Thank you for attending the 2022 Dare to Imagine Dinner!

We look forward to seeing you next year. 

You can still purchase tickets to the virtual experience. Enjoy the same inspiring program from the comfort of your home. You can also donate to support the Dare to Imagine Dinner and our amazing students!

 

 

EPIC's Dare to Imagine Dinner is Back!

EPIC’s signature Dare to Imagine Dinner is back, and we are eager to gather with attendees for an inspirational evening that will celebrate the who, why and how we dare our students to imagine and prepare them to succeed. 

What is the Dare to Imagine Dinner?

This signature fundraiser features a fireside chat led by two of EPIC’s brightest student leaders as they interview our Visionary Leadership award honoree. This designation is given to someone who has shown exemplary service and commitment to youth in Chicago. Other highlights of the event include recognizing an organization that has significantly invested in EPIC Academy students. 

New to the event this year; we will also honor an EPIC alumnus with the Legend Award. This honor is awarded to an alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in achieving EPIC's four student pillars. This individual has exhibited a strong sense of self-identity and possesses a curious approach to the future; is accomplished academically and professionally; is invested in their success, and is a service-oriented advocate for positive social change. 

There will also be networking, a silent auction, and other fun opportunities to support our students. 

Who benefits from the event?

Funds raised from Dare to Imagine help EPIC further our mission for students to pursue excellence and high expectations for postsecondary success, working towards college and career readiness through a variety of pathways. 

Supporting our student leaders today through the Dare to Imagine Dinner is an investment in their future success. 

• EPIC's college and career readiness programs provide students with access to opportunities to see the world outside of their community; while inspiring them to create new visions for their future. 

• EPIC's scholarship program alleviates financial obstacles for alumni to ensure they successfully persist through college. 

• EPIC's Freshman Strong Start program helps incoming freshmen acclimate to their new school environment and develop decision-making, social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, and relationship-building skills. 

• EPIC's after-school activities help students hone their talents and develop essential leadership skills. 

Why should I support this event?

We need your support to enhance and expand these vital programs and continue to best serve the needs of current and future EPIC students. 

We have ambitious goals for EPIC's future and our students. At EPIC, our mascot is the legend. When you purchase a ticket, sponsorship, or donate today, you are investing in students who will impact the world; tomorrow and in years to come.

To ensure full sponsor recognition, sponsors need to finalize commitments no later than Monday, May 16.

The last day to purchase sponsorships or in-person tickets is Monday, May 23. 

Please contact LaKesha Lockett, Director of Development and Communications, with any questions regarding sponsorships at llockett@epicacademy.org.

For general event questions, please contact us at developmentteam@epicacademy.org

Honorees

Visionary Leadership Award Honoree                                      

Mark Payne, Executive Director, Public Allies - Chicago
This designation is awarded to someone who has shown exemplary service and commitment to youth in Chicago.
 

 

Dare to Imagine Award Honoree

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
This recognition goes to a company that has significantly invested in EPIC Academy students.

 

Legend Award 

Krystal Velasquez, Bus. Development Mgr., Class of '13
New this year, we will also honor an EPIC alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in achieving EPIC's four student pillars.  

 

Legend Award

Jawon Mayberry, Cloud Engineer, Class of '15
New this year, we will also honor an EPIC alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in achieving EPIC's four student pillars.  

Additional Details

Parking: Self-parking is available at our downtown Chicago parking garage partner facility located at 55 East Monroe Street, directly across the street from the Palmer House Hilton.  The garage can be accessed from either Monroe Street (westbound traffic) or Adams Street (wastbound traffic).

Valet Parking with unlimited in and out privileges is available at the Palmer House Hilton 24  hours a day curbside at the Monroe Street entrance.

Please visit the hotel's website for pricing information.