First Look for Charity

February 6, 2026 | 7:00-11:00PM | McCormick Place

Ticket Sales Open November 1st!

Save the Date – February, 6, 2026 – and be the first to see the nation’s largest auto show by attending the black-tie First Look for Charity, benefiting Habitat for Humanity and 17 other nonprofits. Top-shelf refreshments complement abundant hors d’oeuvres from notable Chicago eateries – and you’ll have the chance to win a new car!

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Tickets

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Corporate Sponsorship

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Vehicle Giveaway

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Attire

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Hotel

Thank you to our generous 2025 sponsors

Patrons

Donors

Friends

Harrah's Joliet Logo
Joliet Junior College Logo
Ralph H. Simpson Co. Logo

Photo & Video Gallery

Vehicle Giveaway

One highlight of the First Look for Charity is the vehicle giveaway. Over the years, lucky winners have driven off with the keys to 50 vehicles, including a Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge Viper. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win. However, the winner must be present at the time of the drawing. This year, the giveaway vehicles are a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV and 2025 Hyundai Palisade.

2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EV

2025 HYUNDAI PALISADE

[1] A random drawing of ticket stubs for all attendees at the First Look for Charity Event with be made upon open stage during the course of the event. Vehicle(s) will be awarded at that time. If the owner of the winning ticket stub drawn fails to claim prize within a reasonable time, as determined solely by the Chicago Auto Trade Association, his right to the vehicle will be forfeited and an additional ticket stub will be drawn. The odds of winning depend upon the number of ticket stubs collected. Substitutions for the vehicle are not permitted; there are no cash award alternatives. Void where prohibited by law. Winner agrees to permit the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and/or the First Look for Charity Foundation to use his/her picture for future publicity and promotion without compensation. Winner further agrees to provide name, address and Social Security number to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and/or the First Look for Charity Foundation, and to be responsible for any and all taxes, including Federal and State income taxes, state and local sales taxes or excise taxes, as applicable. Winner further acknowledges that he/she will be provided a Federal Form 1099 at year end indicating the full value of the prize awarded. 2025 Hyundai Palisade compliments of Chicago and Northwest Indiana Hyundai Dealers. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV compliments of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers.

Attire

FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY'S ATTIRE FOR MEN IS TUXEDO-MANDATORY, AND WOMEN SHOULD BE DRESSED APPROPRIATELY.

Click here for a guide on appropriate men’s & women’s black tie attire.

The Men’s Wearhouse is proud to offer $75 off your tuxedo rental, or 15% off your entire qualified retail purchase, for the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity gala.

The event will have limited tuxedo rental available on site through Men’s Wearhouse on a first-come, first-serve basis. The pop-up store is located in the Grand Ballroom, S100.

Find a convenient Men’s Wearhouse, and see the booking code to mention when you get measured.

Official Hotel

WHY NOT MAKE A SPECIAL EVENT EVEN MORE MOMENTOUS? THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW HAS PARTNERED WITH THE HYATT REGENCY MCCORMICK PLACE TO OFFER AN EXCEPTIONAL RATE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY.
CLICK TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS HERE

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

The Chicago Auto Show is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place as the official hotel for the 2025 Chicago Auto Show.

Just a 5-minute indoor walk from the McCormick Place show floor, experience modern guestrooms and sweeping views of the Chicago Skyline. Overnight guests of the hotel will receive a 15% discount at our multiple on-site food and beverage outlets.

The negotiated rate for First Look for Charity, scheduled for Friday, February 7 is $151. Internet and health club/pool access is included with the price of the room.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago
2233 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Chicago, IL 60616
Website