Navy Pier Raises $1.75 Million to Support Chicago’s Lakefront Treasure’s Welcoming Experiences, Fostering Connection, Creativity and Civic Pride

Navy Pier Raises $1.75 Million to Support Chicago’s Lakefront Treasure’s Welcoming Experiences, Fostering Connection, Creativity and Civic Pride

The ExPIERience Gala honors U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin
and Navy Pier’s Immediate Past Board Chair Jennifer W. Steans for civic leadership and championing the ‘People’s Pier’ 

CHICAGO (Oct. 16, 2026) – Building on its mission as a world-class civic landmark and beloved gathering place, Navy Pier raised over $1.75 million during its The ExPIERience Gala on Thursday, Oct. 15, and honored U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill. and Navy Pier’s Immediate Past Board Chair Jennifer W. Steans for civic leadership and championing the “People’s Pier.” 

The funds raised support Navy Pier’s mission-driven work, including year-round free public programming and underwritten tickets for Chicago’s nonprofits and schools. The Pier also serves as a global platform for local performing artists and small retailers and proudly welcomed 8.5 million guests in 2025. 

More than 700 guests celebrated the profound civic contributions of both honorees.  

“Both Jennifer Steans and Senator Durbin have stepped up in the moments we’ve needed them most,” said Marilynn Kelly Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “We’re proud to honor two people who have shown Chicago what exceptional civic leadership and generosity looks like when sustained over years, decades and, in the case of Jennifer’s family, generations.” 

The night kicked off with a vibrant cocktail reception in the Family Pavilion, featuring entertainment by Walt Whitman’s Soul Children of Chicago and Ravinia’s Steans Institute. 

Guests were then welcomed into the former Crystal Gardens space for an elegant seated dinner presented by J&L Catering, with striking visual design and decor by Ivan Carlson Event Design, accompanied by live dinner music performed by Steans Institute at Ravinia musicians. The evening culminated in Pier Park with a signature lakefront fireworks and drone finale over Lake Michigan, courtesy of Pyrotecnico. 

“Navy Pier is the number-one attraction that people come to in Illinois,” said U.S. Senator Richard Durbin. “But it not only provides entertainment, it also has a rich history of over 110 years. Steamships used to board here, and the U.S. Navy trained pilots at the end of the pier. It’s a rich tradition, but it’s more than a history. It’s also a future.” 

“Navy Pier’s mission of being accessible to all truly resonates with me, our entire family and our entire foundation,” said Jennifer W. Steans. “And that’s not just words for the people who work here. It’s truly part of the DNA of their very being. It’s just who they are and how they operate.” 

“If you haven’t been to Local Soul, please go,” Steans said. “Do your Christmas shopping. Do your corporate gift giving. It is a great place to find lots of wonderful, special things that Chicago has to offer.” 

The ExPIERience was supported by the generosity of  

• Co-Chairs Laura and Craig Martin; 
• Vice Chair sponsors Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz, Cboe, Laura and Craig Martin, and the Crown Family; 
• Presenting Sponsor BMO; 
• Lead Sponsors Katten and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, Navy Pier relies on corporate sponsorship, foundation grants, and individual philanthropy to support every aspect of its operations and community offerings. Funds raised at the The ExPIERience Gala power Navy Pier’s mission as a vital community hub, sustaining hundreds of free public programs annually while expanding grassroots community engagement and small business development initiatives. 

Photos and captions, along with B-roll from the 2026 ExPIERience Gala are available HERE.