Upcoming Events
Ellavation at the 2025 Chicago Triathlon
Ellavation at the 2025 Chicago Triathlon
August 24, 2025 – Chicago, IL
We’re thrilled to announce that Ellavation is participating in the 2025 Chicago Triathlon, and we want you to be part of this exciting journey!
In partnership with Renew Chicago TriTeam, we're inviting you to race, fundraise, or simply come cheer us on as we tackle the iconic Lake Michigan swim, bike, and run course. It's a powerful opportunity to support Ellavation’s mission while challenging yourself and connecting with a vibrant, purpose-driven community.
How You Can Get Involved
🏃♀️ Join the Team
Register to race at renewchicagotriteam.com and use code Alum25 for $25 off your entry fee. During registration, select Ellavation as your ministry of choice.
💖 Fundraise for Ellavation
Not racing? No worries! Support our team leader, Zach Gardner, by donating to his page:
Zach Gardner – Fundraising for Renew Chicago
📣 Spread the Word
Can’t race or donate? You can still make an impact by sharing Zach’s fundraising link and helping us raise awareness for Ellavation’s life-changing work.
Why It Matters
Every dollar raised helps Ellavation support individuals in need—empowering lives, building community, and creating lasting impact. Whether you participate, donate, or share, you’re making a difference.
Thank you for being part of our mission. Let’s make waves together at the Chicago Triathlon!
🏌️ Fall Golf Fundraiser at 19th Hole – Join Us for a Great Cause! 🎉
Mark your calendars!
We're teeing off for a great cause this October — in honor of Spina Bifida Awareness Month, we're hosting our annual Fall Golf Fundraiser to support and uplift the incredible families we serve.
📍 Location: 19th Hole, Mokena, IL
📅 Date: October 19, 2025 from 11:00am-2:00pm
Come enjoy:
✅ Delicious food & soft drinks (included with your ticket)
✅ Cash bar for adult beverages 🍹
✅ Indoor open bay play – it’s always sunny inside the 19th Hole!
✅ Family-friendly atmosphere 👨👩👧👦
✅ Wheelchair-accessible bays and ramps ♿
✅ Fun for non-golfers too – try out the other interactive games!
💛 Whether you're swinging a club or just soaking in the fun, you’ll be helping raise awareness and funds for families affected by Spina Bifida.
🎟️ Tickets coming soon – stay tuned!
Let’s spread love and have a blast doing it. We can’t wait to see you there!
🍷 Bows, Bourbon & Big Hats: Adult Prom 2026-Your Derby Night to Remember
Adult Prom 2026 | Ellavation’s Largest Fundraiser of the Year
📍 Silver Lake Country Club, Orland Park
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
⏰ Cocktail Hour: 6–7 PM | Event to follow
🔞 21+ Event
Hold your horses—Adult Prom 2026 is coming in hot with a Kentucky Derby theme and it’s sure to be a night to remember! Whether you're there for the food, the dancing, or the fierce Prom King & Queen competition, this year promises to be our most unbridled yet.
🎉 What to Expect:
🐎 Derby-themed games & raffles
🍴 Delicious hors d'oeuvres & dinner
🍷 Wine toss
🪩 DJ & dancing
👑 Competitive Prom King & Queen contest
💸 Split-the-pot (bring cash!)
🍸 Open bar & cocktail hour
🎟️ Tickets:
Tickets will go on sale early 2026, but planning starts now! Be sure to save the date and get your crew derby-ready!
👐 Get Involved:
We're currently looking for:
💐 Basket donations
🙋 Volunteers
If you’d like to help or donate, please email:
📧 spreadlinglove@ellavation.org
👗 Dress Code:
Wear your Derby best—think big hats, bold prints, bowties, and flair. Style counts, especially with Prom Royalty on the line!
Let’s pack the house, raise funds, and have a galloping good time.
Share the word—this night will be nothing short of legendary.
🎉 Windy City ThunderBolts Game Fundraiser 🎉
🎉 Windy City ThunderBolts Game Fundraiser 🎉
📅 Saturday, May 17th | 🕕 6:05 PM | 📍 Ozinga Field, Crestwood
Join us for a magical evening at the ballpark! It's Princess & Pirate Night, featuring special appearances by Cinderella, Moana, Snow White, and Captain Jack Sparrow—plus a fireworks show after the game!
