A Legacy of Hope
Chicago Leaders Gather for The Salvation Army’s 2026 Civic Luncheon
Hope was the focus, and the challenge put to those in attendance, at The Salvation Army’s 2026 Legacy of Hope Chicago Civic Luncheon. Civic and business leaders gathered at the Hyatt Regency Chicago to recognize lives transformed through long-term community investment and to highlight what becomes possible when people and communities continue showing up for one another over time.
More than 400 guests came together for the annual event, raising nearly $400,000 to support vital programs and services for individuals and families across Chicagoland.
“A legacy of hope is not measured by how long an organization exists or how many buildings it operates. It’s measured by what endures long after a meal is served, a bed is offered, and a moment of crisis passes. It is seen when a parent finds stability and a child grows up safe—when recovery breaks a cycle that once seemed unbreakable, and when a neighborhood remembers who showed up and never stopped caring,” said Leah Cayton, Chair of the Civic Luncheon Planning Committee and Advisory Board Member.
Spotlight on Englewood
This year a special focus was placed on Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood and the work happening through The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center. Through personal stories and video features, guests were introduced to people whose lives have been shaped by consistent support, mentorship, and community.
Among the stories shared was Nelly’s, a young man from Englewood who spoke candidly about the difference community organizations can make in neighborhoods too often defined only by headlines.
“They try to paint Englewood as a broken neighborhood,” Nelly said. “But they don’t see what goes on behind these closed doors… the people bringing the community together.”
Nelly described The Salvation Army as “a small heartbeat of many hearts” within the neighborhood—a place that has remained rooted in Englewood for years, creating connection, stability, and opportunities for people to come together.
His reflections reinforced one of the luncheon’s central themes: hope grows through consistency, presence, and people willing to invest in their communities over time.
The luncheon also featured keynote speaker Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D. and senior pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago, who spoke about faith, perseverance, and the importance of investing in community transformation on Chicago’s South Side.
“As I travel across America, one of the things I realize is that there is so much work to be done—so many opportunities to help people. We need organizations like The Salvation Army and Project H.O.O.D. to be in as many places as possible so they can serve those in such great need,” Pastor Brooks said.
“Change takes time, but I’ve seen over the years that when you roll up your sleeves and commit your life to something, transformation can happen. It takes people who believe—people who come alongside and help—especially when you have a gifted team like The Salvation Army. One of the things I love about The Salvation Army is that they have so many gifted people working together to create life change.
Honoring Lives of Service
The event recognized two individuals whose lives reflect the mission and values of The Salvation Army in deeply personal ways.
The Others Award: John Donovan
Inspired by founder William Booth’s call to serve “others,” The Others Award was presented to John Donovan for a lifetime marked by recovery, generosity, and service.
Decades after finding help through The Salvation Army, Donovan has spent years giving back—supporting recovery programs, serving advisory boards, and investing in the same mission that once helped change his own life.
“My commitment and work with the Salvation Army have been wonderful—so inspirational,” Donovan told the crowd. “I’m retired, but I’m kind of not retired. I wake up in the morning, do my Alcoholics Anonymous thing, and then I’m off to The Salvation Army. I love doing things for people, and The Salvation Army has just been so endearing to me. I’m truly honored to receive this award.”
The William Booth Award: Bruce Williamson
The William Booth Award, The Salvation Army’s highest honor for volunteer leadership and service, was presented to Bruce Williamson for his long-standing commitment to strengthening communities and supporting the organization’s mission.
Over nearly two decades of involvement, Williamson has helped recruit community leaders, strengthen advisory boards, and inspire generosity throughout the Chicago area, including raising more than $700,000 through his annual Virtual Red Kettle campaign.
“I’m deeply humbled to receive the William Booth Award,” Williamson said in his acceptance speech. “I am honored by the recognition, but more importantly, I see it as a privilege to serve alongside the officers and staff who, every day, are trying to “do the most good” for their fellow man—here and in more than 130 countries. I’m a better man for being around these folks who give their all every day for others.”
Stories That Show What’s Possible
Throughout the afternoon, speakers and testimonies reinforced a simple but powerful message: when support reaches someone at the right moment, the impact can last far beyond one person.
From recovery and mentorship to food assistance and youth programs, the stories shared during the luncheon illustrated how hope grows when communities invest in people consistently and compassionately.
Funds raised through this year’s luncheon will support programs across Chicagoland, including:
- Emergency shelter and homelessness services
- Food assistance and community meals
- Youth development and after-school programs
- Substance abuse recovery services
- Violence prevention initiatives
- Human trafficking survivor support
- Disaster relief and emergency assistance
In 2025 alone, The Salvation Army in Chicago provided:
- 322,229 nutritious meals
- 114,527 bags of groceries
- 55,426 gifts and toys to those in need during the holiday season
- 49,801 nights of emergency shelter
- 4,022 individuals with emergency utility assistance
Looking Ahead
As the luncheon came to a close, guests were reminded that hope is not built in a single moment. It grows through long-term commitment, trusted relationships, and people willing to invest in their communities year after year.
The 2026 Chicago Civic Luncheon served as both a celebration and a call to action; encouraging leaders across the city to continue building a future where dignity, opportunity, and hope remain within reach for every neighbor.
Learn more about other ways to support The Salvation Army’s work across Chicagoland.