The Wood Family Foundation Hosts Inaugural "Storybook Gala" with Willy Wonka-Inspired Theme

Wood Family Foundation’s Inaugural Storybook Gala Raises Approximately $250,000 for Pitch In Mentoring Program

It was a Wonka-inspired evening on Friday, September 25th at Moonlight Studios where over 300 guests came out to support Kerry and Sarah Wood and the Wood Family Foundation’s inaugural Storybook Gala. Themed “Pure Imagination,” the event was emceed by actor/comedian Kevin Farley and featured a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, dessert bar, and musical performances by hand percussionists and DJ Nate. Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, Tom Ricketts, received the Pitch In for Excellence Award presented by Governor Bruce Rauner.

Approximately $250,000 was raised to expand the Wood Family Foundation’s Pitch In after-school mentoring program, which was launched in 2014 to help children in underserved areas of Chicago and currently focuses on 4th grade students at Lawndale Community Academy.

Each year, a new children’s book will be selected as the theme for the Storybook Gala, with this year being Charlie & The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Oompa Loompas roamed the room while ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ played on TV screens during the cocktail reception and post party. Vibrant décor, embellished props, a candy bar, delectable desserts and Golden Tickets transported guest into the magical world of Wonka.

“This event is so important to us and to the kids at Lawndale Academy,” explained Sarah Wood. “Thanks to our supporters and friends, we will be able to mentor additional classes of kids while maintaining those who initially began in the Pitch In program.”

“Giving children an opportunity is what we are about. No matter what the situation may be, we want to provide the necessary tools for children who want to learn and we are grateful for those who support the work of the Wood Family Foundation,” explained Kerry Wood.

The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit 501c3 organization that was founded in June

2011 by Kerry and Sarah Wood. The WFF works to improve the lives of children in and around

Chicago with its programs and acts as an advocate for children in the Chicago community,

inspiring others to join them in their mission of giving children the resources they need to

succeed. http://wffpitchin.org/