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Heart of Gold Ball 2026

March 6 @ 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

The 2026 Heart of Gold Ball will be held on Friday, March 6th at Rockwell on the River in Chicago, same as last year. Join us for an evening of revelry and refinement as we honor the annual Heart of Gold and Mary Anne Brown Heart of the Home awardees! Continuing the theme ‘A Child at Heart,’ we hope to provide a space where adults can nurture their inner child as they celebrate Hephzibah’s accomplishments and our collective power for change during challenging times. Can’t wait to see you there!

Event Details:

  • Friday, March 6th, 2026
  • 6:30PM – 11:30PM
  • Rockwell on the River, Chicago
  • Dinner, drinks, and appetizers
  • Amazing auction items for bidding
  • Live music and a livelier dance floor!

If you’re interested in information about Heart of Gold Ball 2026, contact Whitney Gravely.

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities? Becoming a sponsor for the Heart of Gold Ball offers an excellent opportunity to promote your business while supporting Hephzibah’s cause!

Sponsor the Heart of Gold Ball
In-Kind Donation Packet
View the 2025 Photo Gallery

2026 Award Recipients

Every year at the Heart of Gold Ball, awards are given to honor those who have made a lasting impact on the lives of Hephzibah children and families.

2026 Heart of Gold Award

The WellSky Foundation

The Heart of Gold Award honors individuals, organizations or corporations who have exhibited outstanding personal or professional achievement affecting disadvantaged children on a local or national level. The WellSky Foundation’s consistent support has strengthened Hephzibah’s programs over many years, allowing us to serve the unique needs of all our children. Wellsky has donated over $100,000 and hundreds of volunteer hours to Hephzibah. 

2026 Mary Anne Brown Heart of the Home Award

Tami Wanless

The Heart of the Home Award recognizes outstanding service and commitment to Hephzibah through a particular project or program. Tami is a connector, a community-maker, and a fierce advocate for the children and families of Hephzibah. As president of Hephzibah’s Western Auxiliary, she champions and performs at the annual Rock ‘N’ Roll for your Heart & Soul fundraiser, which has been supporting the Hephzibah Sibling Camp program since 2011. 

2026 Heart of Gold Information

Event Forms

In-Kind Donation Form

To donate an auction item for the Heart of Gold Ball 2026, please download THIS FORM, fill it out, and email to Whitney Gravely.

Sponsorship Form

To be a sponsor for the Heart of Gold Ball 2026, please download THIS FORM, fill it out, and email to Whitney Gravely.

Heart of Gold Ball Committees

Host Committee Members

  • Emily & Christopher Carroll
  • Timothy & Amy Davis
  • Mark Schwitzenberg & Wendy Reitz
  • Kristina & Patrick Woodward

Honorary Gala Committee

  • Mary DiSomma
  • Michelle Durpetti & Collin Pierson
  • Ron & Cathy Fox
  • Jodi Fyfe & Devon Quinn
  • Maria Garvy
  • Ken & Patty Hunt
Hephzibah Board of Directors
  • Donna Rolf, President
  • Jon Yates, Vice President
  • Amy Muran-Felton, Secretary
  • Alex Liebowitz, Treasurer

Hephzibah Board Members

  • Lisa Azu-Popow
  • Jennifer Ellis-Jackson
  • Greg Flinn
  • Stephanie Mills Graham
  • Jennifer Ierardi
  • Kenna MacKinnon
  • John McConville
  • Marcia Gordon Preston
  • Rondell Richardson
  • Maayan Rosenboim
  • Peter Senechalle
  • Farah Usmani
  • Tania Zubkus
Previous Heart of Gold Award Winners

The Heart of Gold Award honors individuals, organizations or corporations who have exhibited outstanding personal or professional achievement affecting disadvantaged children on a local or national level.

2025 Northwestern Medicine
2024 Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
2023 The Coe Family and the Be the Boat Fund
2022 Senator Don Harmon / T. Kendall & Patricia Hunt
2021 Mary & Bill DiSomma
2020 The Chicago Bears
2019 Jodi Fyfe
2018 Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI)
2017 Mary Anne Brown
2016 Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation
2015 Jeff Mauro
2014 Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club
2013 NOW Foods
2012 Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
2011 Lerner Family Foundation
2010 The Western Auxiliary
2009 Mr. John Buck, The John Buck Company
2008 Hedge Funds Care
2007 General Electric Company
2006 Oak Park Auxiliary Board
2005 David Crumbaugh
2004 Jennifer Capriati
2003 Dave and Lynde O’Brien
2002 Kim Lutz
2001 Ina Broeman
2000 Ron Fox
1999 Leo Burnett Company, Inc.
1998 Dennis Kenny
1997 Carol Lingenfelter

Previous Mary Anne Brown Heart of the Home Award Winners

The Mary Anne Brown Heart of the Home Award recognizes outstanding service and commitment to Hephzibah Children’s Association. This award honors those who have supported Hephzibah’s mission through a particular project or program.

2025 Kids Resale Event Managers
2024 Eric Friedman
2023 Megan Scheck
2022 NA
2021 Gene & Georgetti & The Durpetti Family
2020 9.11 LemonAid
2019 Hephzibah Heartmate Volunteers
2018 Susan Ellefson & The Peninsula Chicago Hotel
2017 NA
2016 In memory of Jane Hedges
2015 Kathy Nugent
2014 Brian Druley and Susan Stark
2013 Hephzibah Huskies
2012 Jan Maxson, Director of Hephzibah’s Day Care Program
2011 Anne Boyle & Susan Reich
2010 Amy and Jim Laurenzo
2009 Mr. James Van Vliet & Mr. Michael Flynn – The Avis Budget Group Budget Rent-A-Car, O’Hare
2008 Keith Elkins
2007 Oak Park Women’s Guild
2006 Mike Cardamone
2005 Mark Shaker
2004 Bob and Jeff Ebert

Event Schedule

6:30 PM – Cocktails & Hors d’Oeuvres

7:30 PM – Golden Ticket Raffle & Live Auction

8:00 PM – Dinner is Served

8:30 PM – Award Presentations, Helping Hearts

9:00 PM – Band Performance

10:00 PM – Silent Auction Closes

11:30 PM – Event Ends

Details

Venue