Harmony Community Cares 2026 Gala Recap

The 2026 HCC Gala was much more than we could have ever imagined. People joined us in the sanctuary, gathered across the city at house parties, and some simply tuned in from their phones wherever they were. However you showed up, you showed up.

We opened with a warm welcome from Melonie, Amer, and the incredibly talented Tia Etu, who set the evening in motion with her artistry and gracious spirit. Tash Steverson followed with an inspirational prayer that grounded every single person in the room in gratitude and purpose. From that moment, the night took on a life of its own. James Brooks delivered one of the most timely and moving keynote speeches we have heard, challenging all of us to not just imagine a better North Lawndale but start acting on what we can already see is possible. Then Courtney Buie took the mic and got the crowd fired up, leading us in a paddle raise that had the energy in the sanctuary at an all time high and ended with us surpassing our fundraising goal. The energy was not just felt in the sanctuary. We heard from house party guests who described the evening as "creative, clever, and one of the most fun fundraising experiences they have ever been part of". 

When it was all over, we hit the dance floor, snapped pictures, caught up with old friends, and finished off the wine at the house parties long into the night.

None of it would have been possible without you. Thank you for believing in this community, showing up with open hearts, and making the 2026 HCC Gala a night none of us will ever forget.

Your Dollars at Work

Every dollar you give stays right here in North Lawndale. We take pride in a gala model that keeps our expenses below 10% of what we raise. That is not an accident. It is a deliberate choice, and something we celebrate. One house party guest described the evening as "creative, clever, and one of the most fun fundraising experiences".

Because of you, 11,776 families are able to visit the Harmony Food Pantry and receive over 402,000 pounds of food. Our kids are guaranteed field trips and a summer reading clinic. We employ local North Lawndale residents and we are able to sustain our programs. Your generosity makes all of it possible and keeps our community moving forward.

A Night to Remember

The evening was filled with moments that will stay with us for a long time. We celebrated 20 years of the Harmony Food Pantry and honored the woman behind so much of that work, Diane Carioscio, for her tireless dedication to showing up for this community. We were thrilled to welcome Senator Lakeisha Collins of the 5th District, whose presence reminded us that North Lawndale has advocates at every level. The incredible team at Salud Comfort Food treated us to a beautiful all around the world themed dinner that had everyone going back for more.

When our Gala video played, the room went quiet. Hearing our community share what they imagine for North Lawndale moved many of us to tears. And we will absolutely never forget the moment we surpassed our fundraising goal and Courtney yanked off his jacket and waved it around in the air like a helicopter. The sanctuary erupted and that energy carried us all the way to the end of the night.

Photo Gallery