Letter from Ceo
Dear Esteemed Supporters,
The Anixter Center is delighted to invite you to the 2026 Anixter Experience, where “The Magic Continues”. For more than 100 years, our mission has transformed lives—expanding possibilities, unlocking potential, and creating brighter futures for over 7,500 individuals each year across Chicagoland.
That magic shines through our three pillars of impact: Mental Health Services; Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services; and Services for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
This year alone, we welcomed a record number of community members to The Hub, our communityfocused mental health space; connected more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to holistic, cross-service support; and celebrated a breakthrough in accessibility by helping to develop a new closed captioning technology, Caption with Intention, for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. These are just a few highlights—because, as with all true magic, the real wonder is how Anixter transforms lives every day, in both big and small ways.
By sponsoring The Anixter Experience: The Magic Continues, you help ensure that every individual has the chance to grow, thrive, and—like all great magic—transform into the best version of themselves. Your support powers the life-changing services that foster independence, resilience, and connection across our community.
"The Anixter Experience" is more than a celebration—it is a tribute to you, our generous community of supporters. At a time when the need for our services has never been greater, your partnership ensures that Anixter can continue breaking barriers, building opportunities, and creating a more inclusive world. Together, we are stronger, and together, we make transformation possible.
Join us for an unforgettable night where fun meets purpose, and where you’ll experience firsthand the heart of our mission and the magic of what’s ahead. Thank you for standing with us through the last century—and for helping us carry the magic forward into the future.
With gratitude,
Samantha Handley Chief Executive Officer
Anixter Center: Our Story
Founded in 1919 in response to the orphan crisis caused by the 1918 flu pandemic, Anixter Center has a long history of service. Over the decades, we have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Through it all, Anixter Center has remained committed to enriching lives and uplifting the communities it serves.
In 1997, we strengthened our impact by merging with the Chicago Hearing Society (CHS), expanding our reach and services.
While our programs have evolved, our commitment to serving individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford essential services remains steadfast. We focus on bridging critical gaps with compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
MIssION & PHIlOsOphy
Anixter’s mission is to provide services that enhance lives, promote inclusivity, and strengthen community. We strive to redefine what’s possible in service provision by ensuring accessible support for all. We believe everyone deserves support, no matter their financial circumstances. With respect, integrity, and a bold commitment to challenging the norm, we deliver impactful services that adapt to needs and create meaningful change in our community.
Comprehensive Services
Anixter Center stands as a leader in offering diverse, high-quality support for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and those who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing.
Community Reach
Annually, Anixter Center impacts the lives of children, teens, and adults throughout the Chicagoland area, with 95% of them living at or below the federal poverty line. We operate more than 40 programs across 20 locations to ensure our services are accessible to those who need them most.
Chicago Hearing Society (chs)
• Audiology Clinic: Providing care to over 1,900 patients annually with comprehensive audiology services.
• Interpreter and Captioning Services: Offering licensed ASL interpreters and captioners for virtual and on-site needs, from community events to corporate engagements.
• Community Outreach and Advocacy: Empowering Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals through domestic violence intervention, advocacy against discrimination, and programs like Youth and Family Connections, DeafBlind Community Program, and education initiatives.
Mental Health Services
• Residential Living: Our programs ensure that individuals have a safe and supportive environment to call home while developing the skills needed to live independently.
• Drop-In Center: A welcoming space for individuals to engage in activities, build connections, and receive community support. Our Drop-In Center serves as a hub for social interaction, empowerment, and personal growth.
• Counseling and Therapy: Our outpatient sites offer a range of mental health services, including individual, family and group therapy. We provide compassionate care tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
• Case Management and Support Groups: Specialized mental health counseling and support for youth and their families. Additionally, we assist in linking youth— particularly those involved in the justice system—to vital community resources.
Disability Services
• Residential Living: Offering 24/7 housing and support tailored to individual needs.
• Lifelong Learning: Providing engaging day classes and activities through community centers.
• Literacy Program: Delivering free, goalfocused one-on-one tutoring for adult learners.
Employment Services
• Assisting with job readiness, training, and placement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and those that are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.
Our Partnerships
• Research and Demonstration Projects: Collaborating with top universities to advance best practices in disability inclusion.
• Consulting Services: Offering comprehensive training and employment solutions.
• Non-profit Alliances: Joining forces with other organizations to drive social and systemic change.
• Corporate Social Engagement: Partnering with businesses to develop impactful initiatives that benefit communities.
Anixter Center is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and empowerment throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Our holistic approach—through comprehensive programs, advocacy, and partnerships—ensures meaningful and lasting change. Thank you for being part of this transformative work!
EVENT DETAILS
THURSDAY, MAY 14th 6:00 – 9:00 PM 5:30 PM EARLY VIP ACCESS
VENUE WEST
221 NORTH PAULINA STREET | CHICAGO, IL 60612 TICKETS $300 PER PERSON
COCKTAIL ATTIRE SUGGESTED
Sponsorship Levels
The Cirque de Transformation: $75,000
The Ring Master: $25,000
The Illusionist: $15,000
The Aerialist: $10,000
The Contortionist: $5,000
The Trapeze Artist: $2,500
The Juggler: $1,500
The Enchanted Ensemble Sponsor: $5,000
The Game Master: $5,000
The Magic Potion Sponsor: $2,500
The Cirque De Transformation
$75,000
Premier Access: 25 tickets, Exclusive VIP seating, VIP Early Access
Event-wide Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event and listed as ‘Presenting Sponsor’ on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral, including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Additional signage with the name/logo prominently displayed throughout the venue
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Ring master
$25,000
Premier Access: 20 tickets, Exclusive VIP seating, VIP Early Access
Event-wide Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Additional signage with the name/logo prominently displayed throughout the venue
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Illusionist
$15,000
Premier Access: 16 tickets, VIP Early Access
Prominent Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Additional signage with the name/logo prominently displayed throughout the venue
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Aerialist
$10,000
Premier Access: 12 tickets, VIP Early Access
Prominent Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Contortionist
$5,000
Premier Access: 8 tickets, VIP Early Access
Prominent Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Trapeze Artist
$2,500
Premier Access: 4 tickets, VIP Early Access
Prominent Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
The Juggler
$1,500
Premier Access: 2 tickets, VIP Early Access
Prominent Recognition:
• Name/logo prominently placed during the event on all printed event marketing and promotional collateral including:
♦ Video loop throughout the night of the event projected throughout the event venue (registration, main room)
♦ Recognition on the website and social media platforms
Enchanted Ensemble (1 available)
$5,000
Performance Sponsor: 4 tickets
Name/logo prominently placed near the performers
$5,000 The Game Master (1 available)
Carnival Game Sponsor: 4 tickets
Name/logo prominently placed at the games
THe Magic Potion Sponsor
$2,500 (1 available)
Flair Bartender Sponsor: 2 tickets
Name/logo prominently placed near the flair bartender
