Launching Our 5th Decade
Past. Present. Progress.
An Evening with Equip for Equality
Chicago Winery
September 28, 2026
5:00–7:30 PM
Join Equip for Equality for a cocktail hour celebrating 40 years on the frontlines of disability rights—and launching the critical work ahead. This evening will honor the advocates, partners, and champions who built the movement, while directing our collective energy toward the future of access, dignity, and justice for people with disabilities across Illinois.
This is more than a gala.
It’s a moment of collective action.
A commitment to what comes next.
This moment reflects four decades of advancing access, dignity, and self-determination. At a time when disability rights face renewed challenges, bringing our community together with clarity and confidence feels especially important.
We hope you will consider attending or sponsoring the event.
Honoring Laura Miller
We are proud to recognize Laura Miller as Equip for Equality’s 2026 Enduring Impact Award Honoree.
Laura joined Equip for Equality in 2000 and has spent the past 25 years advancing the rights of people with disabilities across Illinois. She served as a managing attorney, practiced across issue areas, and played a leading role in major Olmstead class action litigation—helping ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live and receive services in their communities.
Her impact extends far beyond litigation. Laura has supported clients across decades—walking alongside individuals and families from childhood into adulthood—and has mentored generations of attorneys who continue this work today. Through her leadership, she has helped shape not only Equip for Equality, but the broader disability rights movement in Illinois.
As Laura retires, we are honored to celebrate her extraordinary career and lasting contributions.
Thank You Generous Sponsors
Advocate for Access
Partner for Inclusion
Ally for Disability Rights
Friends of Equip for Equality
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Community Supporters
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Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship of this event offers high-visibility recognition, meaningful alignment with Illinois’ leading disability rights organization, and a leadership role in launching Equip for Equality’s fifth decade of impact.
All sponsors will be recognized during the event and in select pre- and post-event communications. Sponsorships can be customized to align with your organization’s goals.
Visionary for Justice - $50,0000
Lead the launch of Equip for Equality’s fifth decade—and help shape the future of disability rights in Illinois.
Our Visionary Sponsor anchors this milestone moment, investing not only in the event, but in the long-term advancement of Equip for Equality’s mission.
Visionary Sponsor receives:
- Exclusive recognition as 5th Decade Visionary Sponsor
- Premier co-branded recognition with event title (Launching Our 5th Decade presented in partnership with [Name])
- Homepage recognition on EFE’s website for one year (logo + hyperlink)
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Dedicated feature in seasonal newsletters highlighting your leadership and partnership
- Recognition in all major pre- and post-event email communications
- Opportunity for a senior representative to offer brief welcome remarks (optional)
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the Event Committee (optional)
- Exclusive pre-event leadership reception with EFE board and honorees
- Premier logo placement on all event materials and signage
- Verbal recognition during the program
- Up to 12 guest invitations
Champion for Equality – $30,000
Be a leading force behind the launch of Equip for Equality’s fifth decade.
Champion Sponsors receive:
- Recognition as Presenting Sponsor of the 5th-Decade Launch
- Premier logo placement on event materials and signage
- Verbal recognition during the program
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Recognition in select pre- and post-event email communications
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the Event Committee (optional)
- Up to 10 guest invitations
Advocate for Access – $20,000
Stand at the forefront of the movement for access and equity.
Advocate Sponsors receive:
- Prominent logo placement at the event
- Recognition in event remarks
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- Opportunity to designate a representative to serve on the event committee, helping shape the event (optional)
- Up to 8 guest invitations
Partner for Inclusion – $10,000
Power the movement forward alongside leaders shaping the future of disability rights.
Partner Sponsors receive:
- Logo placement on event signage and materials
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Inclusion in group sponsor social media recognition
- Up to 6 guest invitations
Ally for Disability Rights – $5,000
Demonstrate your commitment to inclusive, accessible communities across Illinois.
Community Sponsors receive:
- Name or logo recognition at the event
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Inclusion in group sponsor social media recognition
- Up to 4 guest invitations
Friend of Equip for Equality – $2,500
Celebrate the past—and invest in what comes next.
Friends receive:
- Name recognition in event materials
- Recognition in event promotions and follow-up communications
- Up to 2 guest invitations
Community Supporter – $1,000
Join the room. Join the movement.
Allies receive:
- Name recognition in event materials
- 2 guest invitations
Need Accommodations?
If you want to come to our event and require accommodations, please contact us to let us know so we can help you experience the evening barrier-free.