By Jen Gibson, Events & Communications Manager
What a night!
408 tickets.
4 incredible Mission Sponsors.
19 Event Sponsors.
11 Featured Experience Sponsors.
10 dedicated CASA staff.
27 adult volunteers.
24 teen volunteers.
And—together—we raised $110,519 for children in foster care.
Together, we hosted an unforgettable evening—one where dinner, dancing, laughter, and generosity collided for a cause we all hold dear.
Little Black Dress is more than a fundraiser. It’s a moment in time where our community gathers in unity—dressed in elegance and driven by purpose—to support the mission of CASA of McHenry County: to be the voice for children who need it most.
Our Executive Director, Becky Morris, delivered a powerful message centered on a quote by Melinda Gates:
“Investing in women means investing in people who invest in everyone else.”
And that’s exactly what this night does. It brings women together to uplift each other—and, in doing so, uplift the most vulnerable children in our community.
My favorite part? Our annual toast. Glasses raised high by over 400 women, echoing with pride and passion as we honored:
“To purpose, to hope, and to the stories we help rewrite—together.”
That moment always gives me chills.
Planning this event is no small feat. Every wine bottle collected, every game created, every sponsor confirmed, and every raffle ticket sold is part of a larger story of impact. Behind the scenes is a tornado of creativity, generosity, logistics, and spreadsheets—but the result? Absolute magic.
It’s an honor to spearhead such a beloved event and humbling to hear women stop me at the grocery store or in line for coffee to say, “I’ve been to LBD” or “I can never get tickets in time.” That excitement and connection mean everything. It tells me that the experience is resonating—that they feel the mission just as deeply as we do.
We are one of many amazing nonprofits in McHenry County, and the fact that our guests choose to support CASA, year after year, is not lost on me. I’m giddy with excitement just thinking about what we created together—and what comes next.
With gratitude and awe,
Jen Gibson
Events & Communications Manager, CASA of McHenry County