Not even the rain could stop the festivities, with music playing, food and drinks flowing, and over 200 guests enjoying the celebration at Growing Solutions Farm.
We’re abundantly grateful for all our sponsors and donors who made our 2024 Carrots & Cocktails the best one yet – and the amazing support from our guests who continue to help us accomplish our mission to change outcomes for young adults with autism and related challenges.
Scroll through our photo gallery and catch some highlights of a memorable night!
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
From manning the food stations and running a market stand to selling raffle tickets and giving a farm tour, we couldn't have done it without our volunteers. Every one of them showed up with a heart to make the evening spectacular – and they succeeded!
A huge heartfelt thank you to the following volunteers:
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Our friends from 84.51 who are always eager and ready to help wherever they're needed: Ryan Hensley, Michaela Delaney and Casey Samagalsky.
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Our volunteers from Aine's crew who bring contagious energy and enthusiasm into their work: Amy Russell, Michelle Benson, Meghan Simone, and Esther Benson.
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John Hayes and his daughter Hana who provided warm hospitality to our guests at the market stand.
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Farmer John whose tireless dedication makes the farm shine. From nurturing the plants to building our park benches, there's no limit to what he can do.
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Our own UAS participants who are willing to stretch themselves to do bigger things – and succeed: Solmaris, Davarron, Rickie, Timothy, and Carlos
Two of our UAS participants – Timothy and Carlos – did an outstanding job educating guests about the work we do at Growing Solutions Farm. Take the tour and listen in on how the farm is making an impact.
OUR CARROTS & COCKTAILS BAND
Carrots & Cocktails wouldn't be complete without our featured performer, Packy Lundholm. Through sweltering heat or drizzling rain, Packy has been a highlight of our events and we are always grateful to be a recipient of his beautiful music. This year was no exception with the added bonus of his friend Wallace Tallman who accompanied him.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
We're incredibly grateful for the generosity of each food and beverage sponsor.
Apologue provided signature cocktails that featured their celery liqueur made from Growing Solutions Farm celery root. Hopewell Brewing Company and Carbliss brought our beverage selection to the next level with their premium drinks. Rocco Vino’s Italian Restaurant provided and prepared a variety of delicious food for our largest crowd yet. And Ferrara Bakery filled our tables with their delicious cookies.
Our deepest gratitude also extends to Aine of Ma O'Brien's who went above and beyond to make this event truly spectacular – from planning the menu and staging the tables to overseeing the food stations and orchestrating everything in between. Her vision for the event came to life and we all had the privilege of being a part of it.
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SOME CARROTS & COCKTAILS "FIRSTS"
Featured Artist: Jayson Hallberg
This year's Carrots & Cocktails designated a featured artist for the event. The artwork of UAS participant, Jayson Hallberg, fittingly captured the spirit of Growing Solutions Farm. Displayed on a tote bag that's perfect for carrying home GSF produce, all totes were completely sold out by the end of the event.
The Dessert Table
from Unique Sweets
We're grateful for our partnership with Unique Sweets who joined us for the first time this year. With a likeminded mission to support those with autism, they truly were the icing on the cake at our event. Their display of irresistable desserts was beautiful, delicious and too tempting for even the calorie-conscious to pass up.
THANK YOU TO OUR RAFFLE DONORS!
Eight baskets filled with incredible goodies from our generous raffle donors provided a great boost to our fundraising efforts. We're tremendously grateful for their generosity.
AIR AERIAL FITNESS
CHICAGO ATHLETIC CLUB
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
CHICAGO CUBS
CHICAGO FIRE
CHICAGO FOOD TOURS
CHICAGO SOX
CHICAGO WOLVES
FIELD MUSEUM
GIRL AND THE GOAT
IL PORCELLINO
JENI’S ICE CREAM
JERRY’S SANDWICHES
JIMMY KIMMEL
JULIE & MICHAEL TRACY
KOVAL DISTILLERY
MARTHA & ANDY CANTU
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
NAVY PIER FERRIS WHEEL
PUBLICAN QUALITY BREAD
REVOLUTION BREWERY
RIVER NORTH HAND WASH & DETAILING
SECOND CITY
THE CHOPPING BLOCK
VACAS CREAMERY
A good crowd gathered underneath the GSF tent with high hopes of taking home a prize. Catch the excitement of our raffle drawing and see who won.