Let’s take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather, all while supporting a great cause.
🎟 Grab your tickets now:
Click here to purchase
🔐 Use password: ellavation
Handicap accessible seating is available—please contact Ozinga Field directly to reserve.
Don’t miss this fun-filled night for the whole family!
Adult Prom
Tickets for Ellavation's 2025 Gala are officially live, and this year, we’re diving into a world of enchantment with our masquerade theme! Get ready to don your most dazzling attire—who knows, you might just take home the crown as our Prom King or Queen!
We understand that costs are on the rise, so we’re introducing an early bird ticketing option this year. Grab your tickets by the end of 2024 to enjoy last year's pricing and secure your spot at this unforgettable night!
Gather your friends, spread the word, and prepare for a night filled with joy, connection, and purpose. Let’s make this a masquerade to remember as we come together for the amazing Spina Bifida community!
Tinley Park Parade of Lights
The parade of lights is a great opportunity for Ellavation to kick off the holiday season while spreading our mission! The event takes place at dusk on Oak Park Avenue (between 177th and 172nd Street). We hope to see you there!
If you or your family have any interest in being in the parade and handing out flyers, please contact us at spreadinglove@ellavation.org. We are actively seeking LED light donations as well!
19th Hole Indoor Golf Fundraiser
🎉⛳️ Swing into Fun with Ellavation! ⛳️🎉
And now for some exciting news—our Fall Fundraiser at the 19th Hole is returning, and it’s going to be a hole-in-one event! Last year, the food was fantastic, the atmosphere was fun for all ages, and we’re thrilled to tee off again.
Ticket Sales Are OPEN: Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join us on November 10th for a day full of golf, food, and family fun!
With your ticket, you get:
Mouthwatering Food: We’re talking about a spread that will make your taste buds dance!
Access to Top-Notch Simulator Equipment: Hit those virtual greens and make every shot count!
Incredible Value: Typically, bay reservations cost $50-60/hour, but we’re offering tickets at cost to make it affordable for everyone!
Bonus: The bar and kitchen will be open, so you can indulge in extra snacks and beverages throughout the afternoon! 🍔🍹
Mark your calendars and grab your tickets—this is one event you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just enjoy the occasional putt, come join us for a swinging good time.
Annual Windy City Thunderbolts Game
Our annual Thunderbolts Game will be here before you know it! Sunday games come with animals, autographs, face painting, and the opportunity to play catch on the field! We can’t think of a better way to spend time as a family. There’s something special about being outside at the game and we hope to see you there!
Tickets are available through the following link: Purchase Tickets Now! When prompted, the password is ellavation
Tickets will be emailed to you a few minutes after purchase. Please be sure to check your spam! You can also access your tickets from your online account after purchase.
Handicap accessible seating is available as well! Please reach out to Ozinga Field directly to purchase handicap accessible options.
Pizza Pete Give Back Night
Join us for Pizza Pete's Give Back Night on Tuesday, May 28th at the Frankfort location and/or Wednesday, May 29th at the Orland Park location.
Order your favorite pizzas for takeout on either of these dates, and a portion of all proceeds will directly benefit Ellavation. While there won't be Ellavation staff present, your support on either date means the world to us and contributes to our mission of positive change in the local spina bifida community.
So mark your calendars, place your orders, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that every delicious bite you take supports a worthy family. Let's make a difference, one slice at a time! 🍕✨
Frankfort: Tuesday May 28
(815) 806-8300
19860 S Harlem Ave
Frankfort Il., 60423
Orland Park: Wednesday May 29
(708) 349-6660
14342 S Lagrange rd.
Orland Park Il. 60462
Adult Prom: 80's Theme!
Back by popular demand, we’re bringing you the ultimate blast from the past. Ellavation’s Adult Prom 2024 will be held on Saturday March 9 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park from 6:00pm-11:30pm.
Dust off your neon legwarmers and tease that hair higher, because we're throwing it back to the raddest decade ever at our 80's-themed prom! Get ready for a totally tubular night of casual/semi-formal fun, where the dance floor is waiting for your best moonwalk and the memories are set to rewind.
