News Release: 9/5/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Quad County Urban League
1685 N. Farnsworth Ave, Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 851-2203 | laurenfair@qcul.org

Quad County Urban League Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Annual Equality Gala Featuring Damien Escobar and Opal Staples

Aurora, IL — The Quad County Urban League (QCUL) proudly announces its Annual Equality Gala, taking place on Friday, October 25, 2025, at the Chicago Westin Lombard. This year’s event carries special significance as QCUL celebrates its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of advancing equity, opportunity, and empowerment across Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, and surrounding communities.

The Gala will be an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and world-class entertainment featuring:

• Damien Escobar — “The King of Strings”, an internationally acclaimed violinist known for his electrifying blend of classical, jazz, pop, and hip-hop.

• Opal Staples — Powerhouse Vocalist, whose soulful and commanding voice has graced stages alongside industry greats and captivated audiences around the globe.

Event Highlights

• Commemorating 50 years of impact through education, workforce development, youth empowerment, housing access, and civic engagement.

• A night of live music, storytelling, and recognition of community champions.

• Networking opportunities with civic leaders, philanthropists, and business executives united by a shared mission of equity.

Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets are available now at www.qcul.org/equality-gala. Sponsorship opportunities are also open, helping ensure QCUL’s critical programs continue to thrive. Sponsorship tiers include:

• President’s Table — $150,000

• Chairman’s Table — $75,000

• Patron Table — $25,000

• Diamond Table — $15,000

• Host Table — $10,000

• Table for 10 — $5,000

• Individual Ticket — $350

Advertising in the Digital Program Journal

• Full-Page Ad — $750

• Half-Page Ad — $500

Community Recognition
The Gala is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Dunham Foundation, Intren, Nicor Gas, Squared Away Construction, US Bank, Aurora University, Comcast, East Aurora SD 131, Robert & Dianne Engram, Hunter Family Foundation, Primera Engineers, Porte Brown, Waubonsee Community College, and Southwest.

About the Quad County Urban League
Since 1975, the Quad County Urban League has been a driving force for equity and empowerment, serving as a vital resource for underserved communities across four counties. Through education, workforce readiness, housing assistance, youth programs, and civic engagement, QCUL works to create opportunities and transform lives. The 50th Anniversary Equality Gala honors this legacy while charting a bold vision for the future.