After a one-year absence, First Look for Charity returns to the 2022 Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 11. The black-tie gala will benefit 17 area nonprofits.

 

The coming First Look for Charity event gives benefactors the chance to see hundreds of new vehicles on display amid an elegance not present when the masses converge on McCormick Place during the auto show’s 10-day consumer run, Feb. 12-21. 

 

Benefactors also have the chance to win one of two 2022 vehicles: a Buick Enclave Avenir or a GMC Yukon Denali. Attendees at the gala will be treated to heavy hors d’oeuvres; champagne, spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks; and special entertainment presented by the automakers in their displays.

First Look for Charity is one of the special events on the winter schedules of Chicago socialites and car buffs, said Bill Haggerty, chairman of the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.

"The Chicago Auto Show is uniformly regarded as the finest auto show in the country, but the charitable cause demonstrates that this auto show is about more than just vehicles and accessories," he said. "It’s also about giving something to the charities of our community." 

The 16 organizations participating in this year’s First Look for Charity predominantly are children-oriented. Some operate on a global level; others, locally. The charities use the proceeds they raise from the event in their efforts in the Chicago area, Haggerty said. 

Charities involved in the 30th annual First Look for Charity are the 100 Club of Chicago, Advocate Health Care, ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet.

Also, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Glenwood Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Chicago, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children.

And, Misericordia, New Star, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

Tickets to the event are $275 each and can be ordered at chicagoautoshow.com or by calling (630) 495-2282. 

Benefactors should indicate which charity or charities they want their donation to benefit. Of each ticket, $223 is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.