Hope on the Horizon
Celebrating the people behind the impact.
Ecker Center’s 2026 Gala & Auction
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 P
Q Center | 1405 N. Fifth Avenue | St. Charles, Illinois
Behind every person helped, every crisis answered, and every step toward recovery is someone who chose to show up. This November, join Ecker Center for an inspiring evening celebrating the employees, community partners and supporters who make hope possible every day.
Together, we’re bringing hope farther.
Join Us for an Evening of Impact & Celebration
Hope on the Horizon will bring our community together to celebrate the people and partnerships behind Ecker Center’s impact.
The evening will include:
-
Cocktail Reception
-
Staff & Client Stories
-
Mobile Silent Auction
-
Live Auction
-
Vacation & Experience Packages
-
Music & Celebration
Gala Attire
Resort-Inspired Cocktail Attire
Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, dressy separates, slacks, and sport coats are appropriate.
Coastal colors and tropical accents are welcome, and ties are optional.
Become a Sponsor
Help Bring Hope Farther
Ecker Center invites businesses, organizations and community leaders to join us as sponsors of
Hope on the Horizon.
Your sponsorship supports Ecker Center’s mission while connecting your organization with community leaders, partners, supporters and others who believe that access to behavioral health care strengthens our entire community.
Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 and include gala admissions, program advertising, event and digital recognition, and additional benefits depending on sponsorship level.
General Sponsorship Opportunities
-
Presenting Sponsor — $10,000 | EXCLUSIVE
-
Horizon Sponsor — $5,000
-
Hope Sponsor — $1,500
-
Community Sponsor — $750
-
Friend of Ecker — $500
Sponsors confirmed by October 9, 2026 are guaranteed recognition in printed gala materials.
Program Advertising
Businesses and supporters can also participate through standalone advertising in the gala program.
-
Business Card — $200
-
Half Page — $350
-
Quarter Page — $275
-
Full Page — $600
Complimentary basic ad design is available if needed. Program ad artwork is due October 16, 2026.
Mobile Silent Auction
You don’t have to attend the gala to participate in the Hope on the Horizon Mobile Silent Auction.
Auction Preview Opens: October 26 at 9:00 AM
Online Bidding Opens: October 31 at 9:00 AM
Online Bidding Closes: November 7 at 8:30 PM
Supporters will be able to bid on vacation and experience packages, decorated trees and other auction items from wherever they are.
Donate an Auction Item or Experience
Help make this year’s auction memorable by contributing an item, package or unique experience.
We are especially interested in:
Vacation stays and rentals, sporting-event tickets, unique experiences, entertainment and dining packages, special access opportunities, and other high-interest items.
The requested deadline for auction and in-kind donations is October 16, 2026. Contributions received after that date may still be accepted as space and preparation time allow.
Decorate a Tree for the Gala
Help us create something special for Hope on the Horizon!
Ecker Center is inviting businesses, community organizations, clubs, groups, families and creative individuals to decorate a 4-foot pre-lit tree for our gala auction.
Ecker provides the tree, and decorators provide the theme, decorations and ornaments. Decorated trees must be returned to Ecker Center by October 28, 2026.
Don’t have time to decorate? Businesses, organizations and individuals may also sponsor a tree and help cover the cost of the tree and decorations while another person or group handles the decorating.
Questions?
For questions about gala sponsorships, registration or payment by invoice/check, contact:
Jennifer Flory
jflory@eckercenter.org
847-695-0484