The evening includes dancing, dinner, an inspirational speaker, silent auction, 50/50 split the pot, and so much more! Sponsorship opportunities are available! grab your tickets now to be part of the gnarliest event in town.
So, mark your calendars, tease up that hair, and prepare for a night of nostalgia. This is one event you won't want to miss! Best dressed will be crowned prom king and prom queen!
Tinley Park Parade of Lights
We are very excited to be participating in the 25th annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Tinley Park on December 3, 2023. This event will take place at dusk (step off is at 5pm) on Oak Park Avenue (between 177th and 172nd Streets).
We would love for you and your families to come enjoy the fun as we work to continue to spread the word about Ellavation to our surrounding community!
We are looking forward to kicking off the 2023 Holiday Season together in this festive parade!
Indoor Golf
Make sure to get your tickets for our first ever Fall Indoor Golf Outing! Our event will take place at 19th Hole in Mokena on November 12, 2023 from 11am to 2pm!
Tickets will be required for entry and include food and full access to the simulator entertainment!
The bar and the kitchen will be open if you are interested in purchasing additional beverages or additional food items. We will also be raffling off Ellavation gear!
Ticket sales will close November 8.
We are selling tickets at cost in order to help make this fun event more accessible to more families! Additional donations are appreciated!
Annual Windy City Thunderbolts Game
Our annual Thunderbolts Game will be here before you know it! Last year we had an amazing turn out! Sunday games come with animals, autographs, face painting, and the opportunity to play catch on the field! We can’t think of a better way to spend time as a family. There’s something special about being outside at the game and we hope to see you there!
Tickets are available through the following link: Purchase Tickets Now! When prompted, the password is ellavation
Tickets will be emailed to you a few minutes after purchase. Please be sure to check your spam! You can also access your tickets from your online account after purchase.
Handicap accessible seating is available if needed! Please reach out to Ozinga Field directly to purchase handicap accessible options.
Portillo’s Give Back Fundraiser
Please join us at Portillo’s for a fundraiser to support Ellavation! Feel free to drop in and eat, head through the drive thru, or even order curbside or pickup! Our fundraiser will be from 5pm-8pm on June 22, 2023 at the Portillo’s located at 15900 Harlem Ave. Tinley Park, IL. Ellavation will receive 20% of the proceeds for the evening, but be sure to tell them you are there to support Ellavation! Simply bring in the attached flyer at checkout, mention Ellavation, or insert the code PORTILLOS19 under the “Apply Offer” box at checkout. Thank you so much for your continued support in helping families impacted by the financial load of caring for a loved one with Spina Bifida!
Adult Prom
Ellavation’s very first Adult Prom Gala was a HUGE success!
Thank you to those of you who volunteered, donated, or attended. It was a fun night filled with a silent auction, dancing, food/drinks, a prom queen and king, a competititve raffle, and a moving speech from our very own Founder and President, Ashley Fajardo. You cannot begin to image the impact caring for a loved one with Spina Bifida has on your entire family.
Together, we were able to raise nearly $30,000 dollars! Without your generosity, none of it would have been possible. Your donations are a valuable contribution in our efforts and we are so happy to be able to care for more families!
http://bidpal.net/adultprom2023
Sip Serve Wine Night
Thanks for joining team Ellavation for a night of friends, food, and wine. What a great way to support a great cause! Ellavation received 10% of purchases when Ellavation was mentioned throughout the night.
We also sold Ellavation Hoodies in conjunction and had LOTS of positive feedback on these. We hope to have something similar available again next fall!
Ellavation Holiday Tree
This year we marked the holiday season decorating an Ellavation themed tree at Brookfield Zoo! We were able to spend some quality family time enjoying the holiday season and received many pictures of those who found or visited the tree!
Thanks for help us spread some holiday cheer by showing your support!
Ellavation Hoodie Sale
October is Spina Bifida awareness month! Thank you for those who helped celebrate Spina Bifida awareness month by purchasing a hoodie!
We hope to have them available again next fall!
Event One
Thank you to those who joined Ellavation on our kick start fundraiser! We sold over 120 t-shirts and nearly 120 tickets to the baseball game. We couldn’t make a difference without your help! Thanks for helping us spread the love. We look forward to seeing you next year at the ballgame!