On February 15, the Gilda’s Club Chicago community gathered for the much-anticipated annual Soulful Social event, a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and unity in honor of Black History Month. Held at the GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion, the event brought together members, families, and partners for a day filled with meaningful connections, delicious food, and engaging entertainment.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

The success of Soulful Social 2025 was made possible by the incredible support of our attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and performers. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this wonderful gathering. A special thank you to:

• Advocate Christ Medical Center for their unwavering support and hospitality throughout the event.

• University of Illinois Cancer Center, our generous food sponsor, who provided a delicious meal for all to enjoy.

• Our community partners—Ellas, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Chicago Family Health Center—who shared valuable resources with attendees.

• Our talented performers, including The Chosen Generational Liturgical Dance Ministry of Progressive Community Church, Blanche Stephney, and John Arthur and Stephanie Koklys of Caring Arts, who brought joy and inspiration through their artistry.

• Junior League Kids in the Kitchen, who engaged children with fun and creative snack crafts.

• Our incredible volunteers, who played essential roles as greeters, servers, activity leaders, and cleanup crew, ensuring the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

A Celebration of Heritage and Togetherness

This year’s Soulful Social embodied the spirit of Black History Month, creating an atmosphere where attendees could share in cultural appreciation and communal joy. Guests enjoyed performances by The Chosen Generational Liturgical Dance Ministry of Progressive Community Church, original poetry by Blanche Stephney, and the wonderful sounds of duo John Arthur and Stephanie Koklys of Caring Arts. In addition to performances, guests also participated in art activities, dancing, a resource fair, and a fun photobooth. 

Adding to the richness of the experience, attendees were encouraged to wear African attire or vibrant colors, showcasing their cultural pride and creating a beautifully diverse tapestry of tradition and identity.

Relive the Memories

For those who joined us, we invite you to relive the joy of the day by checking out our event photos! The energy, laughter, and warmth captured in these moments serve as a beautiful reminder of the connections formed and the significance of celebrating culture together.

Until Next Time!

As we reflect on this year’s success, we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come. Thank you to everyone who made Soulful Social 2025 an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!

Stay connected with Gilda’s Club Chicago for future events and opportunities to come together in support, celebration, and community.