Annual Gala: Sweet Beginnings Tea

Since 2005, the Sweet Beginnings Tea has been our signature celebration—and the biggest fundraising event of the year. Held each February, this cherished tradition brings our community together to honor our history, celebrate progress, and raise the critical funds that power our mission and future.

Thank you for
Building Brighter Beginnings

Dr. Michael McAfee
Keynote Speaker + 2026 Voice of the Voiceless Award

Thanks to the continued generosity of our community, we are proud to share that we have exceeded our $500,000 goal.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and commitment to advancing economic opportunity in North Lawndale.

To deepen your impact, consider becoming a monthly donor—sustained giving helps ensure our programs thrive year-round. You can also support our work by visiting the beelove café, purchasing beelove® honey products, or partnering with us for events, gifts, and workplace needs.

Together, we are advancing economic justice in North Lawndale.

We're building brighter beginnings!

Our work doesn’t stop here—and neither can the opportunity we create together. Your support helps us continue opening doors to employment, financial stability, and brighter futures for our community.

Donate

We've raised

Our goal:
$500,000

Our 2026 Sweet Beginnings Tea Honorees

Lauren Alaniz

Debra Wesley Creating a Community that Works Client Award

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Jose Wilson

Servant Leadership Award

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Elvert Berry

Robert Steele Creating a Community that Works Client Award

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Fillmore Linen Service

Sarah Bernstein Creating a Community that Works Partner Award (to be accepted by Cliff Barber, CEO of Fillmore Linen Services)

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SWEET BEGINNINGS TEA

A tradition of giving

The Sweet Beginnings Tea is NLEN's largest annual fundraising event, playing a crucial role in supporting our mission. It began in earnest in 2005 as a small fundraiser to celebrate the newly launched Sweet Beginnings, LLC, social enterprise business.

Now in its 21st year, NLEN’s Sweet Beginnings Tea raises unrestricted funds that are vital for our programs and services, empowering us to address the most pressing needs of the North Lawndale community.

Sponsor the 2027 Sweet Beginnings Tea

Thank you to our generous 2026 sponsors:

Tiana Conley
Anonymous In Honor of Bob Wordlaw
Larry & Winnie Kearns
Mike Kramer
Heather Steans
Jennifer Steans
Robin Steans

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR

Donate

Change lives in North Lawndale

Your investment makes it possible for individuals with barriers to employment to move forward on their pathway to self-sufficiency and brighter futures.

Give today

$25

Provides a transit card for job seekers attending our programs or traveling to job interviews

$75

Provides new tools, uniforms, sturdy shoes, or tech equipment to job seekers starting work

$150

Provides mental health support, job training certifications, or professional support services to individuals seeking a new beginning

Annual Gala: Sweet Beginnings Tea

Thank you forBuilding Brighter Beginnings

We're building brighter beginnings!

Our 2026 Sweet Beginnings Tea Honorees

Lauren Alaniz

Jose Wilson

Elvert Berry

Fillmore Linen Service

A tradition of giving

Thank you to our generous 2026 sponsors:

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR

Change lives in North Lawndale

Thank you for
Building Brighter Beginnings