CircEsteem, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through circus arts, is hosting a fundraising gala, and we are reaching out with an in-kind donation request for our silent auction. 

Companies like yours can help us make this event a success! Your support will make a significant impact on the lives of the young people we serve.

CircEsteem relies on the support of corporations to fulfill its mission and make a positive impact on the communities we serve. CircEsteem also understands that corporations have a stake in our communities as well, and that supporting CircEsteem's mission can help enhance their commitment to the greater good. 

CircEsteem's mission is to unite youth across all backgrounds and identities by fostering self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice and performance of circus arts. We work closely with the Chicago Public School system to provide after-school programs combined with homework help in neighborhoods where extra-curricular activities are scarce. 

100% of the gala’s revenue will go towards operational expenses of our programs. Every year, as CircEsteem aggressively expands its footprint on Chicago, unexpected costs arise. Examples include but are not limited to: transportation needs of youth to ensure they arrive and are returned home safely, American Sign Language translators for programs, new equipment needed as programs recruit more youth, providing healthy snacks and meals during program hours, and additional staff with backgrounds in mental health or fluency in Spanish as we assist youth with diverse needs. 

CircEsteem serves many neighborhoods that experience 35% or higher of the firearm gun violence in Chicago. Youth in these communities need and want options for extracurricular activities that will allow them to safely socialize, gain personal development and other skills, and build community. Developmentally, team activities such as circus arts are vital tools to building lasting relationships and dedication to the community within a supportive environment that encourages positive life choices, social-emotional development, leadership skills, and overcoming everyday fears. CircEsteem provides a safe space within neighborhood schools that connects youth to caring adults who encourage academic success and positive life decisions. Adult mentors represent youths’ racial identities to support self-esteem and belonging. When youth see individuals from their racial identity achieving success in various fields, they can envision themselves in similar positions and set higher goals for their own future. 

Social Circus methodology is an intervention method using circus arts to impact social change through nurturing self-esteem, trust in others, creativity, and physical strength and ability. This project includes in-depth paid professional development for instructors on the best practices of social circus as a vehicle for social-emotional learning and involves BIPOC adult mentors that address the need for representation in role models. 

CircEsteem instructors work in Chicago Public Schools, providing one-on-one tutoring and homework help paired with physical education via circus skills such as the gym wheel, tumbling, juggling, trapeze skills, balancing acts, etc. Access to these programs increases academic success, reduces youth violence, and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle. CircEsteem’s social circus methodology promotes radical acceptance, firmly believing that youth of all abilities, physical strength, body shape, background, and identity can find a place of belonging within the circus arts. Circus skills are taught through a curriculum that is molded for each community, acknowledging their unique needs.