Help Nourish Our Neighbors
Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food.
Join United Way of Metro Chicago for April Food Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as we come together to promote food security and recognize our community leaders advancing positive change in the south-southwest suburbs, a region facing high levels of poverty and systemic education, health, and wealth disparities.
Meeting the basic needs of our neighbors, like food security, is a key part of United Way's approach to building a stronger Chicago region. April Food Day is United Way's annual food collection event and awards and keynote luncheon that addresses this need. Through donations of non-perishable food items, household goods, and financial support, YOU can help make this possible for individuals and families in the Southland.
For questions, please contact United Way Events.
Learn more about this year's food collection event and the awards and keynote luncheon using the buttons below.
Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. Join United Way of Metro Chicago for April Food Day on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as we come together to promote food security and recognize our community leaders advancing positive change in the south-southwest suburbs, a region facing high levels of poverty and systemic education, health, and wealth disparities.
Meeting the basic needs of our neighbors, like food security, is a key part of United Way's approach to building a stronger Chicago region. April Food Day is United Way's annual food collection event and awards and keynote luncheon that addresses this need. Through donations of non-perishable food items, household goods, and financial support, YOU can help make this possible for individuals and families in the Southland.
For questions, please contact United Way Events.
Learn more about this year's food collection event and the awards luncheon using the buttons below.
Event Details
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Tinley Park Convention Center18451 Convention Center Dr.
Tinley Park, IL Food Collection Event: 10am - 2pm
Awards and Keynote Luncheon: 11:30am - 1:00pm Make a monetary donation
Questions? Please contact United Way Events.
Awards and Keynote Luncheon
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, IL
11:30am - 1pm
Honorees
Advocate Health Care
-Business Leadership Award-
Vernard L. Alsberry Jr.
-Individual Leadership Award-
Kiwanis Club of Crestwood and Oak Forest
-Community Leadership Award-
Keynote Speaker
Born and raised in Chicago, Bobby Simmons continues to make his unmatched mark on the city even after his 11-year and 5-team career in the NBA. Cementing a high-profile protégé reputation during his teenage years, Bobby thrived at powerhouse Simeon High School. He then went on to play at DePaul University, which earned him a 2017 Hall of Fame recognition. Simmons was also inducted into the 2015 Illinois Basketball Association (IBCA). Playing internationally for the U.S. Men’s team, Simmons earned two gold and one silver medal.
During his NBA career, driven by basketball, fashion, and athletics, Simmons partnered with Lavelle Sykes to create Succezz in 2008. For the past 12 years, sneakerheads have continued to frequent the designer boutique for rare commodities. Extroverted in personality, Simmons loves entertainment and camaraderie, so it makes perfect sense that in 2012, this 2021 Omega Psi Phi Man of the Year also established an exclusive events venue located in Chicago’s West Loop called Society 2201.
Bobby Simmons
Growing up in the Altgeld Gardens housing project, Simmons was a product of his community – in a favorable way. Not only did his mom and dad raise him and his five siblings, but he also built essential relationships with neighbors, coaches, teachers, and parents of other athletes. These loved ones supported, encouraged, and disciplined him to stay on a path opposite of the neighborhood norm.
Passionate about basketball and feeding off the desire to constantly compete and be the best, Simmons excelled. His pinnacle career allowed him to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, and San Antonio Spurs. He played with the G.O.A.T Michael Jordan while on the Washington Wizards and guarded the late Kobe Bryant along with a host of other legendary players. Earning a starting position with the L.A. Clippers, he received the 2005 NBA Most Improved Player Award. A testament to his nature, Simmons always wants to improve his life and the lives of others – he never settles for anything less than excellence.
Post his NBA career, as a successful businessman, Simmons has learned and now teaches the importance of responsibility, accountability, and taking advantage of opportunities. He advises nearly 450 mentees and serves as a Career Development Counselor for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Paving the way for others, he shares his challenges, triumphs, lessons, and blueprints to best assist clients in creating personalized career plans and post-basketball transition strategies.
Driven by basketball, fashion, and athletics, Simmons partnered with Lavelle Sykes to create Succezz in 2008. Located in Chicago’s South Loop, this dynamic duo attracts worldwide sneakerheads. For the past 12 years, customers have continued to frequent the designer sneaker boutique for rare commodities.
Extroverted in personality, Simmons loves entertainment and camaraderie, so it makes perfect sense that this visionary entrepreneur also owns an exclusive events venue located in Chicago’s West Loop called Society 2201. Established in 2012, guests enjoy a palettefriendly champagne list, customized drinks, and a renowned atmosphere radiating state-ofthe- art experiences.
No matter the endeavor, whether it's real estate, philanthropy, business, boards, or basketball, Simmons is devoted to leaving a positive mark and being a part of notable communities. Honored as the 2021 Omega Psi Phi Man of the Year, Simmons will forever build a path for those coming after him. He continues to reside in Chicago with his three children. Follow him @succezz on Instagram or LinkedIn (Bobby Simmons).
Purchase Tickets
Attend the Awards and Keynote Luncheon by sponsorship or purchasing individual tickets for $75.
Purchase Tickets
Food Collection Event
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park, IL
10:00am - 2:00pm
April Food Day Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors* who make this event possible. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please download and complete the event sponsorship form.
*as of 4/21/26
-Presenting Sponsor-
-Media Sponsor-
-Participating Sponsors-
-Awards Sponsors-
Support April Food Day with a Financial Gift
A gift of $25 can provide a meal for a family of four.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please reference the sponsorship form.
To sponsor/support by credit card, please complete the form below.
For more ways to make a contribution, click here.
Thank you for your support!
Other Ways To Make A Financial Gift
To donate by stock, wire transfer, or other assets, please contact donorhelp@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org or 312.906.2350.
To pay by check, please note “April Food Day 2026” on the check and make checks payable to United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. Please mail by US Postal Service to United Way of Metro Chicago | 231196 Momentum Place | Chicago, IL 60689
If shipping by UPS, FedEx, or messenger service, please send to United Way of Metro Chicago | Fifth Third Wholesale Lockbox | Lockbox #231196 | 910 Pasquinelli Dr. | Westmont, IL 60559