{"id":415578,"date":"2023-07-17T20:29:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T01:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=415578"},"modified":"2023-07-17T20:29:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T01:29:15","slug":"santa-for-a-day-hosts-christmas-in-july-to-raise-funds-for-disadvantaged-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/santa-for-a-day-hosts-christmas-in-july-to-raise-funds-for-disadvantaged-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Santa For a Day Hosts Christmas in July to Raise Funds for Disadvantaged Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Community is about sharing life’s joy and lifting each other up. On Wednesday, July 19, Santa for a Day, a 501c(3) organization serving Evanston’s most under-represented and disadvantaged children, is hosting their annual Christmas in July benefit concert to raise funds for Evanston\u2019s Family Focus.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Santa for a Day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Christmas in July promises to be a fun-filled, philanthropic night of music and goodwill to benefit some of Evanston\u2019s most disadvantaged kids. In partnership with Evanston S.P.A.C.E., Northwestern University, Wintrust Bank, Byline Bank, Northwestern\u2019s Kellogg School of Management, and TrueNU, Christmas in July will benefit Evanston\u2019s Family Focus.<\/p>\n

Chicago ABC 7 Anchor and event emcee, Ravi Baichwal will guide the audience through a night of celebration, including musical performances from Chicago Music Awards \u201cMost Outstanding Group\u201d – Funkadesi along with opening act PrizeFighter. Local community leaders including Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, and NU Head Basketball Coach Chris Collins, among others, are scheduled to appear.<\/p>\n

The evening will begin with a VIP hour at 5 p.m., offering light hors d’oeuvres and an exclusive opportunity to forge valuable connections with participating families, donors, community leaders, and sponsoring partners. General admission doors open at 6 p.m., and LIVE music entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. GA and VIP tickets are available via the organization’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Santa for a Day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Santa for a Day matches private donors with economically disadvantaged children to help fulfill their letters to Santa. The organization serves children ages 5-12 from low-income, marginalized, and vulnerable communities \u2013 most of whom live 150% below the federal poverty line. Last year, Santa for a Day reached over 6,800 children and delivered almost 14,000 presents in Chicago and six other cities.<\/p>\n

“We are incredibly excited to bring Santa for a Day to the Evanston community,” said Rich Gentile, Founder of Santa for a Day. “This event symbolizes our commitment to spreading holiday cheer all year round and creating meaningful impact in the lives of underserved children. We could not have done this without the wonderful partners and community members who support our cause through donations. We invite everyone to join us in this unforgettable evening of giving back and celebration.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christmas in July is open for all ages. General admission tickets are priced at $50. VIP tickets are $125 and will secure early entry to the event, private seating and light hors d’oeuvres from 5-6 p.m. To purchase tickets, explore more ways to get involved, donate to Santa for a Day, and for more information on Santa for a Day, visit https:\/\/www.santaforaday.org\/<\/a>. Tickets are also available at the SPACE box office.<\/p>\n