By Judy Carmack Bross
Susanna Wickham, BGCC’s new President and CEO
“I attended the Lawn Ball during my first week at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and what a beautiful way to see how many of the Guild board members have volunteered for our clubs. They are really hands-on members, mentoring and taking our youths on field trips to their offices, and then raising funds so well that night. They are so embedded in our mission and want to spread the word and engage their friends,” Susanna Wickham, the new Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.
Susanna Wickham (BGCC President & CEO), Chris Myers (Lawn Ball Co-Chair), Michael G. (BGCC Youth of the Year 2025), Chris Brannan (Guild Board President), Carter Wojteczko and Isabel Carpenter (Lawn Ball Co-Chairs)
Celebrating the 20th anniversary Lawn Ball hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Guild Board at the Saddle & Cycle Club, more than 250 guests raised over $540,000 in support of BGCC’s mission to provide safe, supportive spaces and life-changing opportunities for the city’s youth.
Guests arriving at the 20th Annual Lawn Ball
Guests arriving at the 20th Annual Lawn Ball
“Members of the nearby Pedersen-McCormick Boys & Girls Club which serves Uptown were there that night and Michael, BGCC’s 2025 BGCC’s 2025 Youth of the Year and a member of the True Value Boys & Girls Club, delivered a moving speech about his journey and the life-shaping role BGCC has played in it. He has been a Club member for 10 years and in his speech he gave tribute to his mother, who was there, and you could see tears in her eyes as he spoke about his life being shaped by the leaders and all the kids there.”
Chris Myers, Lawn Ball Co-Chair, with Pedersen-McCormick members at the Lawn Ball
Chris Brannan, Guild Board President, with BGCC Youths
During her first month as executive director, Wickham has been visiting all eight clubs and shares that each has its own personality, while each emphasizing leadership and character. “At the McCartin Club in Bridgeport I watched the knitting club in action. A group of 9 and 10 year-old girls were sitting in a circle, knitting and crocheting and helping each other learning new things from one another,” she said. “We are the largest and oldest agency dedicated to providing safe spaces for youth in Chicago with variety of programs focused on leadership, academics, health and all critical needs.”
Lawn Ball Co-Chairs Chris Myers, Carter Wojteczko, and Isabel Carpenter
Guests enjoying cocktail hour
Live entertainment included performances by the David Rothstein Band, a mesmerizing magic show by George Stanton, and vibrant touches like face painting by Valery and a champagne-skirted performer from Live Art International. Guests danced the night away pausing to bid on exclusive live and silent auction packages, including a premium United Center suite experience, a getaway to Auberge Punta del Mita, skiing at Deer Valey, and a platinum VIP experience at Windy City Smokeout.
Guests added some sparkle to the celebration with festive glitter art
All proceeds from the event will benefit BGCC programs at Club locations throughout the city, ensuring thousands of children and teens have access to high-quality after-school and summer programming, academic support and caring adult mentors.
Michael G., BGCC Youth of the Year 2025
“The Lawn Ball has become a signature summer event, not just for its unforgettable experience, but for the powerful impact it creates. Every dollar raised helps open doors for young people in Chicago, connecting them to life-changing resources and mentors,” said Wickham. “The 20th anniversary event was especially notable with the more than $300,000 in sponsorships secured before the evening even began, reflecting the Guild Board’s deep commitment to Chicago’s youth and BGCC’s long-standing impact.”
Members from BGCC’s Pedersen-McCormick Club in attendance
Pedersen-McCormick Club members greeted guests as they arrived
Wickham spoke of the critical need the organization faces in possible loss of federal funds. “During the past eight months we still remain unsure about our grants. At the end of September we are supposed to receive $500,000 for our food program, the food that we serve our kids at the clubs. We do not know if that will come in and we are critically looking for ways to replace this with private funding. We have a current campaign and we would love to hear from everyone,” Wickham said.
Wickham who grew up in Elmwood Park, shared her personal story. “I grew up in an immigrant working class family and was the first generation in my family to go to college. I knew that I wanted to work in the professional world. Many of the kids are like I was, with parents for whom English was not their first language and they couldn’t help with homework although they were wonderful parents. Our kids have strong ambitions, they want to go to college and apply for scholarships. They are craving community support which is our BGCC mission.”
Guests enjoyed the dinner portion of the evening, featuring inspiring guest speakers, a lively auction, and an exciting paddle raise
Guests enjoyed the dinner portion of the evening, featuring inspiring guest speakers, a lively auction, and an exciting paddle raise
Serving Chicago families since 1902, BGCC uses a comprehensive blend of mentoring and programming to provide youth ages 5 to 20+ the tools they need to become well-rounded and successful adults. Filling the after-school hours, which can be the most dangerous for young people, BGCC offers academic, social, and leadership activities for students in some of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Youth are matched with professional adult mentors, giving kids a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed.
Photos by Robin Subar.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and its programs, please visit bgcc.org.
