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Want an additional add-on to your table purchase or cannot attend the event?
THESE OPPORTUNITIES GIVE YOU GREAT WAYS TO SUPPORT WITHOUT BUYING TICKETS
Sponsorship Opportunities
Tails & Tuxedos Signature Sponsor - $20,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Two tables of 10 (20 guests) with premier front-row placement
- Logo on signage at the Welcome Experience as guests enter the gala
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Cocktail Concierge: Enjoy the luxury experience of having your very own mixologist to create cocktails for your table during dinner
- Sponsor Magic Box placed at your head table containing a surprise hostess gift
- First Look Access: You and your guests will receive an early preview of auction items and perks before they’re publicly announced
- Full-page color ad (back cover)
- Sponsor spotlight slide on stage before and after the program
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Moonlight at Midnight Martini Bar - $18,500
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Two tables of 10 (20 guests) with premier front-row placement
- Logo on signage at the Martini Bar where guests will experience the ultimate libations and live entertainment
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Cocktail Concierge: Enjoy the luxury experience of having your very own mixologist to create cocktails for your table during dinner
- Sponsor Magic Box placed at your head table containing a surprise hostess gift
- First Look Access: You and your guests will receive an early preview of auction items and perks before they’re publicly announced
- Full-page color ad (inside front cover)
- Sponsor spotlight slide on stage before and after the program
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Champagne & Pearls - $15,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- One table of 12 with premier seating
- Logo featured at the Champagne Bar and Living Painting Experience
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Champagne Concierge: Exclusive champagne service at your table during dinner
- Sponsor Magic Box placed at your table containing a surprise hostess gift
- First Look Access: You and your guests will receive an early preview of auction items and perks before they’re publicly announced
- Full-page color ad (inside back cover)
- Sponsor spotlight slide on stage before and after the program
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Ebony & Ivory Live Art - $15,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- One table of 10 with premier seating
- Logo on signage at the immersive Live Art Activation, where guests will witness The Starry Night come to life through a unique live performance
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Cocktail Concierge: Enjoy the luxury experience of having your very own mixologist to create cocktails for your table during dinner
- Sponsor Magic Box placed at your table containing a surprise hostess gift
- First Look Access: You and your guests will receive an early preview of auction items and perks before they’re publicly announced
- Full-page black & white ad
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Light & Wonder Chandelier Hostess - $13,500
Exclusive to Three Sponsors
- One table of 10 with premier seating
- Logo on signage at the Chandelier Experience, an immersive guest experience featuring a living chandelier performer offering curated treats, surprise giveaways, and photo opportunities
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Full-page black & white ad
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Cloud Room Photo Booth Experience - $10,000
Exclusive to Three Sponsors
- One table of 10 with preferred seating
- Logo on signage at the Cloud Room photo booth experience and on all guest photo keepsakes
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Half-page black & white ad
- Logo featured in social media promotions, on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
White Glove VIP Reception - $8,500
Exclusive to One Presenting Sponsor
- One table of 10
- Logo on the VIP invitation and signage at the VIP Reception Experience
- Be among the first to experience the wonder of the evening with pre-gala VIP lounges and private reception, plus photos with entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Ink & Ivory E-Bidding - $8,500
Exclusive to Two Sponsors
- One table of 10
- Logo on high-exposure electronic bidding site where guests register, view auction items, place bids, and check-out
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Black & White Martini Bar - $8,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- One table of 10
- Logo on signage at the Black & White Bar where guests will experience the ultimate libations and live entertainment
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Shadow & Light Bar - $8,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- One table of 10
- Logo on signage at the Shadow & Light Bar where guests will experience the ultimate libations and the live Sway Pole experience
- Signature welcome gifts for all your guests
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Night & Day Package - $7,000
- One table of 10
- Quarter-page black & white ad
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
White Tie Table Host - $6,000
- Table of 10
Black Diamond Menu Card - $5,500
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Two (2) tickets to attend the event
- Logo on all menu cards displayed at each guest place setting
- Our signature dessert named after your family/company
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
White Diamond Guide to the Evening - $5,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Two (2) tickets to attend the event
- Logo on evening guides given to guests at registration
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Recognition from podium and in program journal
Black Tie Ticket - $600
- For a single ticket
•••
Starlight Fund-in-Need - $31,000
- Your gift of $31,000 in celebration of #31TopHatBall will help fill the $19,574 funding gap for the high-quality care Marklund provides. Used as a lead match during our live paddle raise, your gift will encourage guests to give at their best level.
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
Twilight & Dawn Fund-in-Need - $5,000
Exclusive to Six Sponsors
- Your gift of $5,000 will help fill the $19,574 funding gap for the high-quality care Marklund provides. Used as a lead match during our live paddle raise, your gift will encourage guests to give at their best level.
