First Look for Charity

First Look for Charity stands as one of Chicago's greatest one-day fundraisers, regularly generating about $2 million for 18 area nonprofits. Held at McCormick Place the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens its 10-day public run, the benevolent event is anticipated by socialites and car buffs alike.

The tuxedo-mandatory gala affords participants the chance to stroll the show floor amid opulence not present during the public portion of the Chicago Auto Show. Tickets are $250. Guests are treated to champagne, wine, soft drinks, elegant hors d'oeuvres and desserts-all while being the first to explore that year's edition of the nation's largest auto show. This year's edition features the chance to win a 2012 Cadillac Escalade and a 2012 Cadillac SRX.

Since it debuted in 1992, First Look for Charity has raised more than $32 million for significant Chicago area charities. The 2012 beneficiaries are:

• 100 Club of Chicago
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet
• Children's Memorial Hospital
• Clearbrook
• The Cradle Foundation
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Franciscan Community Benefit Services
• Franciscan St. James Health
• Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• March of Dimes
• Misericordia Heart of Mercy
• Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago
• Special Olympics Illinois
• Spina Bifida Association of Illinois
• Jesse White Tumbling Team

Click on the links below for more information.