Photo by @hotboxxent
EPIC Academy, a charter high school in South Chicago, hosted its 2023 Dare to Imagine Gala with the theme “Building the Future Together” at The Carter Chicago.
Approximately 150 guests attended the event, enjoying an evening filled with networking, music and inspiring stories. Through generous support from sponsors, attendees and donations, EPIC raised nearly $120,000. Corporate sponsors, including Apogem Capital, BMO, Black McDonald’s Operators Association, Elrod Friedman, KRD, Ltd. and Old National Bank, contributed to the funds, which will help provide transformative opportunities for students and support EPIC’s mission of fostering excellence and postsecondary success.
The gala featured a fireside chat moderated by Emmy-award-winning journalist Robin Robinson, with honorees such as Daniel Anello, CEO of Kids First Chicago, recognized for his investment in Chicago youth. EPIC alumni Darshell Nixon and Shameesha Pryor, both from the Class of 2013, were also honored during the chat for their achievements as an educator, entrepreneur and advocate for wrongfully convicted individuals, respectively.
Connie Lavin accepted the Dare to Imagine Award on behalf of Old National Bank, acknowledging their significant investment in EPIC Academy students.
LeeAndra Jamison, Executive Director of EPIC, expressed gratitude for the support and spoke on how the school prepares students for career success, “EPIC Academy is at a really interesting inflection point. While we have been serving students very well, we are currently working to re-imagine what their school experience will be in the future. One way is by expanding our Career Intensives into a year-long program so that students get more touch points with professionals and careers for various industries. One of the wonderful things about Career Intensives is our students can see themselves in careers they have not been exposed to previously, and our partners get to see the genius that our young people possess. When people attend the Dare to Imagine Gala, individuals from outside of the community see that genius lies around every corner, even on the Southeast Side of Chicago. They have an opportunity to invest in something meaningful, which is building a brighter future for ambitious scholars at EPIC Academy. I am grateful for everyone who supported the event in any capacity.”
The event featured networking, a silent auction, and other opportunities to support EPIC Academy students. Donations to support the Dare to Imagine Gala and student programs can be made through June 30, 2023, by visiting bit/ly/DTIG2023. To get involved with EPIC Academy, visit the EPIC’s website.
Please view the 2023 Dare to Imagine feature video here.
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