Welcome to the virtual Summer Social

Click player below to re-watch our virtual event

Join us for the (virtual) social event of the summer!

Hosted by the Cara Associate Board, Summer Social presented by Slalom & The Beebe Family was our first hybrid event! This year, guests could join us for an in-person VIP tasting experience or for an interactive evening from the comfort of their home. However they joined, we delievered a memorable evening supporting the mission of Cara and our motivated job seekers.

View Photos from Our Event

Match Gift Activated!

Thanks to our friends at Creation Investments, the first $25,000 in personal donations to the Cara Summer Social were matched dollar for dollar. Your continued support will:

  • Provide hope, personal and professional training, and resources to our motivated job seekers
  • Help families and communities rise above intergenerational poverty
  • Keep our participants on their pathway out of poverty towards a brighter future
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Our Virtual Program

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Entertainment
Mission Moments
Remarks
Testimonials
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Remarks

Associate Board Welcome

The Cara Associate Board welcomes guests to our virtual 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Remarks

Associate Board Welcome

The Cara Associate Board welcomes guests to our virtual 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Remarks

Mayor Lightfoot

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a special welcome message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Entertainment

El Bandido Yankee

Our friends at El Bandido Yankee walk through how to make their signature cocktail, The Outlier.
Entertainment

El Bandido Yankee

Our friends at El Bandido Yankee walk through how to make their signature cocktail, The Fiery Bandido.
Testimonials

Chris Chelios

Chris Chelios, retired NHL champion, has a special message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Mission Moments

Hey Cara Associate Board, Motivate Me! (part 1)

The Cara Associate Board goes into our virtual Motivations circle as part of our 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Entertainment

Chef Cory | City Sons BBQ

Chef Cory Morris of City Sons BBQ gives the backstory to the founding of the Summer Social, and shares what makes his Frito Pie so special.
Testimonials

Carla Hall

Chef and TV personality Carla Hall has a special message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Entertainment

The Dead Bolts

Our friends at The Dead Bolts provided a special performance of their song “Some Are (Summer) Lovin'” recorded as part of “Live from the Loop.”
Testimonials

Jimmy Chamberlin

Jimmy Chamberlin, drummer for the Smashing Pumpkins, has a special message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Entertainment

Chef Marcos | Taqueria Chingon

Chef Marcos Ascencio of Taqueria Chingon shows us the process behind their popular pork cheek cochinita pibil.
Mission Moments

Hey Cara Associate Board, Motivate Me! (part 2)

The Cara Associate Board goes into our virtual Motivations circle as part of our 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Testimonials

Beverly Kim

Beverly Kim, “Top Chef” star and owner of Parachute, has a special message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Remarks

Slalom Remarks

Our friends at Slalom have a special message to the attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Remarks

President’s Remarks

Cordelia Seidel, President of Cara’s Associate Board, delivers remarks to attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.
Mission Moments

Melissa’s Story

Cara graduate Melissa K. shares her journey to overcome addiction and become the best mother to her son.
Remarks

Jesse Teverbaugh Remarks

Jesse Teverbaugh, Director of Student & Alumni Affairs for Cara, shares the true power of transformation to attendees of the 2021 Cara Summer Social.

Read our Virtual Program Book

2021 Cara Summer Social Program Book

Thank You to Our Summer Social Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Jobs Sponsors

Opportunity Sponsors

Hope Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsors