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CHICAGO—The People’s Pier is excited to announce the Navy Pier Associate Board will host their third annual whiskey tasting fundraiser “Toast to the Pier” on Friday, March 3 from 7pm – 9pm. This event is in collaboration with Slightly Toasted, who will present the tasting, and Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, who will provide food and an open bar. Proceeds from Associate Board fundraisers help support the Pier’s 250 free arts and culture programming year-round.
“This event is one of the many ways we connect the community to the Pier. It offers an opportunity for young professionals to network, while still giving back to valuable year-round programming,” said Associate Board Co-Chair Jon Leach. “I am honored to take part in these fundraising efforts, because I know this will have a great impact on Navy Pier guests and Chicagoland as a whole.”
Guests will enjoy a guided tasting of two high-end whiskeys and two cocktails, led by Slightly Toasted’s Owner & Whiskey Director John Chesney. Tickets for the whiskey experience are $100. This will include the whiskey tasting, food, and open bar. A $50 ticket option will include food and open bar only. The Associate Board will also raffle off special bottles of whiskey from the Slightly Toasted library. Raffle tickets begin at $20. Guests can purchase tickets here.
“Being a member of the Associate Board has given me the opportunity to see in a special way how vital the Pier is in the life of Chicago,” said Associate Board Co-Chair Nick Vallorano. “We are proud to support this amazing nonprofit, including through fundraising initiatives like the whiskey tasting. I encourage others to join us in these efforts while raising a toast to the Pier.”
The Navy Pier Associate Board members serve as ambassadors of Navy Pier and support the organization’s mission through fundraising events, advocacy, volunteer service, and professional engagement. Distinguished mid-career professionals from various industries and disciplines comprise the Associate Board, a steadfast and energized group designed to help the organization highlight its stunning array of diverse, fun, family-inclusive entertainment, events, and attractions—while cultivating the region’s next generation of socially conscious philanthropic leaders.
For any businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this year’s whiskey tasting, please contact Colleen Ward, Resource Development Coordinator, at cward@navypier.org.
Note: All food, drinks, events, and dates are subject to change.
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ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 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 iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit navypier.org.