An Evening That Brought the Mission to Life
This year’s Carrots & Cocktails was our strongest year yet, welcoming more than 320 guests to Growing Solutions Farm to experience the mission of UAS firsthand.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, partners, and friends, the event more than doubled last year’s proceeds and became our most successful fundraiser to date.
This support comes at a pivotal time as UAS serves more young adults than ever before. Philanthropy helps expand opportunities, meet growing needs, and provide programs that public funding alone cannot fully support.
Because of this generous community, more young adults with autism and related disabilities will have access to programs that build independence, life skills, employment readiness, and social connection.
This year’s event helps make possible:
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The ongoing programs and dedicated staff who support more than 200 young adults each year
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More students gaining hands-on job readiness training
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Scholarships for programs like our Summer Enrichment Group
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Expanded opportunities for social connection, including our Women's Circle support group
We're grateful for everyone who helped make this year's Carrots & Cocktails a meaningful success!
Scroll through our image gallery to see how your support brought about another unforgettable evening – captured through the moments that brought the UAS mission to life.
(Click on and download your favorites.)
Celebrating the Heart of Carrots & Cocktails:
Our Students & Participants
Our UAS students and social participants were at the heart of what made Carrots & Cocktails so special. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and contributions to this meaningful evening.
From leading farm tours and sharing their hobbies and talents, to assisting with the raffle, signing totes, and supporting the farm stand, they helped guests experience the evening through the people and programs that make UAS so impactful.
Together, these moments helped spotlight the heart and purpose behind our mission.
Honoring the Partners Who Advance Our Work
Bridging Opportunity
Our 2026 Impact Award honored Christine Turner, a valued contributor, collaborator, and supporter of Urban Autism Solutions since the beginning of our first community based programs in 2014.
For more than 12 years, Christine has been a knowledgeable guide and compassionate friend to UAS. With deep expertise in Chicago Public Schools and a heart for transition aged students, she helped connect UAS to Al Raby High School, a pivotal moment in our growth.
We're grateful for her unwavering commitment to Chicago’s transition aged youth and her lasting impact on our community.
Building Pathways
Our 2026 Volunteer Award honored Bob Joynt and Holly Yacoumakis, whose support has been truly transformative for UAS participants.
Through their leadership at the Marillac House Food Pantry, Bob and Holly have developed an internship experience that helps students build job readiness skills in a grocery store style setting while also serving the community.
Their commitment to creating meaningful, customized learning opportunities reflects a deep care for our students and a shared belief in helping individuals with disabilities grow, contribute, and reach their full potential.
Championing Our Mission
We were honored to welcome several elected officials and community leaders whose partnership and support help make our work possible.
Public investment and community collaboration play an important role in sustaining organizations like UAS, allowing us to continue providing meaningful programs, services, and opportunities for the individuals and families we serve. We are grateful for their commitment to our city and to the communities we serve.
Recognizing Our Community Partners Who Helped Us Go Above and Beyond
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors who helped elevate this year’s Carrots & Cocktails. Their generosity allowed us to create a stronger guest experience while advancing the UAS mission and extending the impact of the evening well beyond the event.
We are especially grateful to Ferrara for their leading sponsorship support, which made a significant impact on the success of this year’s event. We also extend sincere thanks to Rush for their generous partnership, along with Covid-19 Monument, Aetna, Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon, and the Illinois Medical District for deepening our impact. Together, their support helped raise critical funds for UAS programs and the young adults we serve.
HARVEST SPONSOR
Ferrara Candy Company has been an integral partner to Urban Autism Solutions — supporting our work through both direct engagement and financial investment. Their involvement reflects a hands-on commitment to building pathways to greater independence.
BLOOM SPONSOR
Helping grow the reach and impact of programs that build critical skills for greater independence.
SEED SPONSORS
Providing the foundation that makes early opportunities for growth and skill-building possible.
Acknowledging Our Incredible Food & Beverage Partners
We're grateful for the food and beverage partners who helped make Carrots & Cocktails feel generous and welcoming. Their contributions gave guests a chance to connect and enjoy the farm in a special way. From signature cocktails and refreshing drinks to delicious food and desserts, each partner added to the hospitality and spirit of the evening. (Click logos to learn more about each partner.)
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Lifting Up Our Amazing Volunteers
We could never do what we do without our amazing volunteers. From setting up and welcoming guests to selling raffle tickets and manning the farm stand, they helped make it a night to remember.
We are especially grateful to UAS Board Member Aine O’Brien, owner of Ma O’Brien’s, for the time, talent, and heart she poured into Carrots & Cocktails. Her support touched every part of the evening, from food and beverages to the thoughtful details that helped guests feel welcomed and connected. Quite simply, this event would not happen without her.
Appreciation for Our Generous Raffle Donors
Thanks to our generous raffle donors, guests had the chance to win twelve baskets filled with a variety of gifts and experiences. Their contributions brought extra energy to the evening and helped strengthen our fundraising efforts.
