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About the Event

Join us as we roll out the red carpet and bring the glamor and allure of the Berlinale Film Festival and the Academy Awards to the DANK Haus for our annual gala. Experience the elegance and excitement of a Hollywood awards show with an evening of exquisite cuisine, a lively program, and dazzling auction items.

Walk the red carpet alongside friends and supporters of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, all while raising vital funds to fulfill our mission to preserve and promote our German culture and heritage. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine like a Hollywood star and make a difference to your German American Cultural Center.

Auction

Our silent auction will take place online. Browse the curated collection of items, experiences, and services by clicking the link below.

Preview the Auction

Entertainment

Enjoy live music during cocktail hour and dinner by lounge singer, Laura Freeman.

Following the live program, guests are invited to enjoy our dj and dancing.

New to the US market, Drüber is a modern take on the traditional German drinking ritual known as the Lüttje Lage. It combines a specially brewed top-fermented beer and Korn schnapps, served and consumed through a unique two-glass drinking technique.

Tokio Hotel has fun with Drüber

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion - Specs at a Glance

What should I wear?

Dress to impress for a night of Hollywood-meets-Berlin glamour! Guests are encouraged to wear their finest red carpet attire—think dazzling gowns, sleek tuxedos, and stylish evening wear—or channel their favorite German or American film star for a touch of cinematic flair. Need some inspiration? Check out the looks from the 2025 Oscars Red Carpet

Where is the event being hosted?

Our annual gala takes place in the Marunde Ballroom at the DANK Haus at 4740 N Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Cocktail hour will also be held at the DANK Haus in the Skyline Lounge.

Where can I park?

Limited parking is available at 5/3 Bank at Western and Gunnison. There is also paid street parking throughout the neighborhood.

Can I hire transportation for the night?

For any guest who wants to arrive in style, we are pleased to recommend Windy City Limos or All American Limo for your limousine needs.

Is there a hotel in the area where I can stay?

For guests who want to make a night of it and book a local hotel stay, we are pleased to recommend The Guesthouse Hotel.

Why does the DANK Haus host an annual gala?

The DANK Haus hosts an annual gala to fund the DANK Haus Annual Fund while enjoying a fun and glamorous night with our community. Funds generated support maintenance of our historic building, providing top tier cultural programming, welcoming a diverse selection of German and American artists to exhibit and speak, and expanding our German language program to reach over 300 students of all ages each semester.

How will the gala raise money for the DANK Haus?

The gala will feature a live auction, silent auction, a paddle raise, and other fundraising games and activities. Our silent auction will also be available for folks to bid from home.

How will I bid?

All bidding, purchases, and donations will take place through our auction app, Handbid. This is the same platform that you will use to purchase your tickets. You can find the Handbid app in the Apple App store and Google Play store.

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket purchase includes an open bar throughout the evening, a delicious dinner, live music, DJ and dancing, and the excitement of the auction and themed event.

Is my ticket tax deductible?

No. The ticket price ONLY covers the expenses associated with hosting the gala and is not itself a donation to the DANK Haus. The auctions, paddle raise, and activities of the evening will generate donations to the DANK Haus Annual Fund.

Can I reserve seats with friends?

Want to sit with friends? We encourage you to purchase a table for 10. If you purchase individual tickets, we cannot guarantee seating arrangements.

How can I get involved and help?

The Gala is organized by a committee of DANK Haus staff, board members, and volunteers. The committee is always looking for help with event planning and outreach to help secure auction donations. Please reach out to committee chair Melanie Hodges at melanie@dankhaus.com and let her know how you can help!

Sponsorships

Introduce your brand to 200+ guests who are globally minded and locally involved, demonstrate your company's commitment to the German-American and local community, and support the DANK Haus's programs including the German Language Program, Multicultural Art Gallery, and more.

Review Sponsorship Options - Become a Sponsor Today