View opportunities to sponsor Trailblazers through our silent auction, wine pull and more.
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Trailblazers
Stay tuned for our 2027 event announcement!
Our Largest Annual Fundraiser
Trailblazers
Each year in early summer, more than 250 guests and 30 sponsors gather at a beautiful Chicago venue for Trailblazers, an evening celebrating the impact of Search and the community that makes our work possible. The event offers a meaningful opportunity to support our mission, gain visibility and enjoy a night of connection and celebration.
Proceeds from Trailblazers support a high quality of life for the people we support, including once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, enriching programs such as Visibility Arts and cultural outings and innovative initiatives that continue our long history of leadership in person-centered care.
THANK YOU!
Trailblazers: Possibility In Every Direction
Trailblazers: Possibility In Every Direction was held on Thursday, June 4, 2026
Trailblazers: Possibility In Every Direction was held on June 4, 2026, at Sarabande, a warm, modern venue with a beautiful outdoor patio in Avondale.
Thanks to you, we raised more than $200,000 to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the event!
The evening featured our Trailblazer Awards, a silent auction and a wine pull, along with our signature annual video that highlights the many paths people take as they discover what’s possible.
Possibility begins with the people who pursue it, and Search’s full-circle services support them as they explore every direction in their lives. Your generosity helps create opportunities for people to pursue independence, follow their goals and trailblaze their own path forward, because every direction holds potential, and every person deserves the chance to explore it.
Interested In Sponsoring?
Trailblazers is Search’s largest fundraising event, accounting for over 30% of our annual fundraising revenue. Sponsorships are a great way to get involved with our mission, all while receiving a variety of benefits, including event tickets, visibility and reach.
At Trailblazers, we will have a wine pull for guests and are seeking donations of any wine or champagne valued between $15-100+. Attendees will purchase a wine pull ticket for a chance to win a bottle valued at $15 or more to take home on the night of!
One quick email could raise thousands for Search! Learn how you can be an advocate this Trailblazers season!
Your sponsorship will make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities, all while gaining impactful visibility and reach through our Search community. Thanks for supporting!
If you prefer to pay by invoice, please contact Trina Grogan at tgrogan@search360.org with the sponsorship level and your business address and we will generate an invoice for you.
2026
Trailblazers Event Honorees
Each year, we recognize and honor those who have been pillars in the I/DD community and at Search.
In 2026, our Trailblazer Awards honored partners who have uplifted and embraced the idea of a full life for people with I/DD through their support and advocacy, moving our field into the next generation of services.
Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)
We were thrilled to honor IARF under Josh’s leadership with the John Lipscomb Trailblazer Award, in recognition of his visionary leadership and advocacy, which drive investment in Illinois’ system of care and strengthen a more person-centered future for people with I/DD.
View our Trailblazers video honoring IARF.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
In recognition of our longstanding partnership with Rivers Casino Des Plaines through inclusive employment and collaborative support, expanding opportunities and possibilities for people with I/DD, we were thrilled to honor them with our 2026 Trailblazers award.
Trailblazers Events Over The Years
Explore highlights from past Trailblazers events, where we gathered to celebrate the stories and impact of our community and the people we support.
2025 – The Stories That Connect Us
The Stories That Connect Us
Honorees: Shawn Durr and Justin Lynk
When: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Location: The Carter, 1948 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
2024 – 10 Years of Search Trailblazers: Leading the Way in Inclusive Adventure
10 Years of Search Trailblazers: Leading the Way in Inclusive Adventure
Honorees: Toad&Co. under the leadership of Gordon Seabury, 1% for the Planet and Search for Adventure
When: Friday, June 7, 2024
Location: Venue West
2023 – Empowering Creativity
Empowering Creativity
Honorees: Dr. Angela Lyonsmith and the Revada Foundation of the Logan Family
When: Thursday, June 1, 2023
Location: Café Brauer in Lincoln Park Zoo
2022 – Celebrating Our Community Roots
Celebrating Our Community Roots
Honorees: John Lipscomb and Wintrust
When: Thursday, June 9, 2022
Location: Chicago History Museum
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