMAGINE — a joyful, playful fundraising dinner where you, your friends and colleagues can help make transformative early education a reality for kids citywide.

Tickets and tables for IMAGINE are now sold out! If you’d like to support the event, we graciously welcome donations using the button below.

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Event Details

October 9, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Rockwell on the River
3057 N Rockwell St.
Chicago, IL 60618

IMAGINE will feature a seated dinner program unlocking VOCEL’s vision for early childhood excellence, an open bar, and hands-on opportunities to play, imagine, and invest.

After more than a decade of innovation in early education, VOCEL has big ambitions to combat inequity citywide, leveraging the power of brain-building play in the early years that matter most. Through partnerships with everyday changemakers — parents and educators — in communities with limited economic resources, VOCEL ensures children have the foundation to learn, grow, and lead.


Join us at IMAGINE — a joyful, playful fundraising dinner where you, your friends and colleagues can help make transformative early education a reality for kids citywide.

Event Details

October 9, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Rockwell on the River
3057 N Rockwell St.
Chicago, IL 60618

IMAGINE will feature a seated dinner program unlocking VOCEL’s vision for early childhood excellence, an open bar, and hands-on opportunities to play, imagine, and invest.

Purchase tickets
Become a sponsor

Imagine Sponsors

Imagine Sponsors

Lindy & Mike Keiser


Presenting Sponsors

Frank ten Brink & Jeannine Cleary


Empowering Sponsors

Lindy Hirschsohn & Chris Coetzee


Lead Sponsors

Char & Larry Damron

Gochnauer Family Foundation

Justin Hance & Shannon Halloway

Frank & Lauren Karl

Liz Keigher & Jay Kujawa

Christina & Jason Mueller

Maureen & Steve Wierema


Supporting Sponsors

Helen & Michael Arkes

Tim & Rachel Bates

Amy & Gabe Cahill

Linda & Kevin Conway

Lori & Bruce Fogelson

Carrie Littman & Nelson Iginla

Viki & Tom Rivkin


Table Hosts

Charlie & Kirsten Berkowitz

David Bierman & Kristen Schultz

Bucktown Friends of VOCEL

Valencia & Jon Fellows

Jesse & Ben Ilhardt

Katten

David Kelly & Kelly Powers Kelly

Andrew & Leigh Anne Larsen

Irene & Rich Parisi

Jeff & Anajah Philogene

Cathryn & Justin Schmaltz

Nick & Ariele Scodro

Wintrust Bank


In-Kind Sponsors

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