🎄 Art as a Conduit for Immediate Assistance

Welcome to a legendary Chicago holiday tradition on a historic stage.

On Friday, December 18th, Letters Charity is taking our mission to the iconic Field Museum for Letters To Santa: The Holiday Gala.

Our goal for the evening is to raise $200,000 to send direct financial relief and armloads of gifts and necessities straight into the hands of Chicago families experiencing dire financial hardship.

This spectacular winter evening of live music, comedy, and improv will be anchored and headlined by our incredible long-time friends:

Jeff Tweedy (Wilco)

Fred Armisen (SNL)

Alongside them is a brilliant lineup of improvisers and musicians—all completely donating their time, hearts, and talents to the cause.

🏛️ The 100% Impact Guarantee

We believe fundraising should be transparent. Thanks to an incredible coalition of community partners—including venue and staffing from the Field Museum, 100% of the culinary delights donated by Blue Plate Catering, and production support from Frost AV—over $100,000 in event operational overhead is already covered.

Because of this shared civic effort, we can guarantee that 100% of all public ticket sales and live donations raised during the gala will go directly to families in need. Zero overhead. Total impact.

📝 Give Directly. Change a Life.

Letters Charity (formerly Poverty Alleviation Chicago) transforms passive compassion into immediate assistance through the distribution of money given without expectation or judgment.

We partner with local organizations to identify economically-disadvantaged families, who are given the opportunity to write a letter answering three questions about their stories, their needs, and their dreams.

We respond to every single letter. On Christmas Day, our teams surprise these families on their doorsteps with armloads of what they requested (such as warm clothing or beds for their children), plus food, toys, household necessities, computers for the kids, a tablet for the writer, and an life-changing, unconditional cash grant for ongoing expenses. No strings attached.

THIS YEAR'S LINEUP

Letters To Santa: The Holiday Gala will be emceed by Chicago improv legends, comedians Nnamdi Ngwe and Patrick Rowland and will feature:

A special comedy performance by SNL alum Fred Armisen
Intimate acoustic performance by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy
House band under the direction of Alexander Burke and featuring Andreas Wild (Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats)
Cause Champion: Rashida Olayiwola
Improvisation, Chicago style, by Shantira Jackson, Rebecca Sohn, Rich Sohn, Dana Quercioli, and Edgar Blackmon
Once-in-a-lifetime live auctions including a private concert in your home by Jeff Tweedy, meet and greet with Fred Armisen, and more
Culinary delights provided by Blue Plate Catering
Full open bar provided by Field Museum and Beam Suntory Spirits
After-party DJ set by recording engineer/owner of House Of The Golden Sun recording studio Stan Wood

2026 HOLIDAY GALA FAQ

For In-Person Ticket Holders

Where is it? The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Where can I park? View directions and parking information HERE.

What time should I arrive? The gala kicks off at 6pm with a reception that includes live music, an abundant variety of food offerings and an open bar. The show begins at 7:30pm and lasts approximately 3 hours. Stick around to enjoy the after-party with dessert and DJ.

What is the attire? Dressy casual to semi-formal is appropriate. Whatever fancy means to you!

Is there a coat check? Yes!

Do I need a physical ticket? No. Please have your ticket confirmation email handy on your phone when you arrive.

What if I can’t make it? Tickets are non-refundable and considered a donation to Letters To Santa. You may transfer your ticket if you are unable to attend by notifying us by email to holly@letterscharity.org.

Will there be auction items? Yes! There will be a silent auction and a live auction. Silent auction bids are made electronically. Live auction bidding will be done by old fashioned hand raising and winning bidders will be directed to make an online payment via qr code. Register for the silent auction HERE .

Can I take pictures or videos? Photos are encouraged before and after the performance. When sharing on social media, please tag us @letterscharity and @fieldmuseum. Photography and videography of the performance is prohibited without prior written consent.

What are you going to do with the money you raise? On Christmas Day, we will surprise over a dozen local families experiencing poverty when we knock on their doors bearing armloads of gifts, including clothing, toys, computers, necessities and comfort items. Additionally, each family will receive an unconditional financial gift of $10,000 for ongoing expenses.

Is my ticket purchase tax deductible? Letters To Santa is the primary program of Letters Charity, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Any amount you have donated that exceeds $250 per attendee is tax deductible as allowable by law. An annual giving statement will be emailed to you prior to 1/31/27 that will detail your contribution.

What else do I need to know? We will be documenting this event with photography and videography. By entering the event, you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used in our charitable impact statements, media coverage and promotional material.

I still have questions! If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email to holly@letterscharity.org.

Letters To Santa: The Holiday Gala hosted by Field Museum

Featuring performances by Jeff Tweedy, Fred Armisen and many more live at the Field Museum. 100% of your ticket purchase goes directly to Chicago families experiencing poverty.