The energy was electric, the mission was powerful, and the room was filled with changemakers committed to driving opportunity and transformation. On December 11, i.c.stars hosted its 25th Anniversary Gala: Tech Prom at the historic Old Post Office in Chicago, bringing together industry leaders, alumni, and supporters for an unforgettable night of celebration and impact.
From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in an evening of inspiration and connection. The cocktail hour buzzed with excitement as attendees mingled, snapped photos at the themed photo booth, and explored our silent auction, which featured unique items and experiences to benefit i.c.stars programs.
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was Sandee Kastrul’s farewell tribute. As i.c.stars’ beloved co-founder and president, Sandee has been at the heart of our mission, shaping the lives of countless young professionals. Guests had the opportunity to leave personal messages in Sandee’s Yearbook, a beautiful keepsake to honor her legacy.
The event wasn’t just about celebration—it was about impact. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, we raised significant funds to support i.c.stars’ mission of providing technology-based workforce development, leadership training, and career opportunities to underserved young adults.
The night also featured inspiring remarks from alumni who shared how i.c.stars has transformed their lives, reinforcing why we continue to do this work. Seeing our graduates thrive in leadership roles across industries was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of investing in opportunity.
As we close this incredible milestone event, we look ahead with excitement for the future of i.c.stars. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the next 25 years!
