BARK ‘N BALL 2025

Join over 200 dog and book lovers who share a passion for strengthening kindergarten through 2nd grade literacy in Chicago, for an evening of food, fun, philanthropy, and fashionable four-legged friends. NBC 5 reporter LeeAnn Trotter emcees, and featured speaker Yadira Bernadac, Principal of Chicago Public Schools' Pilsen Community Academy, joins us to celebrate a year of growth and to honor those who make our work possible, including some very special Certified Reading Assistance Dogs.

Iconic vintage furniture and antique warehouse Salvage One provides the perfect setting for our pup-friendly party, including a gourmet dog buffet from Just Food for Dogs, complimentary dog walking services in the courtyard, canine CBD treats, and a quiet room.

Human guests will enjoy a signature cocktail and mocktail inspired by 2024 Dog of the Year, Darla the Dachshund; a fabulous dinner and dessert buffet with wine and beer; jazz from the Chris Dammann quartet and the vocal stylings of Qiana McNary; poems created on the spot from Typecast; an old fashioned photo booth with vintage props; literacy games; and wonderful silent and live auctions. 

Bark 'N Ball is the 22-year-old nonprofit's most significant fundraising event of the year. If you would like to sponsor the event or fiscally support SitStayRead in another way, please contact Interim Executive Director Deirdre Harrison at deirdre@sitstayread.org.  All sponsors and VIP ticket holders are invited to a VIP reception from 5:30-6:30 pm on the night.

If you cannot attend, we invite you to donate or register free of charge to bid on the silent auction, which goes live on May 1.