About the Evening

This annual fundraiser benefits the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and raises critical funds for the rehabilitation, preservation, and future public opening of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

The evening will include:

• A beautiful river and lakefront cruise aboard one of Chicago’s premier vessels 
• Up-close views of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse 
• A special presentation on the past, present, and future of the lighthouse 
• Appetizers, beer, and wine 
• Silent auction items and unique opportunities to support the mission 
• A celebration of the people, partners, and supporters helping light the way forward 

This event supports our work to prepare the lighthouse for restoration, safe access, future public tours, educational programming, and long-term stewardship.

Why It Matters

The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse has stood watch over the entrance to Chicago’s harbor for generations. It has welcomed ships, protected mariners, guided sailors, and served as a quiet symbol of Chicago’s connection to the Great Lakes.

Today, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter.

Your support helps us move closer to opening the lighthouse to the public for the first time in generations and transforming it into a place for history, education, preservation, and inspiration.

Together, we can light the way.

Please consider becoming a sponsor of Light the Way 2026: A Night for the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

Sponsorship support helps underwrite this signature annual fundraising event, allowing more of the funds raised during the evening to directly support the preservation, restoration, and future public opening of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

Sponsors receive meaningful recognition before, during, and after the event, including visibility with our supporters, members, civic partners, preservation community, and Chicago’s boating and lakefront communities.

Only one Host Sponsor is available.

The Host Sponsor receives premier presenting recognition, top placement on all event materials, verbal recognition during the program, 6 complimentary tickets, lighthouse plaque recognition, and featured visibility across the FOCHL website, newsletter, and social media platforms.

Benefits include:

• Prominent logo placement on event signage, invitations, website, and press materials 
• Verbal recognition during the event program and presentation 
• 4 complimentary tickets 
• Name/logo featured on the Founding Lightkeepers plaque at the lighthouse 
• Recognition in the FOCHL newsletter and across social media platforms 
• Early access to silent auction opportunities 

Benefits include:

• Logo placement on event signage, invitations, website, and sponsor materials 
• Verbal recognition during the event program 
• 2 complimentary tickets 
• Name/logo featured on the Founding Lightkeepers plaque at the lighthouse 
• Recognition on the FOCHL website and across social media platforms 
• Early access to silent auction opportunities 

Benefits include:

• Logo placement on event signage, invitations, website, and sponsor materials 
• Recognition during the event program 
• 2 complimentary tickets 
• Name/logo featured on the Founding Lightkeepers plaque at the lighthouse 
• Recognition across FOCHL social media platforms 
• Early access to silent auction opportunities 

In addition to cash sponsorships, the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse welcomes donations of appropriate products, services, and experiences for our silent auction and raffle.

Suggested items include:

• Hospitality packages 
• Dining and entertainment experiences 
• Travel or hotel stays 
• Artwork 
• Specialty merchandise 
• Gift certificates 
• Unique Chicago experiences 
• Mission-aligned products, services, or contributions 

Donors of approved in-kind items will receive recognition at the event and in related event materials, as appropriate.

To discuss a sponsorship opportunity or silent auction donation, please contact us at 312-883-1400 or Info@SaveTheLighthouse.org