An Unforgettable Evening: 33rd Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Gala
Glenn Wilke (left ) with Jim Perry (right)
The 33rd Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Gala was a night to remember, filled with celebration, inspiration, and generosity. Held in support of Midtown and Metro Achievement Centers, the event brought together hundreds of attendees committed to shaping brighter futures for Chicago’s underserved youth. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the gala surpassed its ambitious $1 million goal, raising over $1.15 million.
The evening featured moving tributes to two extraordinary individuals whose impact on education and mentorship continues to resonate. Jim Perry was honored for his extraordinary generosity and leadership. In his thoughtful speech, Perry reflected on what it means to be a Christian today and the “little steps we can take each day towards deep personal transformation in Christ.”
Glenn Wilke, Midtown-Metro’s Executive Director Emeritus, was recognized for his decades of service and profound influence on the lives of countless students. His heartfelt remarks highlighted the power of education and mentorship to create lasting change. The evening reached an emotional high point when Wilke was joined on stage by men he had tutored as teenagers, a testament to the enduring relationships formed at Midtown.
The gala also featured other unforgettable moments, including a special video message from Bishop Robert Barron, an incredible ranchero vocal performance by Metro alumnus Guadalupe Mendez, and the debut of the organization’s new mission video, which powerfully illustrated the transformative impact of its programs.
The event was hosted by the dynamic duo of Gisselle Contreras, a Metro alumnus, and Larry Morris, Chairman of Midtown-Metro’s Board of Directors, whose energy and charm kept the audience fully engaged.
Midtown-Metro is profoundly grateful to the sponsors, supporters, and attendees who made this milestone possible. Their belief in the mission fuels the organization’s work and inspires its ongoing commitment to providing transformative experiences for students and their families.
Attendees and supporters are invited to relive the magic of the evening through photos from the gala.
Gisselle Contreras (left) and Larry Morris (right)
About Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers: Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers (www.midtown-metro.org), through its Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys, has helped close the achievement gap for underserved students in Chicago since its founding in 1965. Its programming, focusing on academic excellence, virtue development, individual attention, and parental engagement, has led to 100% high school graduation and college enrollment for its students for over 20 consecutive years.