BUILD Gala 2022: May 6, Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
Thank you to our guests, sponsors, honorees, and young storytellers for coming together once again and celebrating the future we all fight for.
Together we raised over $970,000 to support Chicago youth facing the steepest systemic obstacles in our city. Your support once again provides thousands of kids with spaces and mentors that make them feel safe, nurtured, and loved.
Three BUILDers were featured speakers: listen to their stories of hard-fought transformation.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Anthony Bush
Our first-ever Alumni Honoree, Anthony Bush was told by the FBI he wouldn't live past 16 - now he has a successful career on Washington DC's Capitol Hill in bank policy reform.
Youth Speaker: Zaire McNeil
Zaire (17) overcame isolation, fear, and the extreme pressures of home to explore several BUILD programs, develop her own identity, and make plans for the future.
Youth Speaker: Uriel Guzman
Uriel (20) first joined gangs to support his mother - but after too many brutal losses, he found help and a way out with his mentor Felix.
Thank you to everyone who makes the work possible - and stay tuned for Gala 2023!
This Year's Honorees
BUILD is about the power of community, and each year we honor those who went above and beyond:
BUILDer for Life:
J. Thomas Hurvis
- Co-Founder, Old World Industries, LLC
- President, Caerus Foundation, Inc.
- Founder, Three Lakes Foundation
Tom believes in the power of collaboration—creativity, experience, passion, and philanthropy coming together to make a better world. Like BUILD, Tom believes in engaging an entire community, in change that lifts everyone. As a lead donor to our new campus, he is now building a legacy on the West Side—one that is only beginning.
Corporate Community BUILDer:
BMO Harris Bank
When BMO joined the work of revitalizing Chicago’s West Side, their goal was real change. driven by its Purpose to “Boldly Grow the Good,” BMO sought out local leaders, supported local initiatives, and invested in infrastructure organizations like BUILD to help them grow. They are partners and teammates, redefining what corporate philanthropy can be.
Philanthropy BUILDer:
United Way
United Way of Metro Chicago is changing the philanthropy game through the Neighborhood Network initiative—supporting and funding neighborhood-led coalitions that galvanize resources, ideas, and energy that make the Chicago region stronger. A new way forward together, worthy of their famous name.
Neighborhood Hero Award:
Principal Charles Anderson, Michele Clark Magnet High School
For more than 18 years, Principal Anderson has created spaces where young people can learn, thrive, and plan their futures. His irrepressible energy transforms everyone around him—bringing community in, inviting everyone to lead—even giving us a home as we built our own. BUILD has never been prouder to be an Eagle.
Distinguished Alumni Award:
Anthony Bush, Bank Policy Institute, Assistant VP of Government Affairs
At 14, Anthony was struggling with homelessness and a gang-involved family. BUILD became his lifeline. With support and hard work, he graduated high school, college, earned an MBA, worked for the late Rep. Elijah Cummings on Capitol Hill, and now is in financial services—specializing in consumer, small business and economic inclusion policy. As a leader and change-maker, Anthony is just getting started.