CHICAGO, Ill. - May 28, 2026 – United Way of Metro Chicago hosted its annual 2026 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.
“We’re grateful for our generous partners and their deep collaboration to ensure everyone can meet their immediate basic needs and all neighborhoods are places of opportunity and growth,” said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “Dedicated civic leaders like Cheryl Francis, PNC, and our many other incredible partners continue to show up and are committed to advancing United Way’s bold vision to create a strong and thriving 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.
Cheryl Francis, Co-Founder & Co-Chairman, Corporate Leadership Center, received the 2026 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.
PNC received the 2026 Corporate Leadership Award, accepted by Scott C. Swanson, President, PNC Bank, Illinois, in recognition of the bank’s longstanding commitment to United Way and their support of nonprofit organizations across the Chicago region.
Neighborhood Sponsors of the event include Aon, The Crown Family, Cheryl and Zed Francis, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation, Robert R. McCormick Foundation and The Sidley Austin Foundation.
The event was co-chaired by Dave Blowers, Greg Brown, Darcy Dangler Brumley, Greg Case, David and Jane Casper, Linda Coberly, Kevin Cole, Wendell Dallas, Deb DeHaas, Robert B. Ford, Cheryl and Zed Francis, Darrel Hackett, Teresa Wilton Harmon, Jordan Klein, Timothy P. Knight, John W. Madigan, Neil Murray, Dick and Peggy Notebaert, Christopher A. O’Herlihy, Michael O’Grady, Sheila Penrose, Patrick G. Ryan, Jennifer Scanlon, Julie Scott, Gloria Santona and Jeff Sussman, Scott C. Swanson and Andrew Vail.
View a full list of sponsors and more information about the event at 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. Learn more about United Way of Metro Chicago at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Media Contact
Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291,
kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org