Programs & Events

Join us throughout the year at community and public programs at which our Gift of Hope staff and volunteers are engaged with community advocate and providing education about life-giving organ, eye and tissue donation.

In addition to our public programs and fundraisers below, please check our programs specifically for:

• Donor families
• Hospital professionals
• Funeral service professionals
• Medical examiners, coroners, state’s attorneys and law enforcement

Driver’s Education Donation Awareness Presentation 
Wednesday, May 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jefferson High School, 4145 Samuelson Road, Rockford, Ill. 

Multiple high schools join together to promote the importance of registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. If you are a Gift of Hope Ambassador, this may be an opportunity for you.
Contact: Luis Ortega

Chicago Airport Expo and Job Fair
Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, Ill.

This event attracts Chicago residents of all ages to explore careers at O’Hare and Midway airports. Gift of Hope will promote donor registration.
Contact: Syreeta Talbert

What’s Blooming on Harrison Street Festival of the Arts
Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Oak Park Arts District, 145 Harrison St., Oak Park, Ill.

What’s Blooming on Harrison Street is an annual spring event where local artists and art galleries open their doors and welcome the public in. Gift of Hope will sponsor this event and host a table to promote donor registrations.
Contact: Tonisha Brown

Harvey Neighborhood Resource Fair
Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gloria Taylor Banquet Hall, 14821 Broadway Ave., Harvey, Ill.

The United Way Transforming Places Neighborhood Network is excited to introduce the Harvey Neighborhood Network and celebrate with thier Safe Summer Community Cookout. Gift of Hope will host a table to promote donor registrations as part of their focus on wellness.
Contact: Tonisha Brown

YMCA Senior Health and Fitness Day
Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Puri Family YMCA
1475 S. Perryville Road, Rockford, Ill. 

Gift of Hope will host a table to promote donor registrations at this event focused on senior wellness.
Contact: Luis Ortega

Hope on the Pier Summer Series
Wednesday, May 29, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
(Held on the fourth Wednesday of May, June, July, August and September)
Windy City Ribs and Whiskey-Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, Ill.

We’re partnering with Windy City Ribs to promote donor registrations to all customers visiting the restaurant.
Contact: Syreeta Talbert

Virtual Open Grief Support for Donor Families
May 7, 6–7 p.m. 

We welcome all donor families to join us monthly for our Open Grief Support Group via Zoom. We will meet on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. CST.
Contact: Donor Family Services

Connection & Keepsakes: Seasonal Wreath
May 11, 12-2 p.m.
Location: TBA (South Suburbs)

We invite donor families to celebrate their loved one at this memory making event. An instructor will help guide us as we create a keepsake seasonal wreath in honor of our loved one and their legacy. We will have the opportunity to share stories and connect with one another.
Registration required. Contact: Donor Family Services

Memory Box Assembly Workshop
May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: TBA (Chicago)

We invite all those who have been touched by donation to connect during this workshop, while assembling memory boxes to be given to future donor families.
Registration required. Contact: Donor Family Services