Navy Pier Raises $1.65 Million to Benefit the ‘Pier Forward Fund’
Signature gala honored Mayor Daley and his innovative vision for the ‘People’s Pier’
CHICAGO (Oct. 31, 2025) – Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Navy Pier’s 1995 redevelopment, the Navy Pier A Chicago ExPIERience Gala honored former Mayor Richard M. Daley for his visionary leadership in transforming the Pier into a world-class civic landmark and beloved community resource. The event raised over $1.65 Million to advance the mission of the “People’s Pier,” which is a commitment to providing welcoming and moving experiences through free programs and standout partners that inspire discovery, wonder, and most importantly, fun.
This monumental fundraising feat would not have been possible without the leadership and support of A Chicago ExPIERience co-chairs Jennifer Steans, Navy Pier Board Chair, Marilynn Kelly Gardner, Navy Pier President and CEO, and Eric Smith, Navy Pier Chair-Elect, along with Nora Daley, John Schmidt, and Kelly Welsh.
Proceeds from the Gala support Navy Pier’s newly established “Pier Forward Fund.” The Fund directly supports three key priorities: advancing Navy Pier’s historic legacy, restoring critical facilities, and evolving community-entered spaces and programs, allowing Navy Pier to take actionable steps toward restoring its physical spaces, an important and critical aspect of maintaining this 109-year-old structure.
“What a momentous night for the partners and friends of Navy Pier. It was an honor to recognize Mayor Daley for his bold leadership to reimagine ‘The People’s Pier’ into what it has become today, a remarkable civic space that has become a global destination and a local treasure for the community,” said Marilynn Kelly Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “We are determined to carry on the incredible vision of Mayor Daley to reclaim Navy Pier’s destiny, creating a place where memories are made, where our city’s creativity shines, and where Chicago’s spirit of innovation and reinvention comes alive every single day.”
On Thursday, October 30, the signature event welcomed more than 700 attendees to celebrate across three core spaces from the 1995 redevelopment: Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, Family Pavilion, and Pier Park, for a true “Chicago ExPIERience.”
The vibrant, whimsical twist on a traditional gala provided guests with bold performances and carnival classics as a tribute to the wonder that brought Navy Pier to life from its 1995 redevelopment to today. Guests began the evening with a lavish cocktail reception in the Family Pavilion with drinks, tasty bites and captivating performers including jugglers, unicyclists, and stilt walkers. Guests were then ushered into the Crystal Gardens for an elegant, seated dinner presented by J&L Catering with eye-catching décor by Ivan Carlson along with aerialist and contortionist performances from the Actors Gymnasium. Throughout dinner, guests heard remarks from Marilynn Gardner, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Board Chair Jennifer Steans, and Chair-Elect Eric Smith, all honoring Mayor Daley, as well as celebrating the redevelopment and evolution of the Pier. Musical entertainment throughout the evening included the Four-Star Brass Band and Sam Thousand. The evening concluded in Pier Park where guests enjoyed a dazzling fireworks and 300-drone show finale, presented by Pyrotecnico.
In a rare appearance, former Mayor Richard M. Daley took the stage to share personal reflections “I always have known the power of people throughout this great city working together to make it an even better one today, that goal inspired everything I did.” “My love of Chicago will always continue,” former Mayor Richard M. Daley added.
A Chicago ExPIERience was made possible by the generosity of event’s Vice Chairs Cboe and Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz and Presenting Sponsor BMO. The Gala’s Lead Sponsors included City Experiences, GCM Grosvenor, Shoreline Sightseeing, and Wintrust.
As an independent nonprofit, Navy Pier depends on corporate sponsorship, individual philanthropy, and foundation grants to fund every aspect of the Pier. Support from the signature gala advances Navy Pier’s vision to preserve its iconic architecture, enrich its community-centered spaces, programs and partnerships, and inspire the ongoing evolution of The People’s Pier.
Photos and captions from A Chicago ExPIERience can be found here. Photo credits: Kyle Flubacker
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About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.