After School Matters teens from across the city come together every spring to showcase the work of the academic year in an extraordinary presentation of culinary, performing, and visual arts at The Legendary Chicago Theatre.

Performances at the 2009 Citywide Showcase celebrated a range of global influences. The show included a traditional Chinese folk dance, a Korean Drumming demostration, a Mariachi band performance and hip hop dance.

The Citywide Showcase also offers guests the opportunity to sample hors d'oeuvres prepared by teens in the culinary programs. Artwork created by teens from our visual arts programs is available to view and purchase in the reception area.

Admission to the Citywide Showcase is free, but reservations are required.

The After School Matters Annual Gala, hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley, is our major annual fundraising event. The event is traditionally held at new and unique venues throughout Chicago such as Millennium Park, the newly renovated Soldier Field, U.S. Cellular Field, and O’Hare Airport’s new runway 9 Left/27 right. The 2009 Gala was held in historic Washington Park to celebrate Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

The main attractions of the Gala, however, are the talented teens who participate in our programs. Guests enjoy their spectacular talents throughout the evening: from the artwork and hors d'oeuvres featured in the reception gallery to the stellar on-stage performance and even the table centerpieces.

Funds raised by the After School Matters Annual Gala directly support the organization’s mission of creating a network of out-of-school opportunities, including apprenticeships and drop-in programs, for teens in underserved communities.

The 2008 Gala held on O'Hare's Runway Left/27, placed second in BizBash magazine’s 2008 list of Chicago’s Top 100 Events. Click here for the story.