We are looking forward to seeing our sponsors, donors, and local community supporters at the Galleria Marchetti on October 28, 2021.
It has been a long two years since we last celebrated the mission of GAGDC together, and we can't wait to celebrate with everyone the great things that have happened for the organization since our 2019 Benefit Dinner!
The resiliency of Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation has been on full display over the past year-and-a-half as the pandemic has raged in our communities and GAGDC has worked as a south side command center implementing COVID crisis response and recovery efforts. Even during the most difficult months, the GAGDC office never closed, providing residents and businesses the essentials necessary to combat the pandemic and support and sustain lives in our communities.
During the unprecedented times the organization gained nationwide attention as the Chicago Bears Cares Foundation recognized GAGDC for our COVID-19 response work, selecting us to represent them at the National Football League’s (NFL) draft. Our CEO, Carlos Nelson had the honor of announcing the Chicago Bears’ first round draft pick on ESPN. Prior to the draft, GAGDC was the selected winner of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation’s $10M Chicago Prize competition. The Always Growing, Auburn Gresham Chicago Prize proposal encapsulates the approach of community-led development along with a community-ownership model which aims to build wealth within our community.
As we continue along the path to recovery, and we acknowledge the COVID-19 response work of the past year-and-a-half, we look forward to a future where investment continues in and around Auburn Gresham - investment in our families, schools, youth, housing stock, our businesses, and our commercial corridors. As a lead community-based organization, GAGDC wants to be at the forefront of these investments. We want our community to grow -- grow minds, grow opportunities, grow food, and grow wealth.
Thank you all for your continued support, and helping us continue to grow through your ticket purchase!
The GAGDC team looks forward to celebrating with on October 28th!