There have understandably been many questions about how we intend to keep the in-person gathering for our Annual Benefit Event & Awards Ceremony safe during the current pandemic.

Please see below for the precautions we’re taking to make your decision concerning whether to attend in-person or virtually.

Vaccination/Testing Requirement

• All guests are expected to supply either proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event date. This is the recommendation of both the CDC and the city of Chicago for all large gatherings.

• We will be offering free walk-in Covid-19 testing on Tuesday, October 5th at 3763 S. Wabash Ave from 3-6 p.m. Even if you are fully vaccinated, we encourage you to get tested just in case. Click here to search another testing location.

• TRC’s Health & Wellness Manager will confidentially verify these documents at the front door. Guests who are approved for entry will be given a wristband so they do not need to be re-verified to re-enter.

• Temperatures will be checked at the door and contact information will be collected for contact tracing .

The Food

• The dinner will be served from a buffet by certified food handlers. The chaffing dishes holding the food have clear lids that open halfway to protect the food.

• The food serving time has been extended so fewer people will be in the food line at once. 6-ft floor markers will be used to encourage proper social distancing.

• Tables in the gym (where the awards ceremony and dinner are held) will be spaced at least 6-feet apart.

Air Quality

• We will utilize HEPA air purifiers to both clean the air and monitor air quality.

• We will open windows and the outdoor air dampers to the extent possible with October Chicago weather and our guests’ comfort.

Other Precautions

• Masks will be required when not eating or drinking. A mask will be provided if you forget to bring one.

• Sanitation stations will be located in each room.

• During the reception, guests will be allowed to move freely throughout the lobby, ballroom, and gym. We will encourage people to move if there are too many people gathering in one location.

Participation Online

• Individuals who are at increased risk, who test positive for Covid-19, or who have any Covid-19 symptoms are encouraged to still participate online!

• We’ll be live-streaming the Awards Ceremony at 8 pm on Facebook and you can bid on silent auction items starting on Oct 1st and ending Oct 7th at 9:30 pm. You can also donate to TRC at any time on our website!