On June 12, Ignite’s Belfort House will be buzzing with service, art, celebration, and community as we mark 50 years of supporting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Chicago. 

The day will begin with a Titan 100 Community Day of Service, bringing business and community leaders to Belfort House in direct support of Ignite’s work. As a Titan 100 honoree, Ignite CEO Stephanie Piccirilli helps bring this connection full circle, linking a day of service to Ignite’s 50th anniversary celebration and the community partnerships that help young people build stability, opportunity, and a future in which they thrive. 

Throughout the day, Ignite will also celebrate a brand new art installation by Chicago-based artist Matthew Hoffman of You Are Beautiful, receive a City of Chicago proclamation recognizing June 12 as Ignite 50th Anniversary Day, and mark the moment by adding a time capsule to the Belfort House Garden. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM, staff, board members, donors, volunteers, partners, community leaders, neighbors, and supporters will gather for food, connection, and community. 

Ignite Day is a chance to honor the people and partnerships that have shaped Ignite for 50 years and celebrate the young people building their futures – we look forward to you joining us. 

Join us for Sip Social, a feel-good morning fundraiser at Kibbitznest in support of Ignite, a Chicago nonprofit working alongside youth experiencing homelessness.

Enjoy coffee, cocktails, non-alcoholic options, great company, and chill DJ beats by Mayya. Whether you stop by for a coffee, a mimosa, or a mid-morning hang with friends, every sip helps make an impact.

A portion of drink sales will benefit Ignite and support housing, resources, and opportunities for young people across Chicago.

Can’t make it? You can still support.
Your donation helps Ignite continue providing housing, support, and opportunity for youth experiencing homelessness. Make a gift today and be part of the impact from wherever you are.

Celebrate 50 Years of Ignite!

April 11th | The Ritz Carlton, Chicago

This year’s Ignite & Shine Gala marks a milestone five decades in the making: a dazzling celebration of our legacy, our community, and, most importantly, the brilliance and resilience of the young people we serve. It’s an unforgettable evening filled with inspiring stories, vibrant music, exceptional dining, and a shared commitment to building a more equitable Chicago for all. 

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of impact, and boldly light the way for the next generation of youth working hard to put homelessness behind them for good.

Questions about Ignite & Shine 2026?

Contact us at gala@ignitepromise.org or Loryn Hawley at lhawley@ignitepromise.org.

Each year, the Ignite community comes together to celebrate youth resilience and collective efforts to end housing insecurity in Chicago. This year, we have even more to celebrate as we recognize our 50th Year of service! Join Ignite staff, youth, and volunteers to enjoy an evening of stories, community, and music, with a Thanksgiving meal by Chef Ora & Urban Excellence.

RSVP here to attend Thanks4Giving on Saturday, November 8th from 4pm - 7pm at Hatch 41. If you would like to volunteer at this event, please contact us at volunteer@ignitepromise.org.

Special thanks to our sponsors Saul Ewing, Chef Ora & Urban Excellence, and our volunteers from Deloitte

Join Ignite at our Drop-in Resource Center to assemble Winter Warmth Food Kits on November 7th from 1pm - 4pm. Stop by any time to help pack food for 30 young people living in Ignite apartments. Items will be collected from 1pm - 2pm and kits will be assembled from 2pm - 4pm.

To make this event possible, we’re inviting you to support by providing sets of 30:

• canned soup

• pasta and pasta sauces

• rice mixes

• baking mixes

• hot cereals

• nut butters and jellys/jams

• hot coacoa and coffee mixes

• boxed dry dinners

• granola bars, protien bars, popcorn, chips, and other snacks

Your contribution will directly fuel this hands-on project of care and comfort. Because of dedicated partners like all of you, Ignite can reach and support more than 850 young people each year. We truly couldn’t do this important work without you.

Join the Ignite Associate Board on Friday, Sept 26th from 6pm to 9pm at Replay Lincoln Park! Bust out your arcade skills while enjoying great company, snacks, and drinks for a good cause. 

All ticket sales directly support programs and youth overcoming homelessness at Ignite. 

Belfort House Gardening Projects

• The Ignite Community Garden located on-site at Belfort House provides endless opportunities for volunteers and youth to contribute. Having a garden allows youth to see the benefits of growing food crops and learn how to care for and maintain their outdoor space.

  Group Gardening Project Tasks - Volunteers will help with seasonal needs including:

  • Weeding and clearing out debris from bushes and plant beds

  • Planting vegetables & flowers

  • Watering pots and beds

  • Raking and Digging

  • Cleaning up grounds around the property

  • Picking Apples from our tree!

Join Ignite staff, clients, and community to celebrate Chicago youth and 50 years of service. Enjoy a cookout, yard games, giveaways, and community resources in the historic Rosenwald Courtyard. Donate Back-to-School Items HERE

Belfort House Gardening Projects

• The Ignite Community Garden located on-site at Belfort House provides endless opportunities for volunteers and youth to contribute. Having a garden allows youth to see the benefits of growing food crops and learn how to care for and maintain their outdoor space.

  Group Gardening Project Tasks - Volunteers will help with seasonal needs including:

  • Weeding and clearing out debris from bushes and plant beds

  • Planting vegetables & flowers

  • Watering pots and beds

  • Raking and Digging

  • Cleaning up grounds around the property

  • Picking Apples from our tree!

Ignite Clients are welcomed to join us at the Belfort House, 3745 S Indiana Ave, on Wednesday June 18th, 1PM – 4PM. Ignite staff, donors, and community members are welcome to join. There will be Food, Gifts, Resources, and more!

Ignite Clients are welcomed to join us at the Drop-in Center, 56 E. 47th Street, on June 12th, 12PM – 2PM. Ignite staff and donors are welcome to show our parents some appreciation. There will be Food, Gifts, Resources and more!

Join our Associate Board for a night of painting and community! The event will be on March 28th at Pinot's Palette on 2768 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets include painting class, painting materials, and food. Beverages can be purchased separately. 

Purchase tickets HERE