Aspiritech has spent 17 years proving that an inclusive workforce isn’t just possible—it’s essential. But we can’t do it alone. Your donation today will fund employment, training, and community programs that empower autistic professionals to thrive.
At Aspiritech, every milestone marks increasing momentum toward achieving our vision of a world that embraces neurodiversity by valuing talents, supporting challenges, and welcoming differences. This fall, we’re thrilled to mark nearly 18 years of empowering neurodivergent talent, transforming the tech landscape, and creating space for inclusive innovation. And we’re doing it in the most meaningful way we know: by celebrating alongside our community of supporters who have cheered us on all these years.
This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, on October 18, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening filled with connection, storytelling, and purpose. Beyond just being an elegant fundraising moment, our 2025 gala is a direct reflection of the light our community creates together. From our earliest projects in software testing to today’s growing suite of innovative tech and creative services, Aspiritech has always been powered by a belief in people’s unique potential, passion, and perspective.
And that belief extends to supporters. Because of their generosity and attention, whether through donations, attendance, or advocacy, we are empowered to achieve everything we set out to do in providing meaningful employment to adults on the autism spectrum.
The evening will feature a plated Italian dinner with four entrée options (including gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian choices upon request), a premium open bar, and heartfelt remarks from members of the Aspiritech team. A paddle raise session will give guests a chance to fund life-changing job opportunities for autistic adults.
You’ll hear moving stories of transformation, meet the people behind our mission, and experience what a neuroinclusive company culture truly looks like: joyful, collaborative, and brilliant.
Aspiritech’s work began with a goal of creating good, fulfilling jobs for autistic adults. Eighteen years later, that vision has blossomed into a thriving social enterprise where neurodivergent professionals lead quality assurance projects, conduct digital accessibility audits, and provide data and creative services to mission-driven and values-aligned companies across industries.
Our donors’ kind contributions enable us to expand training, deepen mentorship, and build partnerships that champion neurodiversity not as an ad hoc initiative, but as a core business value.
“Aspiritech is an oasis for autistic team members, but we have so much work to do,” CEO Tara May said. “Join us at the gala to help us grow our organization, our mission, and worldwide celebration of autistic talent.”
Whether you’re a longtime collaborator or discovering Aspiritech for the first time, our 2025 Shine the Light Gala is your opportunity to step into our story and help write the next chapters in the years to come.
Dress in your best formal cocktail attire and bring your appetite for great food, good conversation, and even better company. Together, we’ll raise toasts, paddles, spirits, and awareness throughout the evening.
Inspired to go above and beyond in supporting Aspiritech’s mission? We’re offering three sponsorship levels that include reserved seating, advertising opportunities, plus well-deserved public recognition and appreciation of your cherished support. Reach out to tara.may@aspiritech.org with any questions, or secure your sponsorship on our ticketing page.
However you choose to support Aspiritech this year, we’re honored to have you in our orbit. Our 2025 gala celebration is for all of us—past, present, and future—who believe in the power of inclusion to light the way forward.
Can’t attend our Shine the Light Gala in person but still want to support our mission of providing meaningful employment to adults on the autism spectrum? Join the virtual version of our event featuring with the Chicago Trivia Guys.
Play along and enter for a chance to win one of three pairs of Quiet Comfort Headphones generously donated by Bose! See the official rules for details:
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER. YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING DO NOT INCREASE WITH A PURCHASE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
The giveaway is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees of Aspiritech, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, and their respective spouses), and household members are eligible to participate in the trivia game and win prizes. By entering, participants acknowledge that winners will be selected fairly in accordance with the rules outlined below.
2. Sponsorship
The giveaway is sponsored by Aspiritech, NFP, headquartered at 939 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60202 (“Sponsor”). The Sponsor will conduct the promotion as described in these Official Rules.
By participating, entrants agree to be fully and unconditionally bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. The Sponsor reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, or disqualify any entry at its sole discretion.
Entries will be accepted during the Aspiritech Shine the Light Gala Virtual Trivia Game on October 18, 2025. The entry period begins at 6:00 PM Central Time and ends at the conclusion of the Event.
To enter, register for and participate in the online trivia game during the Event. Limit one entry per person. Any attempt to circumvent the rules or enter multiple times by fraudulent methods may result in disqualification at the Sponsor’s sole discretion.
Three (3) winners will each receive one pair of Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. Approximate Retail Value (ARV): $359 per prize. Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. Substitutions are permitted only at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Acceptance of the prize constitutes permission for Sponsor to use winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and promotion without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Event.
Winners will be determined based on trivia performance or by random drawing, at Sponsor’s discretion. Winners will be announced during the Event and may also be notified via the registration information provided. If a winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, or fails to claim the prize within 5 days, the prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Sponsor is not responsible for notification failures due to incorrect contact information, spam filters, or other technical issues.
By entering, participants grant the Sponsor the right to use their name, likeness, statements, and city/state of residence for advertising, publicity, and promotional purposes without further compensation or consent, unless prohibited by law.
Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the giveaway if fraud, technical failures, or other factors impair its integrity. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with or attempts to circumvent the entry process, or who violates these Official Rules. Sponsor also reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law for any such interference.
By entering, participants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and their employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, or damages arising directly or indirectly from participation in the giveaway or acceptance and use of the prize.
This giveaway is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. As a condition of participating, entrants agree that any disputes not resolved between the parties shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, before a court located in Illinois. Entrants waive all rights to punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, and all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.
Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, available at https://aspiritech.org/privacy-policy/.
To obtain a copy of the winners list, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Aspiritech, NFP, 939 Chicago, Evanston, IL, 60202, within 30 days of the Event.
The giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or any other social media platform used to promote the Event.
By entering, the entrant affirms that they have reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all of the Official Rules.
“We hired them for the mission. We’ve kept them because they are excellent.”
Aspiritech, NFP
