Convene Partners with Chicago-based Non-Profit Letters to Santa for Inaugural Star-Studded Holiday Gala

Letters to Santa: The Holiday Gala Hosted by Convene
November 10, 2023

Convene Partners with Chicago-based Non-Profit Letters to Santa for Inaugural Star-Studded Holiday Gala

Letters to Santa Celebrates 21 Years of Laughter and Goodwill with Event at Convene at Willis Tower on December 5, featuring a special performance by Comedian John Mulaney

We are pleased to have partnered with Chicago-based non-profit organization Letters To Santa for its inaugural holiday gala, which will take place on Tuesday, December 5 at 6pm at Convene at Willis Tower.

Letters to Santa: The Holiday Gala hosted by Convene, aims to raise $150,000 USD to help 15 families in need across Greater Chicago. On Christmas Day, these families will have their Letters to Santa answered, receiving presents including warm clothes, furniture, toys, electronics, basic necessities, and an unconditional cash grant of $10,000 USD for ongoing expenses.

"The power of our first-ever Holiday Gala lies in its remarkable ability to bring about real change,” said Heather Whinna, founder and executive director of Poverty Alleviation Chicago, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization behind the storied Letters To Santa program. “We're not just hosting a holiday event, we're creating a lifeline for over a dozen families experiencing poverty. It's about transforming the holiday season from a time of struggle to a time of hope and joy.”

Letters to Santa is now in its 28th year and has served over 1,500 families during that time. The 2023 Letters to Santa: The Holiday Gala hosted by Convene will be emceed by Chicago improv legends, comedians Nnamdi Ngwe and Patrick Rowland and will feature:

• A special stand-up comedy performance by two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian John Mulaney
• Special guests include: Emmy Award-winning actress Martha Plimpton, Saturday Night Live alums Chris Kattan and Chris Redd, Comedy Central writer and comedian Dave Helem, musician and recording engineer Steve Albini, and more surprise guests and musical performances
• Music direction by composer and producer Alexander Burke
• A live auction of surprise items
• Culinary and cocktail delights by Convene

This exclusive event is not just about the festivities, but also about giving back. 100% of monies raised from donations and ticket sales will be hand delivered to local families facing dire financial hardship.

This is the third event, but first-ever gala, that Letters To Santa has hosted with Convene. The hospitality company’s premium Meeting & Event spaces provide everything needed for a turnkey experience including beautiful and thoughtfully designed spaces, full-service event production resources, in-house catering, and a dedicated A/V team for tech support. Convene Willis Tower features 24-foot floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding city from slightly above the Loop, five private outdoor terraces, and plenty of natural light.

“We are thrilled to partner with Convene for this year's Letters to Santa: The Holiday Gala. Getting the opportunity to organize this one-of-a-kind event at the famed Willis Tower is both exhilarating and distinctive. It enables us to provide our attendees with a unique and memorable experience as a token of appreciation for their generosity,” added Holly Lewis, director of finance and operations at Poverty Alleviation Chicago. “Convene Willis Tower provides a beautiful blank space for any event and the team has been so thoughtful in helping us bring our festive holiday-themed evening to life. We look forward to welcoming everyone on December 5 for an incredible night to raise money for neighbors in need.”

Tickets are now available for purchase, with a limited quantity of early bird tickets starting at $275 USD.  To secure your place at Letters to Santa: The Holiday Gala hosted by Convene, visit: letterscharity.org/gala.

If you can’t make it but are interested in donating or learning more about the  Letters To Santa program, visit: letterscharity.org