Illinois Foster Care and Adoption Non-Profit, Let It Be Us, Announces 7th Annual ‘Be Mine’ Gala, May 9, at Chicago’s Wellsley, to Raise Funds for Children’s Placements in Families

Let It Be Us announces the 7th Annual ‘Be Mine’ Gala on May 9th in Chicago at The Wellsley, to raise funds for Children’s placements in foster and adoptive families. 

Dedicated to providing innovative solutions for effective placement of children in IL foster and adoptive care, Let It Be Us invites supporters to join them in River North for an evening of dinner and hope in support of children in need.

Let It Be Us, Illinois’ leading nonprofit dedicated to foster parent recruitment and adoption, proudly announces the return of the 7th Annual “Be Mine” Gala set for Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6:30 pm at The Wellsley, 504 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Guests will enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and an unforgettable venue in support of children currently placed in the IL foster care and adoptive systems. The evening will also feature a raffle and live auction, with an exclusive after-party at our Let It Be Us Lounge, where attendees can keep the night going with an open bar, gourmet late-night bites, and a special raffle!

Founded in 2014 by Dr. Susan McConnell, an adoptive parent and current Executive Director of the organization, Let It Be Us successfully places children in forever homes through their revolutionary Open Home Navigator Online Platform. The Be Mine Gala plays a vital role in sustaining the success of the Open Home Navigator and expanding the organization’s impact. 

Let It Be Us was recently awarded the contract from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to improve foster care adoption placement rates in the state, which currently ranks among the lowest in the nation. With this funding, Let It Be Us will expand its innovative solutions, including the utilization and management of Illinois’ Heart Gallery, an interactive online adoption listing service designed to connect waiting children with permanent, loving families. The organization will also enhance recruitment efforts, streamline family matching through data-driven tools, and provide additional training and support for caseworkers and adoptive families.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of hope and transformation,” said Dr. Susan McConnell, Executive Director of Let It Be Us. “Throughout the year, we work diligently to improve Illinois permanency and adoption rates and provide essential resources for children awaiting permanency. Through passion, determination and support, our goal is to continuously expand our reach to impact as many children and teens as possible.” 

Tickets to attend the Be Mine Gala can be purchased online, with various sponsorship opportunities available to support the event and organization. For more information, visit www.letitbeus.org/bemine25. To be a corporate sponsor please contact Kate Himes at katehimes@letitbeus.org.

ABOUT LET IT BE US

Let It Be Us is a nonprofit organization and Illinois licensed child welfare agency dedicated to recruitment, matching and placement within foster care and adoption across the State of Illinois. Through innovative programming and strategic partnerships, Let It Be Us aims to improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system. Learn more at www.letitbeus.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Heron Agency: (773) 969-5200
Noreen Heron / Will Donaghy
noreen@heronagency.com
willd@heronagency.com