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LIGHT THE WAY: A NIGHT FOR THE CHICAGO HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE
Celebrate National Lighthouse Day Aboard the Wendella for Our First Fundraiser
What: The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening on the water—our first-ever fundraiser cruise in support of restoring and reopening one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.
Initially built during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and moved to its current location in 1917, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse has stood the test of time and weathered the storms of Lake Michigan. For more than a century, it has guided mariners entering and departing Chicago Harbor. FOCHL's mission is to preserve, restore and celebrate this iconic lighthouse for future generations.
This event would not be possible without the incredibly generous support of Wendella Boats and the Borgstrom Family, who donated the use of their beautiful vessel, Lila, to help us launch this annual tradition. As Chicago’s original architectural tour, Wendella has been guiding residents and visitors along the Chicago River and lakefront for 90 years. For all those years, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, originally built in 1893 and moved to its current location in 1918, has stood as a steadfast beacon just beyond the river’s mouth, watching over generations of Wendella cruises, sailors, tourists, and families alike. This collaboration is more than symbolic. It’s a shared legacy of protecting, celebrating, and interpreting the story of Chicago’s relationship with the water, from the city’s earliest shipping days to today's skyline and river cruises.
We are thrilled to invite you aboard this special two-hour evening cruise, which includes:
Light appetizers
A cash bar
A special presentation on the lighthouse’s past, present, and bright future
A silent auction featuring exclusive merchandise and learn about once-in-a-lifetime naming opportunities
A close-up trip past the lighthouse as the sun sets over the city
When: Thursday, August 7, National Lighthouse Day, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wendella West Docks (3 & 4) Rush Street, Kinzie St and, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Tickets: Tickets are $100 per person — and every dollar raised will go directly toward the preservation and restoration of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. This is your chance to be a part of something historic — preserving a piece of Chicago’s past to inspire future generations.
Tickets are limited, so grab yours today and help us “light the way” forward.
Contact: Mary Ann O'Rourke, 847-567-8456
Website: savethelighthouse.org
Thank you again to the Wendella team and the Borgstrom Family for making this extraordinary night possible.
We can’t wait to see you on board.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3089174-0
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3089174-2
