Chicago Auto Show’s 2026 First Look for Charity Gala

The Chicago Auto Show’s 34th First Look for Charity gala will take place on Friday, Feb. 6, from 7-11 p.m. at McCormick Place. The gala is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the organization that represents local new-car dealers, and raises more than $2 million annually for 18 Chicago area charities. Last year’s First Look for Charity raised $2.4 million.

This black-tie affair offers an exclusive, first chance to experience the Chicago Auto Show ahead of the 10-day public opening at McCormick Place on Feb. 7, event officials stated in a press release. Gala attendees also have the chance to walk away with the keys to a brand-new vehicle. This year, two new vehicles will be given away: a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win, noted the release; however, the winner must be present at the time of the drawing.

“First Look for Charity makes a meaningful difference far beyond one night,” said Jason Roberts, Chicago Auto Show chairman. “It’s an evening that blends the thrill of the Auto Show with the power of giving, helping charities that are right here in our backyards doing the hard work to support our neighbors and communities.”

Roberts continued, “This gala gives attendees a front-row seat to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show in a setting that is both elegant and energetic, creating a truly distinctive experience in Chicago.”

Millions of Dollars Have Been Raised for Multiple Local Charities

Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for participating local charities, officials said. The CATA and new-car dealers also support charities year-round, through a program called Chicagoland Dealers Care. Chicagoland Dealers Care helps match donations made by CATA dealer members to charities within their communities.

The 2026 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

“Each year, this gala delivers meaningful support to 18 charities that make a real difference, and we’re honored to stand with these organizations as they continue their vital work across Chicagoland,” said Roberts.

Tickets for the 2026 gala are available at FirstLookforCharity.org. Officials said that, for the first time, tickets are fully digital. Attendees may designate which charity, or charities, will receive their donation, with the option to divide it evenly among all 18 beneficiaries. Tickets are priced at $325, of which $283.84 is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.