- Be among six couples/companies to create a cumulative $30,000 lead match
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
Onyx Late-Night Bites - $4,500
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Logo on signage at our Late-Night Bites Buffet
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
Noir & Blanc Vogue Photo Op - $3,500
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Logo on signage at the Vogue Photo Op, where together, we will create Wonder!
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
Satin Label Coat Check - $3,000
Exclusive to One Sponsor
- Logo on signage at the coat check and on coat check tickets
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
Eclipse Bidding Paddle - $2,500
Exclusive to Two Sponsors
- Logo on all bidding paddles used by guests during the live auction and paddle raise
- Logo on bidding page of program journal, event eblasts and event website
White Pearl Entertainment Sponsors $1,000
- Logo on event eblasts and event website
- Special recognition in program journal
PROGRAM JOURNAL ADS
All ads are black and white, with the exception of the top three sponsors who will receive full-page color ads. Please email high-resolution digital files to Jeannine Zupo at jzupo@marklund.org no later than Monday, January 11, 2027.
Customized benefits are available based on sponsor needs. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS
Did you know that you can double your Top Hat Ball sponsorship/table purchase through our Corporate Matching Program?
Many employers sponsor programs matching charitable contributions made by their employees.
Gifts made by employee’s spouses as well as retirees may also be eligible.
If you volunteer for Top Hat Ball, your company may also have a volunteer grant program.
Simply type your employer’s name in the search box below to see if they will match your donation to Marklund.
Top Hat Ball Leadership
Event Chairs
Sandy & Mike Herlihy
Event Vice Chairs
Laura & Russ Karlins
Event Committee
Ana Armbruster
Carie Carney
Dana Cintron
Carol Donahue
Courtney Farrell
Mackenzie Grodecki
Binna Porter
Catie & Max Schmidt
Peggy and Dennis Szarzynski
Jennifer & JP Turcich
Abbie Winfrey
Jeannine Zupo, Director of Signature Events
Auction Committee
Michelle Mattia
Sue Wick
Top Hat Ball Leadership
Event Chairs
Sandy & Mike Herlihy
Event Vice Chairs
Laura & Russ Karlins
Event Committee
Ana Armbruster
Carie Carney
Dana Cintron
Carol Donahue
Courtney Farrell
Mackenzie Grodecki
Binna Porter
Catie & Max Schmidt
Peggy and Dennis Szarzynski
Jennifer & JP Turcich
Abbie Winfrey
Jeannine Zupo, Director of Signature Events
Auction Committee
Michelle Mattia
Sue Wick
Top Hat History
Top Hat Ball was established in 1997 when donors Jim Ford and Len Patyka chaired Marklund’s first-ever black tie gala. The event was held at the Shedd Aquarium and netted $50,000, a great accomplishment for a first-year event! The ball immediately outgrew the Shedd space the following year and has moved to many venues since then, including the Field Museum, Union Station, Navy Pier, and Marriott Downtown Chicago.
Since its inception, Top Hat Ball has raised more than $14,179.083 in net proceeds, which has supported Marklund’s general operating and endowment funds.
Friends of the Year
• • • • • • • • • • •
2026 — Laura and Russ Karlins
2025 — Sue and John Wick
2024 — Jackie and Frank Murnane
2023 — Catie and Max Schmidt
2022 — Sandy and Mike Herlihy
2021 — Peg and John Haskins
2020 — Becky and John Duffey
2019 — David Pierro
2018 — Jeanne and George Webster
2017 — Aon
2016 — Karen J. Golden
2015 — The Foglia Family Foundation
2014 — Bud and Jim Porter
2013 — Carol and Mike Donahue
2012 — Andrea Billhardt
2011 — Gary, Jean & Beth Lederer
2010 — George and Pam Rion
2009 — Greg Osko
2008 — Jim and Lynn Armbruster
2007 — Joel Thompson
2006 — Robert Paddock/Paddock Publications
2005 — Bruce Jensen and Gail Ludewig/Total Works
2004 — Kevin Acker/West Suburban Bank
2003 — Senator James “Pate” Philip
2002 — Everett Van Der Molen
2001 — Congressman Henry Hyde
2000 — Robert Bernard
1999 — Dennis Langley and Peter Cyrus
1999 — Senator Steven J. Rauschenberger
1998 — Robert Smetana
1998 — Gwendolyn S. Henry
1997 — Father John Guiney
1996 — James D. Anderson
1995 — Jean Jordan
1994 — Jim Ford
1993 — Dennis Zimmerman
1992 — Michael Brenan
1991 — Richard Theriault
1990 — Gale Sayers
1989 — John P. Frazee
1988 — Birger Nyborg
1987 — Paul Greening
1986 — Thomas O. Myers, Jr.
1985 — Doris Whitney
1984 — Erhardt Weidmann
1983 — Richard Rathman
1982 — Edwin Deicke
1981 — Hiriam Sibley