Hundreds of Chicagoans gathered to support Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) at their Red Jacket Optional gala, hosted at The Geraghty on Saturday, October 14th. Uniting Voices’ transformative youth empowerment and music education programs serve thousands of students from every neighborhood in Chicago and beyond. The $1.5M raised last night’s inspirational gala supports music programming, offered free of charge to students, in 88 Chicago schools.
Red Jacket Optional (RJO) is Uniting Voices Chicago’s largest annual fundraiser and one of Chicago’s most successful galas. In the past 10 years, RJO has raised more than $14.5M, which funds Uniting Voices’ exemplary music education programming that emphasizes holistic learning to nurture social-emotional development and produce positive outcomes, including a 100 percent high school graduation and college acceptance rate.
Mayor Brandon Johnson opened the evening by reflecting on Uniting Voices’ long history of impactful programming for Chicago youth. "Uniting Voices Chicago is not just molding the next generation of world-class performers. I know this program is molding confident, empowered young people who are ready to excel in school and become the future leaders of this city," Mayor Johnson remarked.
The night featured vibrant performances by Uniting Voices members, ages 6-18, including show-stopping renditions of Broadway classics, original music, and songs from around the world. With culinary delights from Boka Catering Group, an open bar, access to a live auction with premium experiences, and an epic afterparty, the evening was a night to remember, all in support of Chicago’s youth!
“Red Jacket Optional 2023 was a testament to the power of music to unite us as one. In light of recent events, I am hopeful that we lifted spirits and fueled souls. We are deeply grateful to the community of supporters who have committed to Uniting Voices as a template for our present and the future: a world filled with beauty, optimism, empathy, possibility, hope, love and peace,” says Josephine Lee, President of Uniting Voices.
Additionally, the event honored board members Caroline Dettman, Chief Marketing and Creative Officer for The Female Quotient, and Eric Ashworth, President of Agency Solutions and Executive Vice President of Product and Market Strategy at Quad, for their leadership of the organization’s vibrant Fall 2022 rebrand to Uniting Voices. Mr. Ashworth and Ms. Dettman focused on this ethos as well as the more than 65-year commitment to exceptional performance-based learning that helps youth find their voice through music.
The honorees were joined by co-chairs Michelle and Tom Cusick and Suzanne EL-Moursi and Bassel Ericsoussi in hosting the event alongside the Uniting Voices’ Board of Directors. Tom Kehoe of Kehoe Designs served as Design Chair. This year’s event was attended by more than 500 civic and business leaders, arts, culture, and education enthusiasts and changemakers.
Uniting Voices members receive world-class musical training, workshops from acclaimed artists, and compelling professional-level performance opportunities—from appearances at Lyric Opera and Ravinia Festival to one-of-a-kind features on major recording projects like Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book and a live appearance with Karol G on Saturday Night Live and at Lollapalooza. In addition to learning exceptional musical technique, students explore the history and social significance of music from cultures around the globe.
Over 80 percent of Uniting Voices Chicago participants in 140+ ensembles come from low- to moderate-income households, and 100 percent participate at some level of subsidy. Support from Red Jacket Optional ensures that a high quality and culturally empowering music education is available to any child, regardless of their financial position. Uniting Voices estimates 4,000 students will participate in programs this school year.
Uniting Voices Chicago is grateful for the support of its RJO sponsors, including lead Rose and Bob Fealy, The Hatherly Family, and David and Lesly Koo. Contributions of any amount help provide accessible Uniting Voices programming.
About Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir)
Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) is a nonprofit organization that empowers and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music. Founded in 1956 and inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, Uniting Voices Chicago provides accessible music education to youth ages 6-18 from every zip code of Chicago. With hundreds of choirs across 80+ Chicago schools; achievements that include international tours and collaborations with world renowned artists; and a network of more than 50,000 alumni around the globe, Uniting Voices is taking the next step to empower a new generation of changemakers.