Chicago, Ill. - May 28, 2025 – United Way of Metro Chicago hosted its annual 2025 Stronger Neighborhoods Awards Luncheon in celebration of the commitment of business, civic, nonprofit and community leaders working alongside United Way to build a stronger Chicago region. United Way’s event at the Hilton Chicago brought together changemakers across industries and raised more than $1 million to support their work creating thriving communities throughout the Chicago region.
“Our outstanding partners consistently set the standard by investing in our neighborhoods and helping to create communities where everyone has the resources they need to thrive,” said United Way of Metro Chicago President and CEO Sean Garrett. “Dedicated civic leaders like Sheila Penrose, Jenner & Block and our many other generous partners are deeply committed to supporting United Way as we drive transformative change and work alongside our partners to expand opportunities for people across the Chicago region.”
As part of this year’s event, United Way honored two of the Chicago region’s most distinguished philanthropic leaders for their role in exemplifying what it means to live united.
Sheila Penrose received the 2025 Andrew J. McKenna Leadership Award in recognition of her commitment as an influential business and philanthropic leader whose selfless actions have encouraged others to step forward and improve the quality of life for countless individuals and families in the Chicago region.
Jenner & Block received the 2025 Corporate Leadership Award, accepted by Andrew W. Vail, Partner, in recognition of the firm’s longstanding commitment to United Way and their support of nonprofit organizations across the Chicago region.
The event was co-chaired by David C. Blowers, John A. Canning Jr., Greg Case, David and Jane Casper, Linda Coberly, Lester Crown, Deb DeHaas, Brian Doyal, Polly Eldringhoff, Robert B. Ford, Cheryl Francis, Darrel Hackett, Teresa Wilton Harmon, Travis C. Hunter Jr., Kunal Kapoor, Chris Kempczinski, Timothy P. Knight, John W. Madigan, Carina Markel, Neil Murray, Christopher A. O’Herlihy, Patrick G. Ryan, Jennifer Scanlon, Scott C. Swanson, and Rick Waddell.
Sponsors of the event include BMO, the Crown Family, JLL, John W. Madigan, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, PNC, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan and the Sidley Austin Foundation. To view a full list of sponsors and for more information about the event, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/Stronger-Neighborhoods
For more information about United Way of Metro Chicago and how you can support creating a stronger Chicago region, please visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger Chicago region. For more information, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Media Contact
Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291,
kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org