Great Blue Benefit

Thank you for your incredible support.
We look forward to welcoming our registered guests on June 11 and celebrating the people and partnerships working to protect our Great Lakes. 

Registered Guests 

Your registration will be held at the door. No physical ticket is required. Simply check in under the name used when registering. 

If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Genevieve Fletcher at gfletcher@greatlakes.org or 312-445-9736. 

The Art + Silent Auction is now open for advance bidding (open to all). 

Access the Auction

Event Details 

Thursday, June 11, 2026 
6:00–9:00 PM 

Columbia Yacht Club 
111 N. Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Drive 
Chicago, IL 60601 

What to Expect 

Join us for an evening featuring: 

  • Regionally sourced cuisine from Shaw’s Crab House, featuring Great Lakes fish and seasonal ingredients from across the basin 
  • A Regional Wine & Cheese Tasting showcasing producers from across the Great Lakes region 
  • An Art + Silent Auction featuring Great Lakes-inspired artwork 
  • A signature cocktail by Rhine Hall Distillery, beer, wine, and live music by Brooklyn Britches & the Whispers 
  • A paddle raise supporting the Alliance’s work to protect the Great Lakes 

Event Schedule 

5:30 PM – Early Access Reception for Sponsors and Wavemaker Honorees 

6:00 PM – Doors Open, Reception, Wine & Cheese Tasting, Art + Silent Auction 

7:00 PM – Program Begins 

8:15 PM – Art + Silent Auction Closes 

9:00 PM – Event Concludes 

Parking & Transportation 

Parking is available at the DuSable Harbor Parking Lot for a flat rate of $25 (credit card only). 

View Detailed Parking & Arrival Instructions Here 

Ride-share guests should enter “DuSable Harbor” as their destination. 

Attire: Cocktail Casual / Yacht Club Casual 

Weather: The Great Blue Benefit is a rain-or-shine event. Portions of the event take place indoors, with access to covered and uncovered outdoor areas overlooking Lake Michigan. 

Contact & Accessibility 
For more information, please contact: Genevieve Fletcher 
gfletcher@greatlakes.org 
312-445-9736 

The Columbia Yacht Club is a historic venue and is not fully ADA-compliant. Ramps and an elevator are available. If you have accessibility needs or questions, please contact Genevieve in advance so we can help ensure a comfortable experience. 

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, artists, volunteers, and guests for making this year’s Great Blue Benefit possible. Your support helps protect and restore the Great Lakes for current and future generations. 

Here’s a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2025.