EVENT DETAILS
​Date
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Location
Swissôtel Chicago
323 E Upper Wacker Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
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Complimentary valet parking for Discovery Ball is located via the main hotel entrance.
Attire Black-tie
Tuxedos for men and ball gowns for women.
Schedule:
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Reception & Silent Auction
7:00 PM – 10:30 PM Dinner & Live Auction
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM Late-Night Party
Event registration begins at 5:30 p.m. After you register, you will be escorted to a reception that includes the silent auction. The doors to the ballroom will open at 7:00 p.m. for dinner, program, live auction and the featured guest performance. At 10:30 p.m., guests will be invited to the late-night party for snacks, dancing and other fun surprises. The event is scheduled to end at 12:00 a.m.
A room block for Discovery Ball has been reserved at the Swissôtel Chicago for a special rate of $199 through March 21, 2018.
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What is Discovery Ball?
The American Cancer Society’s 12th annual Discovery Ball "Impact From Every Angle" will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Swissôtel Chicago. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-event reception which includes a silent auction followed by an elegant dinner, a live auction, incredible entertainment and a Late-Night party.
Who is Attending?
More than 900 guests are expected to attend including corporate sponsors, business owners and philanthropic leaders.
Event Leadership & Presenting Sponsor
The Discovery Ball 2018 event chair is Maurice Smith, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is serving as the presenting sponsor this year.
Event History
Since 2007, the annual Discovery Ball has raised nearly $31 million to support the American
Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create a world with less cancer by helping people
stay well and get well. Discovery Ball is one of Chicago’s premier cancer fundraising events
with national notoriety. Over the years, guests have been entertained by Natalie Cole, Kevin Nealon, Billy Gardell, Keith Urban, Paul Reiser and Hunter Hayes. Celebrity emcees have included Katie Couric, Maria Bartiromo and James Corden.
Payment Information
We do not accept cash at Discovery Ball. Only credit cards and checks will be accepted.
Auction
Mobile bidding on cell phones will be used at Discovery Ball. Please be sure to bring your fully-charged cell phone with you.
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How to Make a Donation
You may CLICK HERE to donate online, call or mail in your donation to the Discovery Ball office at 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200, Chicago, Illinois 60601. We do not accept cash for Discovery Ball donations. Only credit cards and checks are accepted.
If you mail in your donation, the American Cancer Society will send you a receipt for your tax records, approximately six weeks after payment is received. If you make a donation online using your credit card, you will be directed to a confirmation page that can be printed for your tax records. In addition, an email will be sent to you that includes a receipt that can be printed for your records.
Why Support
Discovery Ball donations will support the mission of the American Cancer Society as it works to save lives and create a world with less cancer by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.
Approximately 1.7 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year. More than 595,000 Americans will lose their battle. That’s more than 1,600 people a day. You can help us move one step closer to a world free from the pain and suffering of cancer by celebrating with us at the Discovery Ball.
Public Recognition
The American Cancer Society brand awareness is 98% nationwide. No other health organization has a higher rating. Our brand helps to clearly identify our organization, set it apart from other organizations, and ultimately create relationships with our communities. Your participation in the Discovery Ball includes public recognition through our media partners.
Awards
In 2017, BizBash selected the Discovery Ball as the #1 charity event in Chicago, an honor also received four years in a row from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, Discovery Ball was recognized in the top 100 events in United States by BizBash, the nation’s leading event trade publication.