Golden Hour Gala
Step into an evening of warmth, brilliance, and possibility. The Golden Hour Gala is The Honeycomb Project’s inaugural celebration of the young leaders shaping Chicago’s future. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Wellsley by Boka Restaurant Group, the night will feature a chef-driven seasonal menu, inspiring stories from our Honeycomb Leadership Corps, and an unforgettable night of music and connection.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6:00–10:00 PM
The Wellsley
504 N. Wells, Chicago
With special guest emcee Dan Ponce — WGN Morning News anchor and founder of the internationally acclaimed a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
Schedule of the Evening
6:00 PM | Cocktails & Meet the Leadership Corps
7:00 PM | Dinner & Program
8:15 PM | Music, Dancing & Mingling
9:00 PM | Piano Bar Afterparty
10:00 PM | Farewell
End the evening in the upstairs lounge with a sing-along led by Dan — a nightcap you won’t forget.
Let’s make the night shimmer! Attire to reflect our golden theme is encouraged.
With special thanks to our partners:
BEEcome a Sponsor
Sponsorship of the Golden Hour Gala is more than a moment in the spotlight—it’s a year-round partnership in building a brighter future for Chicago.
On event night, sponsors enjoy premium perks like a table of 10 with preferred seating, repeated name or logo recognition, and signature Honeycomb touches that make the evening unforgettable.
Even more meaningful is the opportunity to sponsor a Honeycomb volunteer project of your choice, creating 12 months of visibility and real impact in the community.
We’ve curated a list of 25 Honeycomb projects currently in need of support. Whether you’re passionate about a specific organization, eager to expand Honeycomb’s impact citywide, or want to support a project that’s close to your heart, there’s something here for you.
Together, we’ll turn one golden night into a year of impact. Thank you for your support.
MENU
Indulge in a chef-curated seasonal menu crafted by Boka Restaurant Catering, one of Chicago’s most celebrated culinary teams, known for creating unforgettable dining experiences.
First Course
Mixed Greens Salad, Squash, Apple, Shaved Parmesan, Vinaigrette (GF, V)
Entree
Choice of the following:
Seared Filet Mignon, Sweet & Yukon Gold Potato Pave, Parmesan, Celery Root Purée, Roasted Broccolini (GF)
Herb-Crusted Striped Bass, Truffle Risotto Cake, Cauliflower Purée, saffron braised baby leeks (GF)
Kabocha Squash Agnolotti, Pumpkin Seed Amaretti, Sage and Lemon Cream, Pecorino (Nut-free)(V)
Dessert
Selection of confections from Chicago’s most beloved bakeries
HOST COMMITTEE
Event Co-Chairs
Meagan Newman and Jeff Sorensen
Committee Members
Kristen Werries Collier & Paul Collier
Leah Missbach Day
Katie & Eric Fox
Abby Kritzler
Laura Miller
Allie & Hart Passman
Jazmine Reynolds
Rachel Gillman Rischall
Ruth & Eric Swibel
Andrea Sill
Lucy Stratton
Angela & Tom Unger
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meagan Newman, Chief Operating Officer, Bartlit Beck LLP (Board President)
Jennifer Paik Chung, FP&A Technology Manager, Optiver (Vice President)
Catherine Tannen, Co-Founder, The Honeycomb Project; Attorney (Treasurer)
Raji Bedi, Product Advisor & Investor
Paris Byrd, Chief of Staff: Legal, Obama Foundation
Natalie Bookey-Baker, Self-Employed
Carlos Garcia, Managing Partner, CMGIS Advisors
Kathryn Konrad, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kristina Lowenstein, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The Honeycomb Project
Jeffrey Sorensen, Partner, PwC
Why Your Support Matters
Proceeds from the Golden Hour Gala will support more than 350 high-impact volunteer projects over the next year, helping us reach more families, deepen our partnerships, and expand our impact. Your sponsorship of the event will help:
Mobilize 6,000+ youth and families in 2026
Provide consistent support to 50+ local nonprofit partners
Keep all programs 100% FREE for the families and organizations we serve
Nonprofits across Chicago are struggling to meet growing demands with shrinking resources. Honeycomb is stepping up—but we can’t do it without you.
Local organizations rely on Honeycomb for essential support, whether it’s serving meals at shelters, providing diapers and clothing to families in crisis, or delivering groceries to homebound seniors.
Our monthly programs provide a free, reliable pipeline of volunteers to 50+ organizations across the city. But with community needs accelerating, we must grow. In 2024 alone, over 5,000 youth and families from 90% of Chicago zip codes participated in our programs—and demand continues to rise.
By supporting the Golden Hour Gala, you will help us meet this moment, ensuring every child can lead, every family can serve, and every nonprofit gets the support they need.
About Us
Imagine a city where every child is empowered to shape the course of their community, where their voices are heard, and their actions drive real social change. That vision comes to life every day at The Honeycomb Project.
Since 2011, Honeycomb has served as Chicago’s leader in family volunteering. From tackling food insecurity and housing instability to protecting the environment, we help kids take action on global issues starting in their own backyards.
Honeycomb kids gain a deeper understanding of the world through real-life experiences, while providing vital resources and volunteer support to 50+ local nonprofits.
