WINTER CHARITY GALA “MASQUERADE AFFAIR” FAQs!
We're excited to celebrate Chicago Booth's Annual Winter Charity Gala with you tonigth!!! Please take the time to read the information below to answer any last-minute questions you may have.
EVENT TIMING
The event will begin at 6:30 PM and end at 11 PM. Re-entry is not permitted.
You will need to show the scannable ticket (QR Code) found in your confirmation email or the Campus Groups app. Please have this pulled up upon arrival to speed up check-in!
YOU MUST BE THROUGH THE DOOR BY 7:15 PM - DO NOT ARRIVE LATE, DOORS WILL BE CLOSED!
DRESS CODE
- Black tie optional / formalwear (i.e. tuxedo or suit, formal dresses can be long or short)
- Mask (optional)
*Masks not provided*
ARRIVING/LEAVING THE VENUE
Transportation is not included in your ticket. We recommend using rideshare apps or car services and scheduling transport in advance given the scale of the event. Please input the following address into the rideshare app: Theater on The Lake: 2401 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614. Upon arrival, have your driver follow all instructions made by the traffic attendant as you make your way around the traffic circle.
Enter the venue from the traffic circle on the southern end of the building. Upon entry, your ticket will be scanned and you will be directed along the left side of the building to coat check. From there, you can make your way into the main event room.Please be patient and respectful of the venue, staff, and each other when exiting. No parking will be available - this will be strictly enforced.
TICKET TRANSFERS
Ticket transfers closed as of noon today.
CHARITABLE AUCTION
This year, during the gala we will announce two special auction packages as part of Giving Something Back’s ongoing 2025 Charity Auction. We are proud to announce that proceeds from this year’s auction will go to support Deborah's Place, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing services and housing to homeless women in the greater Chicago area.
The auction features a wide array of auction items and unique experiences to bid on, donated by Booth faculty, student groups, and local Chicago businesses. A link to the auction site with details on all packages can be found here.
The two special packages that will premier during the gala include a private dinner for 10 with Dean Rajan and his wife and a 4-night stay in Aspen! Bidding for all packages (including the two special gala packages) will close at 8:45 PM on February 15th.
No account is needed to view the auction packages, but to bid you will need to register for an account with a valid credit card on the auction platform. Winning bids will be processed by the end of the night, and packages will be distributed during the week following the gala.
FOOD + DRINK
Premium tasting stations with Paramount catering, premium frosty beverages, and non-alcoholic drink options are included. Common dietary restrictions (VG/V, GF, Kosher, Nut-free) will be accommodated. Last call will be at 10:30 PM and buses will start boarding promptly at 10:45 PM.
DJ AND ENTERTAINMENT
We've recruited Geo Smith to take the stage and set the vibe!
COAT CHECK
Coat check will be available at the venue upon arrival and departure, but availability may be limited. Please be patient given the volume of guests (1000+). We recommend picking up your coat before the last call to avoid a queue.
AFTER PARTY
Prior registration via Eventbrite is required, and includes transportation from the Theater on the Lake to the venue along with VIP express entry to a private venue with drink specials. Please refer to Slack postings for after-party details and ticket sign-ups.
WRISTBANDS - Wristbands for the after party MUST be picked up prior to the event. Entry onto the bus for transportation to Barrio/Bodega and the after party will be managed via wristbands. Only individuals with after party wristbands will be allowed onto buses / permitted entry to the venue. Express entry to the venue with a wristband is only guaranteed until 12:30 AM.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Attendees of the event (i.e. Booth students and partners) are expected to uphold appropriate and respectful behavior towards other guests, event staff, security personnel, and the venue space. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action as determined by the Dean of Students. Representatives of the Office of Student Life and venue security will be onsite at the event should any issues arise. Please be on your best behavior and represent Chicago Booth well!
QUESTION NOT ANSWERED?
Reference prior email, Slack posts, and the event page on Campus Groups.
If your question still hasn't been answered, contact @Manaswi Marri or @Avni Nahar via Slack or Email.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Your GBC Signature Events Committee:
Manaswi, Shadae, Catherine, Avni, Taylor, Nico, Nicky, Quirtina, Marianne & Tori