Save the Date for our 2026 Gala!

Join us at beautiful Ravinia for an unforgettable evening where community, generosity, and purpose come together for the children who need it most. Every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves someone who truly sees them, shows up, listens, and fights for their safety and future. For the children in Lake County's foster care system, that someone is a CASA volunteer. At CASA’s 2026 Gala, we offer you the opportunity to ensure more children have that person in their corner.

We invite and encourage you to bring your community together on October 30^th with a shared goal of giving our CASA youth the support and advocacy they deserve.

Terri Zenner Award Honoree
Matthew Wagner
CEO & President of Camping World

CASA’s Board of Directors invites you to join us as we recognize Matthew Wagner for leading Camping World’s deep and unwavering commitment to the youth of Lake County. Camping World’s support of the Lake County CASA program extends back a decade, and over that period Camping World has contributed over $300,000 in support of CASA’s Volunteer Advocates. Matthew spearheaded the high point of that support by announcing a $100,000 surprise gift to CASA at our 2024 gala. Without a doubt Matthew and Camping World have shown by example how businesses can lead and lift up their community.

Guest Speaker: Kani Smith

Now thriving as a sophomore at Indiana University, former foster youth Kani Smith will reflect on her time in the child welfare system and share about the transformative role her CASA volunteer, Laura, played in her journey.

Every child deserves a voice. You can make it so.

October 30th, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Ravinia Festival
201 Ravinia Park Road
Highland Park
Dinner | Auction | Live Music

Individual registration and sponsorships are now open!

View Sponsorship Options

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Want to Help Make Our Gala a Success?

The success of our Gala relies heavily on the generosity of our community in donating auction items and experiences that we can include in our silent and live auctions.

I have a connection → Introduce us to a business or community contact. Email Brendan Siegfried at bsiegfried@casalakecounty.com

I want to solicit an auction item → Click to download any of the below resources. Reach out to Brendan Siegfried for any questions or requests for additional information.