Big announcements for 2026 coming soon!
2026 ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
What started as a simple holiday idea by Ed McMurray has blossomed into the most festive, high-energy tradition in Chicago.
Our mission has always been profoundly personal, fueled by the resilience of four siblings—Mary, Dave, Jon, and Mark—who survived cancer, and driven by a deep desire to transform heartache into action.
Today, we gather not just to celebrate the season, but to illuminate the way to a cure.
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Our annual holiday fundraiser has become the "hottest ticket in town," drawing over 300 incredible guests from across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and beyond.
When you step into the room, you aren't just an attendee—you’re a partner in hope.
What makes the evening unforgettable?
- The Soundtrack: High-energy live music that keeps the dance floor packed all night long.
- The Flavors: A delicious array of custom food and festive libations (The Mezze Experience!).
- The Thrill: A high-stakes Silent Auction and Raffles featuring incredible prizes, from luxury electronics to unique travel packages.
- The Magic: Unexpected celebrity sightings and special surprises that make every year unique.
- Every ticket, every bid, and every dance move supports the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Together, we are an unstoppable force in the mission to conquer cancer.
❄️ Save the Date: Winter 2026
We are already dreaming up ways to make our next gathering even more impactful.
While the 2025 celebration was one for the record books, the fight continues—and so does the party!
Keep your calendars clear for Winter 2026. > Big announcements, ticket releases, and venue details are coming soon.
Together, we will continue to turn the tide against cancer, one celebration at a time.
We can’t wait to see you there!
2025 ANNUAL HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER: Mistletoe & mezze highlights
Celebrating 25 Years!: A Milestone Night of Hope & Harmony
We recently marked a monumental milestone as we gathered for the 25th Anniversary of our holiday celebration. What began decades ago as a simple idea by Ed McMurray—to blend the joy of the season with a mission of mercy—truly blossomed into a powerful legacy of resilience this past December.
On Saturday, December 6, we returned to the iconic House of Blues Chicago to transform heartache into action and celebrate the incredible survivors who inspire us every day.
A Night to Remember
We curated an evening designed to sparkle, and the energy in the room was electric from the first note to the final toast.
- The Soundtrack of Hope: The dance floor stayed packed thanks to the Paul Windsor Orchestra, presented by Access to Music.
- The Mezze Experience: Guests savored a delicious, custom-crafted array of food and libations. It was the perfect setting to share a plate, spark a conversation, and forge powerful new connections.
- The Thrill of the Win: * Silent Auction: Starting at 6:00 AM, our community browsed unique packages and bid generously, with every dollar fueling life-saving research.
- Grand Raffles: The excitement peaked during the drawings for Split the Pot and the massive 75-Inch LG Smart TV courtesy of Abt.
- Capturing Magic: From the brand-new photo booth to the sea of festive cocktail attire, every moment was a memory worth sharing.
Thank you for being part of the most festive and impactful night of the year!
2025 Venue Partner
2025 Entertainment Partner
2025 Photography and Photo Booth Partner
2025 silver sponsor
2025 Mezze & Mixology Partner
2025 photography Sponsor
2025 Friends & Family Sponsor
2025 coat check Sponsor
