Support the Chicago Debate Commission & help make room for debate for Chicago students.

Honoring David Axelrod 2017 Champion of Debate

June 14th, 2017The Standard Club, Grand Ballroom320 South Plymouth Court, ChicagoVIP Reception 11:15 amLuncheon and Program 12 to 1:30 pm

312-427-0524 • chicagodebatecommission.org

David Axelrod is a veteran of American politics and journalism and the former chief strategist and senior

advisor to President Barack Obama. He currently serves as director of the University of Chicago’s non-partisan Institute of Politics; senior political commentator for CNN; and host of The Axe Files, a top-rated podcast jointly produced by CNN and his institute. Axelrod, a former political writer for the Chicago Tribune and, later, media strategist for 150 state, local and national political campaigns, is also the author of The New York Times best-selling memoir, Believer: My Forty Years in Politics.

Honorary Co-Chairs • Rahm Emanuel, Mayor,

City of Chicago • Robert Zimmer, President,

University of Chicago

Honorary Vice-Chairs • Susana Mendoza, State

Comptroller • Kwame Raoul, State Senator • Toni Preckwinkle, President,

Cook County Board • Kim Foxx, Cook County

State’s Attorney • Janice Glenn, Director, Illinois

Department of Human Rights

Co-Chairs • Kesner Bienvenu, General Counsel,

Illinois Medical District • Marguerite Dixen, President & CEO,

Third Coast Underwriters

Corporate Co-Chairs • Rich Berg, CEO, Performance Trust • Rick Godfrey, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis • Susie Lees, General Counsel,

Allstate Insurance Company • Ed Wehmer, CEO, Wintrust

Law Firm Co-Chairs • Amanda Amert, Partner,

Jenner & Block • Chris Townsend, Partner, Clark Hill

Inspiring Chicago kids to become the next generation of leaders is a mission I wholly endorse — and consistent with the mission of my life. The Chicago Debate Commission is a shining star that transforms the lives of CPS kids by exciting their interest in public policy, while giving them the skills to succeed in school, career and civic leadership. That’s why I’m proud to be honored as the CDC’s 2017 Champion of Debate. – David Axelrod

Our ImpactTeaching critical thinking, teamwork and persistence

“Debate has created some of the most hardworking, respectful, and passionate individuals I know.”

Inspiring engagement in school and community

“Debate made me realize I was more than a C student. I was an A student ready to burst out.”

Giving students a voice and the power to lead

“We use debate to make the world better.”

Chicago Debate Commission

About the CDC

Since 1997, the Chicago Debate Commission has advanced the education and life success of over 14,000 Chicago students through a uniquely successful partnership with Chicago Public Schools. This year, 1,300 Chicago students from 60 schools are finding their voice and preparing for college and career success through debate. The Chicago Debate Commission’s award-winning program is the largest urban debate league in the country and a model for how public-private partnerships can improve the lives of young people in disadvantaged communities.

Why Support Debate

Improving learning. Building skills. Inspiring leadership. Debate is a research-proven strategy to improve academic results and school engagement for at-risk students. Debate is unparalleled in teaching the college and career skills of critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, communications, and collaboration. And debate gives students a voice on important community issues, inspiring them to active civic participation and leadership. With an innovative program that succeeds in making rigorous learning both meaningful and fun, the Chicago Debate Commission’s work is uniquely important to Chicago students.

Transforming academic outcomesRaising GPAs and ACT scores

300% more likely to graduate high school

80% more likely to graduate college

1,300 students this year

14,000students since the beginning

Sponsors (list in formation)

• Mawuli Agbefe

• Alex Buck, Uptake

• Chris Buzachero, Jump Trading

• Tony Chimino, Assurance Agency

• Daniel Clary, Devry

• Maria Doughty, Allstate Insurance Company

• Ebonie Durham, Noble Network of Charter Schools

• Bear Flynn, Northwestern Mutual

• Erik Gardner, Allstate Insurance Company

• David Gobberdiel, Performance Trust

• John Hammond, McDermott Will & Emery

• Larry Heftman, Schiff Hardin

• Patrick Hughes, Faegre Baker Daniels

• Eli Kay-Oliphant, Massey & Gail

• Bernadette Limos, Board of Education / Chicago Public Schools

• Onica Matsika, McDermott Will & Emery

• David Nadig, Allstate Insurance Company

• Savi Pai, JPMorgan Chase

• Carlos Penikis, Charles River Associates

• Bob Petrie, Origami Risk

• Mandee Polonsky, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago

• Johnni Rodgers, KraftHeinz

• Nina Ruvinsky, Mayer Brown

• Dick Sullivan, Retired, Accenture

• Forrest Sumlar, InterOcean Capital

• Chris Wheat, City of Chicago

• Anders Wick, Dentons

• Josh Wolken, PwC

Host Committee (list in formation)

Charles River Associates

Marguerite Dixen

Howard Gottlieb

John & Caroline Hammond

Massey & Gail llp

MB Financial

Origami Risk

Third Coast Underwriters

Sponsorship BenefitsDeadline for sponsorship: June 1, 2017Deadline for inclusion in invitation: April 14, 2017

Platinum Sponsor $20,000• Two VIP luncheon tables for 10 with preferred seating

• Premier logo placement on invitations and multiple email blasts to 3,000 prospective attendees

• Prominent logo featured on event signage and event web page

• Special acknowledgement and opportunity to present from podium during luncheon

• Full page ad with premium placement in luncheon program book

• Organization’s name in press releases and promotions related to the event

• Invitation to VIP reception

Silver Sponsor $5,000• Luncheon table for 10

• Logo on invitations and multiple email blasts to 3,000 prospective attendees

• Logo featured on event signage and event web page

• Special acknowledgement from podium during luncheon

• Half-page ad in luncheon program book

Gold Sponsor $10,000• Luncheon table for 10 with preferred seating

• Logo featured on invitations and multiple email blasts to 3,000 prospective attendees

• Logo featured on event signage and event web page

• Special acknowledgement from podium during luncheon

• Full page ad in luncheon program book

• Organization’s name in press releases and promotions related to the event

• Invitation to VIP reception

Bronze Sponsor $2,500• Luncheon table for 10

• Name on invitations and multiple email blasts to 3,000 prospective attendees

• Name on event signage and event web page

• Quarter-page ad in luncheon program book

Benefactor (individuals only) $2,500• Same as Bronze, plus Invitation to VIP Reception

To make your sponsorship pledge, visit our website or contact: Edie Canter • 312-300-3445 • sponsor@chicagodebateleague.org

312-427-0524 • chicagodebatecommission.org