Skender Foundation Annual Summer Gala Raises $500k For Local Charities

Skender Foundation raised nearly $500k at its fifth annual Summer Eclipse fundraiser at Fremont Chicago. This year’s charity partner and primary benefactor was Bunker Labs, a national nonprofit organization built by military veteran entrepreneurs to empower other veterans as leaders in innovation. Bunker Labs will receive $30k, while the rest will be dispersed to various other charities dedicated to education and wellness throughout the course of the year. Previously, Summer Eclipse donations have gone to more than 100 different charity organizations.

Through local chapters organized in eight different cities, Bunker Labs provides educational programming, mentors, events and thriving local networks to help military veterans start and grow businesses. Funds raised at Summer Eclipse will enable Bunker Labs to continue to provide entrepreneurship support to its growing community of military veterans by improving its curriculum and adding new classes, expanding mentorship opportunities and connecting businesses with new resources.

Skender Foundation’s next event, Harvesting Hope, will take place on Oct. 20 at House of Blues Chicago. Hosted by the Builders’ Board, a committee of Skender Foundation, Harvesting Hope will benefit Embarc, a three-year program that provides community-driven, experienced-based learning opportunities to low-income high school students to inspire and prepare them for college and career success. (Pictured is the Skender Foundation Board of Directors: Justin Brown, Mark Skender, Joe Skender, Cheryl Skender, Brian Skender, Jerry Ball and Jeff Skender.)