This year’s Halloween season felt different, not just because of the costumes and the fog machines, but because I finally got to experience one of Chicago’s most meaningful traditions from the inside. This past Saturday, October 25th, I attended the Illumination: Casting a Light on Rare Disease gala for the first time—a milestone since I recently started my new journey working for Clayco.
Hosted by The Clayco Foundation, Illumination is more than just a legendary party; it’s a tribute to the late Ellen Clark, the wife of Clayco founder Bob Clark. The event has grown into a massive philanthropic effort, having raised over $10 million to date for research into RVCL, an ultra-rare genetic disease.
The Atmosphere: Walking into Moonlight Studios in the West Loop, the space was unrecognizable. Transformed into an immersive “playground of light,” the venue was packed with glowing art installations, luminous characters, and interactive displays that fit this year’s hauntingly beautiful theme: REFLECTION. As a new Clayco employee, seeing the scale of this event and the passion of the “party with a purpose” first-hand was an incredible welcome to the team.
- The Art of Light: Over 100 professional creators and emerging artists contributed to the spectacle, featuring everything from fiery parades to mesmerizing LED walls that synchronized with the music.
- Costumes and Cocktails: The energy was electric as guests embraced the “any costume” rule. Costumed servers moved through the crowd while seven full-service open bars kept the specialty cocktails flowing late into the night.
- Silent Auction Treasures: Beyond the dancing, there was a high-stakes silent auction featuring exclusive experiences and luxury items, all with 100% of proceeds going toward a cure for RVCL.
- Price: General admission started at $150, which included open bar access and all immersive experiences from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
- Location: Moonlight Studios (1446 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL).
Attending Illumination was a powerful reminder of why I’m proud to be part of the Clayco family. Seeing hundreds of people come together to turn grief into hope through artistry and community is an experience I won’t soon forget. If you’ve never been, mark your calendars for next October—it’s hands-down the best Halloween event in the city.
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