Bob and Linda Sullivan are among the founding members of United Way of Metro Chicago’s new 1837 Society, recognizing donors who have made a planned gift to support the organization’s and Chicago’s future. Their planned gift builds on more than 50 years of supporting United Way through both their generosity and volunteer leadership.
The powerful partnership is meeting today’s challenges and building a stronger future for neighborhoods and residents across Chicago through support of United Way’s Response Fund, 211 Metro Chicago, and the launch of the North Lawndale Neighborhood Network.
For more than 30 years, Burns & McDonnell and United Way have partnered to strengthen local communities, creating a legacy of generosity and deep impact. Burns & McDonnell’s culture is rooted in one defining characteristic: 100% employee ownership.
United Way of Metro Chicago was proud to recognize Cheryl Francis as the 2026 recipient of the Andrew J. McKenna Leadership Award at the annual Stronger Neighborhoods Awards on May 28, 2026. The honor reflects not only exceptional leadership, but a lifelong commitment to building stronger, thriving neighborhoods.
In recognition of PNC’s enduring commitment to the Chicago region, and its deep, impactful partnership with United Way, PNC received the 2026 Corporate Leadership Award at United Way of Metro Chicago’s Stronger Neighborhoods Awards Luncheon on May 28, 2026.
The EY Chicago Office Managing Partner has been a United Way of Metro Chicago donor for more than two decades and also serves on our board of directors. Now, he’s taking his civic leadership to the next level.
Chicago’s Ford team comes together every year to make a difference through its employee giving campaign – and support United Way of Metro Chicago’s work. Employees from Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant have always stepped up in a big way, raising nearly $3 million over the last decade.
BMO was a founding partner of United Way of Metro Chicago’s Neighborhood Network Initiative more than a decade ago. The bank believes in the power of place-based community support – and has announced it’s investing another $7.5 million in the Neighborhood Networks.
The Former Vice Chairman of Northern Trust has retired, but his commitment to the community – and United Way – remains as strong as ever.
As the seventh of eight children, Katie Jahnke Dale learned at a young age how to hold her own. Today, she’s a sought-after real estate attorney and committed to giving back through pro bono work – and supporting United Way of Metro Chicago.