StoryBall Fundraiser

The Stories Matter Foundation Board of Directors thanks you for another great year! We had a blast celebrating with you.
2023 StoryBall: Turning 20 in the 20s


StoryStudio Chicago Artistic Director Rebecca Makkai and Executive Director Jessica Keller, along with staff, core faculty members, students, and Chicago’s finest authors celebrate 20 years at StoryStudio.

In-Person at Ravenswood Event Center
Friday, April 28, 2023
6:30 – 10:30 pm 


Guests will enjoy: 

Open Bar 
Heavy Appetizers
Dessert Table 
Literary Carnival Games & Prizes
Battle of the Genres
Poems While You Wait
StoryStudio Instructor Awards
And more! 

Dress is cocktail attire.

An Online Auction will be open to the public in mid-April.

All donations from the evening will go to support the Stories Matter Foundation. Stories Matter Foundation is the parent organization of StoryStudio Chicago, the Chicago Review of Books, and Chicago Stories Project. We build communities of storytellers trained to question, explore, celebrate, and change their worlds using the power of story.

Can’t Make it, But Want to Contribute? Make a Donation in Support of Stories Matter Foundation Today

$150: General Admission

Tickets to our in-person fundraising event will include entry to the StoryBall Cocktail Party. This includes Open Bar (beer, wine, signature cocktail), Heavy Appetizers, Dessert Table, and 5 tickets for carnival games. 

$650: Carnival Bundle

  • 4 GA tickets to StoryBall 
  • 60 tickets for carnival games
  • 20th Anniversary Swag Bags for each person in your party

$2,500: Big Top Bundle

  • 8 GA tickets to StoryBall 
  • Unlimited tickets for carnival games  
  • Signed books from StoryStudio authors for each person in your party
  • 20th Anniversary Swag Bags for each person in your party 
  • Formal recognition at the event
  • Logo or name on program 
  • Logo or name mentioned on social media and Chicago Writers Podcast 
  • Logo or name on the StoryStudio website and CHIRB website for one month

A la Carte Carnival Tickets

Want to buy more tickets? We’ll be offering carnival games (tarot cards! ring toss! genre battle & more!) with a literary twist. Prizes will include books, 20th anniversary swag, free StoryStudio classes, and surprises. Purchase now or at the event. 

$5 Donation = 5 carnival tickets
$10 Donation = 10 carnival tickets
$20 Donation = 20 carnival tickets
$50 Donation = 75 carnival tickets
$100 Donation = Unlimited carnival tickets  

We’re so thrilled to be back in person in the beautiful space at Ravenswood Event Center. Take a look at our last parties there in 2019 and 2022.

Can’t Make it, But Want to Contribute? Make a Donation in Support of Stories Matter Foundation Today

Thanks to our Gold and Platinum Donors: Ansley Schrimpf and Gerald Nowak