11th Annual Luminary Award Dinner

For the past decade, the Luminary Award Dinner has united individuals in support of ChicagoCAC’s vital work: investigating abuse, advocating for families, educating the community, and restoring the lives of children impacted by sexual abuse and other forms of trauma. Thanks to the generous support of our donors and partners, this signature event has raised millions of dollars to provide life-changing services, ensuring every child has a path to healing and a future free from violence.

Join over 400 Chicago professionals and community leaders dedicated to igniting hope & healing, and empowering communities. We hope to see you there!

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Event Info

Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. Program includes dinner, live and silent auctions, mission moment, keynote speaker, and paddle raise. 

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Our 2026 Luminary Award Recipients 

During this special evening, we honor exceptional leaders whose dedication has strengthened the protection and well-being of Chicago’s children. This year’s Luminary Award recipients, Alexi Giannoulias and John C. Robak, have been instrumental in igniting hope and healing for survivors of abuse. We are grateful for their unwavering support and work to advance ChicagoCAC’s mission.

2026 Luminary Award Recipient: Alexi Giannoulias

Alexi Giannoulias was sworn in as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State in 2023, overseeing the nation’s largest Secretary of State’s office with more than 4,000 employees across 25 departments. His priorities include enhancing road safety, modernizing outdated technology and improving customer service by expanding online services and reducing the “Time Tax” Illinoisans face waiting for essential government services. A supporter of ChicagoCAC for over 15 years, he has had an irreplaceable impact on children and families across Chicago through his many generous contributions and his service on the ChicagoCAC Advisory Board.

2026 Luminary Award Recipient: John C. Robak

A respected Chicago civic and business leader and longtime champion of ChicagoCAC’s mission, John C. Robak has been an unwavering advocate for protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the services that help heal them. His leadership and generosity have played a vital role in advancing the Center’s work on behalf of children and families across our city. Through his steadfast advocacy, he has helped strengthen the programs and partnerships that make healing possible for thousands of young survivors each year. His commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting the organizations that serve them reflects the very spirit of the Luminary Award.

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Our Keynote Speaker: Jess Michaels

Jess Michaels is a TEDx speaker, survivor-advocate, and founder of 3Joannes, Inc., where she created 3Js Sexual Assault First Aid Kit™ and the #withyoutoo Social Safety app. A 1991 Jeffrey Epstein survivor who has lived with PTSD for more than 30 years, Jess translates lived experience into practical, trauma-informed tools that teach communities how to respond to sexual harm with care not confusion. Her work reframes sexual assault as an injury before it’s an investigation, with the goal of preventing long-term trauma through immediate, compassionate human response.

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