Celebration Gala & Film Premiere
Celebrating 80 Years | 1946–2026
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk
Join us for an evening honoring 80 years of transformation through Covenant World Relief and Development. We’ll honor the past, celebrate transformation, hear powerful stories, and envision a hopeful future together.
Evening Schedule
5:30 PM – Doors & Art Gallery Open
6:30 PM – Dinner Served & Program Begins
8:00 PM – Documentary Film Premiere
9:00 PM – Program Concludes
Semi-formal or festive attire is recommended.
Host a Table
Invite your friends, family, or church members to join you in the celebration. Each table seats eight people, and the host will manage the invitations within one registration.
Become a Sponsor
Documentary
For a sneak peek of the documentary, watch the short film—an inspiring look at lives renewed in West Pokot, Kenya, through our partnership with Jitokeze. Download and share the video—with subtitles or without.
Art Exhibit
Thank you to all the artists who have contributed artwork for the special anniversary exhibit celebrating eight decades of global impact through Covenant World Relief and Development (CWRD). We are deeply grateful for your creativity, passion, and partnership! We can’t wait to feature the powerful pieces we’ve received in our online gallery and at the anniversary gala in Chicago on January 25, 2026.
If you still hope to submit a piece, please contact our team at cwrd@covchurch.org as soon as possible for guidance on how to participate. Amateur artists are always welcome. All contributed artwork will also be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting CWRD’s ongoing ministry around the world.
Travel, Parking & Accommodations
Hotel
Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk 301 East North Water Street Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60611 Guest rooms (king and/or double) available for $169/night plus taxes. Click here for reservations.Hotel Parking
- Hotel Guests: Guests staying at the hotel may park for $30 per day, which includes in-and-out privileges.
- Day Attendees: Parking at the hotel is also $30, but each exit requires a new payment. Please plan accordingly if you expect to leave and return during the day.
Alternative Parking Options
Looking for more affordable parking nearby? Try these apps:- ParkChicago – Chicago’s official parking app.
- SpotHero – Find and reserve discounted parking spots.
- ParkWhiz – Compare prices and book parking in advance.
Need a Roommate?
If you would like to find someone to share housing expenses, please fill out this form, and we will help connect you with others who have a room or are looking for a room to share.Airports
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are both great options for attendees to arrive and travel to Chicago’s downtown and the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel.United Discount (O’Hare)
United Airlines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Evangelical Covenant Church. To make flight reservations online, please click on the discount code ZRJE961040. MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code. You may also call the United Meetings Reservation Desk, Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations. International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.Delta Discount (O’Hare & Midway)
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Reservations and ticketing are available via delta.com by entering the Meeting Code NM4TV under the “Advanced Search” option or by calling Conferences and Events Reservations at 800-328-1111.Airport Transportation
Attendees will need to arrange their own transportation to the downtown hotel.- Transportation to the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk from O’Hare – Blue Line to Clark/Lake, walk (16 min) or Uber to the hotel.
- Transportation to the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk from Midway – Orange Line to Clark/Lake, walk (16 min) or Uber to the hotel.
Sponsors
We are grateful to the following gala sponsors for partnering with us to celebrate 80 years of God’s faithfulness through Covenant World Relief and Development. Their generosity helps us honor the past, celebrate the present, and further the justice movement for generations to come. For more information on sponsorship, click here.
