Arlington Heights, IL — March 16, 2026 — Shelter Youth & Family Services will host its 2026 Gala: Where Dreams Begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, IL. Shelter has been serving the community for more than 50 years through emergency shelter, foster care, and trauma-informed therapy, and provided services to more than 660 youth and families last year. This year, Shelter is on track to eclipse that record. The gala will bring together community leaders, supporters, and advocates to raise vital funds to continue supporting children and families facing abuse, neglect, and crisis in Chicago’s northwest suburbs.
“Where Dreams Begin is more than an event—it reflects what happens every day at Shelter,” said Carina H. Santa Maria, CEO of Shelter Youth & Family Services. “When a child feels safe, supported, and believed in, that is the moment everything changes. Our 2026 gala fuels not only immediate safety, but long-term stability and opportunity for children and families across our region.”
The gala will feature live entertainment from Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos, silent and live auctions, and returning emcee Regina Waldroup of NBC 5 Chicago. During the event, Shelter will present its annual Buckholz Award to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart in recognition of his leadership in the fight against human trafficking.
The event will highlight the transformative impact of safety and support for young people. Shelter Youth & Family Services offers some of the most comprehensive array of programs and resources, helping children regain stability and families access the resources they need before crises escalate.
“This evening brings together joy and purpose in a powerful way,” said Shelter Board President Lindsay Tintera. “It is inspiring to see our community gather not just to celebrate, but to actively shape brighter futures for children and families.”
Proceeds from the gala directly support Shelter’s programs, ensuring children have safe housing and access to trauma-informed care, and families receive support and resources needed to prevent abuse and crisis.
Shelter also thanks Studio North and Mirar Media for their generous in-kind contributions in support of the gala.
Community members, businesses, and supporters are invited to attend or sponsor the event. Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are available at:
https://www.shelter-inc.org/WhereDreamsBegin/
About Shelter Youth & Family Services
http://www.shelter-inc.org/
Founded in 1975, Shelter is a Chicagoland leader in delivering emotional and physical care to youth in crisis. Shelter provides emergency housing, transitional living, foster care, home visiting, support for survivors of human trafficking, and clinical support services. Shelter is the only agency in Illinois offering such a comprehensive, community-based continuum of care for at-risk children and families.
Media Contact:
Christine Roerig
Chief Marketing Officer
croerig@shelter-inc.org
847.595.0131
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