Frequently Asked Questions: Benefit Gala 2025
When is the 2026 Benefit Gala?
Thursday, May 14, 2026
What time do the festivities begin?
5:00 PM Cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres (optional)
6:00 PM Gala begins to launch the 125th anniversary of Dominican University, followed by awards ceremony, paddle raise, and dinner
Where will the Benefit Gala take place?
Under tent on Dominican University’s River Forest campus:
7900 W Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305
Why is the Benefit Gala on a Thursday instead of the weekend?
Because we know that weekends are precious to busy people, and it worked so well last year! Our goal is to provide an enjoyable evening as we launch the 125th anniversary of Dominican University, celebrate our honorees, and tell the stories of Dominican students whose lives are changed because of your support of scholarships.
Why is the Benefit Gala important?
Dominican University’s Benefit Gala is the University’s premier fundraising event and, each year, all the funds provide immediate financial assistance to our students. Nearly 97% of current undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance to attend Dominican. Our mission – now and always – is to serve students with a transformational education. This is the reason we are ranked #1 in social mobility, indicating our success in assisting students and their families to ascend to higher socio-economic statuses. As more than half of our students are the first in their family to go to college, and almost all work or juggle family obligations while going to school, every dollar raised at the Benefit Gala helps to alleviate their financial strain.
Who are the Honorees?
Two awards will be presented again this year as part of the Benefit Gala.
- The Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa will receive the Pillars Award from the University, which recognizes an organization that represents and complements the four Dominican pillars of faith, study, community and service.
- Donna M. Carroll, President Emerita, will be honored with the Heart of Dominican Award, which recognizes individual(s) who have contributed significantly over time to both the University and the surrounding community.
Who is the featured artist?
In lieu of a signature performance, the evening will honor the university’s legacy as we revisit its rich history.
What is the dress code?
Cocktail attire.
How can I support the event if I cannot attend?
If you are unable to attend the Benefit Gala, you can still support our students! Each donation supports scholarships at Dominican. Please visit dom.edu/benefit-gala/donate or email specialevents@dom.edu
Can I use my Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation to pay for a Benefit Sponsorship or ticket?
Short answer: give us a call to discuss. While the University can receive donations from Donor Advised Funds, there are limitations on any benefit or goods/services provided to the person who recommends the donation.* Your contribution to qualifying DAFs (often held at community foundations) is treated by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable contribution at the time that it’s made.
Other questions?
Please contact us at (708) 524-6317 or specialevents@dom.edu
*The fine print: IRS regulations prohibit the donor, donor advisor, or the donor’s family member from receiving any benefit in excess of an incidental one as a result of a DAF distribution. Dominican does not provide legal or tax advice; please consult your donor advisor or tax advisor for additional guidance.