UNICEF Next Generation Masquerade Ball

Send a child to school, and you will shape the future of a nation.      

Hey there Chicago readers!

My name is Erin Guffey and I have the privilege of serving as one of the Co-Chairs for the Inaugural UNICEF Next Generation Masquerade Ball in Chicago at Moonlight Studios on October 30^th. The funds raised from the Ball will help UNICEF provide access to education for Syrian children, both in the country and living as refugees in neighboring countries. Education is absolutely essential to childhood development and the stability of society, and most importantly, it provides immediate protection and comfort for children displaced by a crisis such as Syria.

The evening of Masquerade Ball will bring UNICEF’s work to the next generation of young philanthropists and will be a celebration of UNICEF’s efforts to save and protect children around the world. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: www.unicefusa.org/CHImasq.  With the theme Superheroes & Villains, this Halloween event will feature attendees in themed costumes, music and dancing, an open bar, organic catering, a candy bar, and a zero waste initiative. Special thanks to Hershey’s, Hub 51, Pure Catering Kitchen, Vita Coco and Aqua Hydrate for contributions, with gift bag items donated by Giorgio Armani Fragrances and GLOSSYBOX.  In addition to Chicago, UNICEF’s Next Generation is also hosting Masquerade Balls in Los Angeles and New York on October 30.

Previous UNICEF Masquerade Balls in Los Angeles and New York have been supported and attended by celebrities and philanthropists including Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis, Zooey Deschanel, Ahna O’Reilly, Lindsay Ellingson, Jenna Bush and Barbara Bush.

UNICEF’s Next Generation is a diverse group of young professionals, ages 21 to 40, who share a commitment to UNICEF’s mission to save and protect the world’s most vulnerable children. These passionate advocates recognize that UNICEF’s lifesaving work for children depends on the engagement of every new generation.

In 2014, UNICEF’s Next Generation chose to raise $500,000 to provide access to education for Syrian children, both in the country and living as refugees in neighboring countries. The conflict in Syrian has displaced more than 1.5 million children, preventing many from accessing schooling. Without education, protection, and support for these children, there is a risk of losing an entire generation to this conflict. The funds raised by UNICEF’s Next Generation will increase access to learning spaces, expand access to recreational activities and strengthen alternative education programs for out-of-school kids. To learn more and to join Next Generation, please visit unicefusa.org/nextgeneration.

UNICEF’s Next Generation is committed to providing opportunities and hope to the #ChildrenofSyria through fundraising events like the Inaugural Masquerade Ball.  Won’t you join us?  #UNICEFMasqCHI