Erikson’s 60th Anniversary Gala
Join Us in Celebrating 60 Years
For 60 years, Erikson Institute has quietly shaped the future of early childhood, preparing educators, clinicians, and social workers and supporting evidence-based practice. Our relationship-based approach has guided generations of professionals who nurture the strengths of young children. Join us as we celebrate six decades of impact and invest in the next generation of leaders dedicated to supporting children in their earliest years.
Evening Gala
When
Where
Co-Chaired By
Evening Performance
China Forbes
Lead vocalist of Pink Martini, performing an intimate solo set for Erikson’s 60th Anniversary Gala.
China Forbes is the voice behind Pink Martini, the world-renowned group, and winner of the Ella Fitzgerald Prize at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
2026 Spirit of Erikson Honorees
Jennifer and Alec Litowitz
Jennifer and Alec Litowitz share a longstanding commitment to education, arts and culture, and to the Chicago-area communities they call home. Together they most recently established Northwestern University’s Litowitz Center for Enlightened Disagreement and the Litowitz Creative Writing Graduate Program. Alec founded Magnetar Academy, whose finEDge curriculum has brought financial literacy to more than thirty thousand students nationwide, while Jennifer serves as a Northwestern University trustee and a director of the Litowitz Family Foundation. Parents of four sons and residents of Glencoe, they continue to invest in the people and institutions that strengthen learning and civic life.
Evening at a Glance
Cocktail Reception
Dinner and Program
One-night-only performance by China Forbes
Event Concludes
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship offers organizations and individuals a meaningful opportunity to align their vision and priorities with Erikson’s enduring commitment to young children and the professionals who support them. By partnering with us, you join a community of leaders, advocates, and changemakers who believe the earliest years in a child’s life are critical to their well-being and future success.
Partner with us to celebrate 60 years of impact—and help power the next 60.
Send checks payable to:
Erikson Institute
Attn: Development Office
451 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Questions? Contact us or call (312) 374-5876.
Download: Erikson Institute W-9 | 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
Sponsors
Lead Sponsor | Jennifer and Alec Litowitz
Doctorate Level
Rick & Dee Dee Chesley
The Crown & Star Families
GCM Grosvenor
Ikram & Joshua Goldman
Sabrina Gracias/Ortus Foundation
Kenneth C. Griffin
Judy & Ray McCaskey
Cari & Michael Sacks
Susan Stone & Jonathan Kahn
Master’s Level
Eric Adelstein & Gail Basch
Jacqueline Barlow & CIBC US
The Bluhm Family Mr. & Mrs. Norman Bobins, The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation
Alisoun & Stephen Brewster
Comer Family Foundation
Shawn & Lewis Ingall
Liz & Eric Lefkofsky
Anne E. Leibowitz Fund/Joy Segal
The Malkin Family
Diane Goldstick Meagher & Tom Meagher
The Neisser Family Foundation
Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation
David S. Richter
Karyn & Bill Silverstein
Sandy & Will Sterling
Tina & Byron Trott
Sheri Zuckerman & Family
Zell Family Foundation
Bachelor Level
Harrison & Brittany Barnes Community Fund
Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
Mitchell Lederer & The Francis L. Lederer Foundation
Jill & Paul Meister
Chuck Middleton
Supporters Level
Elizabeth Browne & Thomas Stone
Jose & Macol Cerda
Hilarie & Justin Hushcher
Lindy & Michael Keiser
Schuyler & Jon Levin
PEAK6 Foundation
Chris Segal
Mariana Souto-Manning, Ph.D.
Dana Weinstein
Emily Sachs Wong & Thad Wong
Erikson Institute proudly recognizes our
valued corporate sponsors:
Celebrate 60 Years. Help Power the Next 60
Join us November 6, 2026 at the Four Seasons Chicago to mark six decades of impact and help prepare the next generation of leaders for young children.