Urban Youth Ministry’s 2026 Fundraising Dinner – Seeds of Hope. Building Futures.
When: Tuesday, August 25th, 2026
TIME: Doors open at 6:00 pm, and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm
Where: Chicago Marriott – Naperville
Cost: Dinner is free; a love offering will be recieved on the evening of the event
RSVP: Please RSVP Before Saturday, August 15th. 

Seeds of Hope. Building Futures.

Join us for the 2026 Urban Youth Ministry Annual Fundraising Banquet as we celebrate all God is doing through Urban Youth Ministry and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for the children and families of Aurora.

This year’s banquet will be held at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, where we’ll gather for an inspiring evening of powerful stories, heartfelt worship, special guests, and firsthand updates on the incredible impact your generosity is making in the lives of local youth.

Our 2026 theme, “Seeds of Hope. Building Futures.”, reflects God’s faithful work of planting hope in the hearts of children today while preparing a brighter tomorrow. Through Christ-centered mentoring, academic support, meals, recreation, Bible teaching, baseball leagues, summer programming, and loving relationships, UYM is helping young people discover their God-given purpose and dream bigger than they ever thought possible.

This coming year also marks an incredible milestone as Urban Youth Ministry prepares to break ground on a brand-new community youth center—a place where generations of children will find hope, encouragement, safety, and opportunities to grow in faith. With God’s blessing, we look forward to opening the doors in time for our 2027 Summer Program, creating a permanent home where lives will continue to be transformed for years to come.

Every gift made through this banquet helps provide free, year-round programming for Aurora youth while bringing us one step closer to realizing this exciting vision. Together, we are planting seeds of hope that will bear fruit for generations.

Whether you attend the banquet, become a sponsor, or make a financial gift, you are investing in young lives and partnering with God to build brighter futures throughout our community.

Reservations are required. To RSVP, email dporter@waysidecross.org or call Devell Porter at 630-723-3402. Seating is limited, please reserve your place by Sept.15th

Sponsorship Opportunities: Host a table, become a banquet sponsor, or partner with Urban Youth Ministry through one of our sponsorship opportunities. Your support not only helps make this special evening possible—it helps ensure that every child who walks through our doors experiences the love of Christ, the encouragement of caring mentors, and the hope of a future filled with purpose.

Can’t attend? You can still make a lasting impact by becoming a sponsor or making a tax-deductible gift. Every donation helps plant seeds of hope that will continue to transform the lives of Aurora’s youth for generations to come.