- Programs
- For Providers & Educators
- For Communities
- For Parents & Families
- Advocacy & Policy
- Research
- Give
- About IAFC
OCTOBER 15, 2025 | 5:30-9 PM
Support A Time to Shine
You can be a part of our biggest event of the year!
As an organization dedicated to providing accessible quality child care and education to Illinois’ children, we rely on the support of generous friends and supporters like you to bring our vision to life. Join us in lighting the way forward and leaving a lasting impact in Illinois by supporting our annual event, A Time to Shine.
Learn more about the event, including our growing list of sponsors!
A Special Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors:
Join our growing list of generous sponsors—be a spark for meaningful change!
Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker
Ben Wasmuth
Paul Wadin
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Bright Path
Carole Robertson Center for Learning
DJS Financial Services LLC
INCCRRA
Ingram Security & Detective Services, LLC
Ingredion, Incorporated
Lisa Kalous Real Estate
Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C.
Ankin Law
Radian Hub
SAL Community Services
State Graphics
4Imprint
Vogue Printers
Prairie State College
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Amirh Collis
W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation
Latise LaFier
The Ellevate Group, LLC
TreeHouse Foods
Linda Hodo
Katie Durick & Josh Kotin
NJP Strategies
Advance Illinois
Catherine Merritt
Peter Kim
April Janney & Doug Janney
Good Shepherd Center
Chris and Meg Knapik
A Time to Shine Support Opportunities
When you support IAFC through A Time to Shine, you’re helping to ensure every child in Illinois gets the strong early childhood foundation they need to make their dreams and goals come true.
Underwrite
Underwrite a portion of the event.
Underwriting an aspect of A Time to Shine—like the venue, speaker, or reception—is instrumental. You’ll maximize fundraising and reduce upfront costs, ensuring a smooth event. Reach out to developmentoffice@actforchildren.org
EMAIL US TOday!
Give In-Kind
Provide in-kind goods or services.
Donating goods or services will result in more fundraising dollars for critical programs and advocacy. This ensures all Illinois children have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. Reach out to developmentoffice@actforchildren.org
EMAIL US TOday!
Attend A Time to Shine
On October, 15, 2025, join us for an unforgettable evening in support of Illinois’ children and families at Theater on the Lake.
Can’t Attend? Make a donation instead.
Make a donation here. Funds raised are directed to where they are most needed.
Questions? Contact us at developmentoffice@actforchildren.org
“The best way to improve the American workforce in the 21st century is to invest in early childhood education.”
—James Heckman, Nobel Prize Laureate – Economics
Why Businesses Should Invest in
Early Childhood Education
Access, affordability, and quality are top of mind for families seeking early learning programs. However, due to issues like soaring annual costs and limited program availability, Illinois’ economy alone loses millions of dollars each year in revenue, lost earnings, and productivity when parents do not have adequate early childhood programming.
Early childhood education (ECE) is a vital public service that benefits the business sector. Investing in ECE programs:
Builds a Stronger Workforce
Parents are dedicated workers today, while preparing children for the future workforce.
Improves Employee Retention
Access to reliable child care, leads to fewer absences, higher productivity & contribution to the economy.
Increases Revenues
A stable & engaged workforce leads to greater earnings & amore robust local economy.
Reduces Costs
Over the long run, ECE can prevent more costly interventions later, such as incarceration and chronic illness.
Has a Substantial Return on Investment
For every dollar invested, high-quality ECE for children with limited resources delivers a 13% ROI per year to society.
Support IAFC through A Time to Shine.
Make an annual or multi-year commitment. View our Sponsorship Packages and choose the right one for you.
Contact us at developmentoffice@actforchildren.org today.
