On May 6, 2025, CIS of Chicago gathered with friends and supporters in the Old Post Office for its annual fundraising event. This year’s theme was Being Present Matters.
During the course of the evening, attendees heard why being present matters: why it matters that young people come to school, ready to learn; why it matters they stay in school, on the path to graduation; and why it matters that CIS of Chicago is present and engaged throughout their journey.
The event provided the opportunity to stand together, as a community, and show up for the city’s students.
The CIS of Chicago Team is grateful for the nearly 300 guests who joined us, the $810,000 raised, and the sponsors who helped make this event possible. This support allows CIS of Chicago to continue empowering students to stay in school and achieve in life.
CIS of Chicago’s CEO, Jane Mentzinger, shared how CIS of Chicago’s steady presence helps kids stay in school.
“Today’s young people face challenges on many fronts,” Jane shared. “One in four children in Chicago lives in poverty. One in four witnesses violence weekly. Since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has nearly doubled — two out of five students now miss more than 10 percent of the school year.” On top of that, youth mental health challenges are on the rise.
“Our students don’t all have the privilege of opportunity and choice,” Jane said. “CIS of Chicago is here to change that. We show up in schools with programs that offer breadth, depth, and real impact.”
Attendees had the opportunity to see a glimpse into CIS’ intensive work at Henry Clay Elementary School on the South Side of Chicago.
Principal Daniel de los Reyes of Darwin Elementary shared his experience with CIS of Chicago.
Principal de los Reyes is a nationally recognized principal and equity-driven leader at Darwin Elementary in Logan Square. Under his leadership, Darwin has become a model in Chicago public schools for bilingual excellence and student support, always working in partnership with educators and families.
“When you’re fighting to meet the needs, you don’t need more programs,” Principal de los Reyes said. “You need people who show up, stay present, and stay committed. And that’s exactly what CIS of Chicago has done for our students.”
This year’s Inspiring Leader, Mark Brady, was honored.
A longtime CIS Board Member and current Chair, Mark has helped guide CIS of Chicago through a period of remarkable growth, expanding the organization’s reach from 58,000 to 80,000 students served annually.
“Mark was always thinking about the future,” Jane said. “He helped us deepen our impact and raise our visibility so more students could benefit from CIS of Chicago.”
The work doesn’t stop here.
This evening reinforced that presence matters. Every connection and every act of support helps shape what’s possible for Chicago’s students. With your continued partnership, CIS of Chicago will keep showing up because our young people deserve nothing less.
