WHEN: Saturday September 23, 2023 / 5-9:30 pm CST
DETAILS: Gratitude fills our hearts as we plan our 14th annual gala to raise money for families in the epilepsy community. Danny Did has assisted parents and patients spanning all 50 states and 17 countries. And yet, there remains a large unmet need, and we look to increase our impact in the years ahead. The dollars we raise will change lives for the better.
FORMAT: We are happy to welcome friends and supporters for our Hearts & Hugs fundraiser at Theater on the Lake in Chicago. Hosted by Brónagh Tumulty of WGN News, our program will feature family impact stories, auctions, a raffle drawing, live music from Terry Byrne, and our "Bid From the Heart" segment. The event features an early start so guests can enjoy the sunset from the patio overlooking Lake Michigan.
There will also be a live stream of our program, with Danny Did supporters able to watch remotely from across the U.S. For those watching remotely, a pre-show countdown will lead up to the live stream, beginning at 7 pm CST.
REGISTRATION: Online registration is here.
HOW TO WATCH REMOTELY: For those watching from afar, there will be no cost to watch our live streaming program, which will be broadcast on YouTube Live. We ask that you register for free in advance of the event, so we can send you updates leading up to the event.
For the optimal experience, viewers should plan to use one screen or monitor to watch our program on YouTube Live, and separately, to use your smartphone to bid, buy raffles or donate.
PLATINUM SPONSORS: Special thanks for the commitment and partnership of our Platinum Sponsors: UCB and Redwood Logistics. If you are interested to support this event as a sponsor partner, please see details here or email tfstanton@dannydid.org.


ONLINE SILENT AUCTION: Bidding will be online and via smart phone. Participants can bid from anywhere, near or far. Visit the
event website to browse and bid. The winner of each item does not need to be present.
RAFFLE PRIZES: Take a $50 chance to win a custom-made standing wood cooler - stocked! - and $100 chance to win 3-nights at a beautiful vacation home in Southwest Michigan. Purchase raffle tickets online here. The winners do not need to be present.
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS: Our five incredible live auction packages can be previewed here. These package will open for bids on event night, and only our in-person guests will be able to bid.
DONATIONS: If you cannot attend this event but would like to make a donation, please click here.
HOST COMMITTEE & VIP TABLES: If you are interested to join our Hearts & Hugs Host Committee - with options with and without a reserved table - click here for details or email mduffy@dannydid.org to learn more. We thank all of these incredible members of our host committee. UPDATE: Our VIP tables are now sold out!
Hearts & Hugs questions? Email us at info@dannydid.org.
