What is 50 Years Young (50 YY)? This is Whitney Young’s 50th anniversary gala and fundraising event for parents, alumni, staff, and friends. This event is for adults only and features an auction, raffle, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, and special performances by student groups.
When and where does it take place? Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive.
Is it a sit-down dinner? Fifty Years Young is a cocktail party featuring passed hors d'oeuvres as well as an open bar serving wine, beer, and cocktails
What time is the event, and how long does it go? The 50 YY party begins at 7PM and goes until 11PM.
Will Mr. Harris be there? He wouldn't miss it! He is hosting a special Golden Hour at 6pm for sponsors, so consider being a sponsor to join him at this special event! And there’s an added bonus: Dr. Joyce Kenner, the former principal, will be there, too.
What is the Golden Hour? The Golden Hour is a private VIP reception that takes place an hour before the gala begins. It includes music, specialty cocktails, and passed hors d'oeuvres in a beautiful private space at Hyatt Regency Chicago. It gives you time to visit with Mr. Harris, Dr. Kenner, and other VIPs.
How can I get an invite to the Golden Hour? Become a sponsor (should add Golden Hour in description with donation levels) (<<< Jessica) and it will include tickets to 50YY gala as well as the Golden Hour with Mr. Harris and Dr. Kenner. Other sponsorship benefits include recognition on websites, signage at the event, and more!
Can my company be a sponsor? Absolutely! We have sponsorships at various levels to fit your company's budget. Consider being a VIP sponsor and have your logo prominently displayed at the event with a special acknowledgement.
Can I buy a ticket and not be a sponsor? Yes! We have tickets at varying prices depending on when you purchase your ticket. See our ticket page for more information.
What is the dress code? 50 YY is a cocktail event but cocktail dresses and suits are not required. Come dressed to have a good time — think “casual chic” if you need some inspiration!
Is there music at 50 YY? We have special musical performances from some of our Whitney Young groups, as well as a DJ spinning the hits for those who want to make their way to the dance floor.
What else happens at 50 YY? There will be special student performances, people to mingle with, our famous silent auction with items to bid on, the drawing in our raffle, and a paddle raise (???).
Do teachers attend? Yes, teachers are invited and plenty attend the event as well as coaches, administrators, and staff members.
Are Alumni invited? Yes, alumni are invited and hundreds will be on-hand!
If I win an auction item, do I need to take it home that night? No, auction items will be available for you to pick up at school the following week.
What does 50 YY support? All proceeds from 50 YY support student programming at Whitney Young. Clubs, athletic teams, and extracurricular programs must raise the funds they need to operate. CPS does not provide adequate funding and without the funds raised from Spring Bash, many of these programs could not exist.
The revenue from your raffle ticket purchases can be designated to a specific club, team, or department. Auction items proceeds are allocated to the team or club that submitted the item to the auction.
What else can I do to support 50 YY? Donate an item to the silent auction and designate the team, club, department, or program you would like the proceeds to support. 50 YY is the place to be and it's gonna be a blast so grab those other parents or friends of yours, and join us! Trust us, you don't want to miss out on all the fun!