Chance the Rapper, Grammy-award-winning musician and founder of SocialWorks, flipped the switch on the Museum of Science Industry’s (MSI) four-story Grand Tree recently, kicking off the Museum’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit set to run through Jan. 7. During the festivities, he announced the return of SocialWorks’ 5th annual “A Night at the Museum” event taking place at MSI on Dec. 21, which serves as a holiday fundraiser and donation hub for SocialWorks’ Warmest Winter clothing drive, benefitting Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. This year’s A Night at the Museum is generously sponsored by The Horowitz Family Charitable Fund and Aetna Better Health of IL, among others.
At “A Night at the Museum,” guests can experience the magic of MSI’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, which features a forest of more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers, including a tree from SocialWorks, each representing the holiday traditions from cultures around the globe. They can also engage with 50+ event-only vendors, activations and performers, discover unique opportunities to connect with Chance, and learn about what SocialWorks is planning for 2024.
In addition to offering activities for families, the event aims to collect donations for those experiencing homelessness in Chicago. All guests are encouraged to bring and donate “warming” items, such as coats, scarves, gloves, toys, hygiene items, etc.
“No event quite matches the energy, fun, and giving of ‘A Night at the Museum.’ With this event, we’ve collected hundreds of thousands of items to clothe those experiencing homelessness and brought together the businesses and people who uplift SocialWorks, all under one roof,” says Chance the Rapper. “I can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests, and their warming items, to the Museum on December 21st. SocialWorks, myself, our vendors and performers, have an amazing evening planned for all attendees!”
SocialWorks’ Warmest Winter initiative aims to raise awareness and provide relief for individuals experiencing homelessness and extreme hardship through service, direct support, and experiences. Since 2016, Warmest Winter has grown to hold an annual clothing drive, a yearly holiday event, volunteer opportunities, and quarterly excursions for the transient community. Through Warmest Winter, SocialWorks aims to lessen the effects of Chicago’s winter and isolation.
The annual initiative begins with a Chicago area donation drive starting in October, with “A Night at the Museum” at MSI offering one final opportunity to collect donations publicly. SocialWorks then sorts, counts, and distributes items to shelters and families in need between January and March-the worst of Chicago’s winter season. The Warmest Winter initiative has collected over 164,000 warming items since its inception in 2015, directly supporting 86 unique shelters throughout the Chicagoland area.
Tickets for “A Night at the Museum” are on sale now on EventNoire, a black-owned ticket company. Additional information about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light can be found online at msichicago.org/christmas.
Visuals: Chance the Rapper joined Santa Larry-the first Black Santa hired to spread holiday cheer at the Mall of America-and MSI’s Vice President of Education and Chief Learning and Community Partnerships Officer Jessica Chavez to kick off MSI’s annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit. Chance shared about his holiday traditions, including “A Night at the Museum,” and led MSI guests in a countdown to lighting the Museum’s Grand Tree. The ceremony was followed by a day-long community festival featuring live performances from local cultural institutions represented throughout the exhibit.
SocialWorks aims to empower youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement while fostering leadership, accessibility, and positivity. Our initiatives, OpenMike, Warmest Winter, Kids of the Kingdom, the New Chance: Arts & Literature Fund, and My State of Mind, were created to advocate for youth and the fulfillment of their success in all forms. SocialWorks looks to continue to bring impact through innovation and collaboration. For more information, visit www.socialworkschi.org.
About the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences which inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world, from groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits to hands-on opportunities — a visit to MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs — for students, teachers, and families — that make a difference in local communities and contribute to MSI’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art and math. The Museum is grateful for the support of its generous donors and guests, who make its work possible. MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414.
