Nearly 800 civic, corporate and community leaders attended the After School Matters Annual Gala on Monday, Sept. 24th at the Wintrust Arena to celebrate a banner year of successfully providing after-school and summer programs for Chicago teenagers. This year, After School Matters reached more than 18,000 Chicago teenagers who participated in the organization’s programs, which encourage youth to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. The Annual Gala was presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and hosted by the After School Matters Board of Directors. Honorary Chairs included Mayor Rahm Emanuel and First Lady Amy Rule, and The Honorable Richard M. Daley. In honor of the Annual Gala, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois headquarters skyscraper on Randolph Street was lit up to display “AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS” during the event in a show of support for the organization and its mission. Individuals, corporations and foundations interested in learning more about After School Matters and the opportunities for support or volunteering can visit afterschoolmatters.org. Applications for After School Matters fall program session are now open. Teens can visit the website to apply.