Building Glenkirk's Future: A Night to Remember at the 2025 Benefit Bash
On Friday, September 26, 2025, more than 200 guests gathered at the beautiful Highland Park Country Club for Glenkirk’s 28th Annual Benefit Bash an inspiring evening that celebrated community, compassion, and the incredible individuals who make up the Glenkirk family.
This year’s theme, “Building Glenkirk’s Future,” captured the organization’s exciting momentum and the vision that continues to guide our mission. Together, guests helped raise over $300,000 to support Glenkirk’s vital programs. Funds raised at the event will strengthen health and wellness, environmental enhancements, and community enrichment initiatives across our residential homes and program sites.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The evening held special meaning as we paid tribute to Eileen Bennin, longtime Board Member, Benefit Bash founder, and passionate parent advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eileen’s legacy was reflected in every detail of the event ffrom the elegant décor she influenced to the heartfelt tributes that filled the room. Her spirit continues to inspire Glenkirk’s mission of inclusion, opportunity, and belonging.
Celebrating Milestones and Momentum
Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail reception, dinner, and the premiere of a moving video produced by Justin Lynk of Just Stories, highlighting Glenkirk’s remarkable growth over the past year. The film showcased the opening of our Mundelein Day Program and Behavioral Health Clinic and offered a glimpse into the future as we prepare to move into our new Northbrook headquarters.
You can watch the full video here: Building Glenkirk's Future
These milestones mark the next step in our ongoing Empowering Spaces Capital Campaign, expanding our capacity to provide accessible, person-centered supports that help individuals imagine, explore, and connect with their communities.
With Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the 2025 Benefit Bash such a success. To our sponsors, guests, volunteers, Board of Directors, and staff—thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and your unwavering belief in Glenkirk’s mission.
Your support ensures that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to have access to the opportunities, resources, and community connections they deserve. Together, we are truly building Glenkirk’s future.
It’s not too late to give!
Your continued support ensures Glenkirk can keep building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Click to Give!
Looking Ahead
We’re thrilled to share that Glenkirk has officially moved its administrative headquarters to our new facility at 3300 Dundee Road in Northbrook (All donations and mailed correspondence should now be sent to this new address.) This bright, accessible space will soon include a new Day Program site, opening within its walls in the months ahead which will be a major step forward in creating more inclusive, community-centered environments for the individuals we support.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue Building Glenkirk’s future.
Scenes from the Benefit Bash
Relive the magic of the evening through our photo gallery below, featuring highlights from the event, familiar faces, and the moments that made the night so memorable.
