Our Commitment

Expanding access and increasing the affordability of a Parker education is an ongoing strategic priority. Since our founding in 1901, Parker has offered financial assistance to current and incoming families to ensure that a Parker education remains accessible to students at every point on the socioeconomic spectrum.

Our commitment to supporting students through financial assistance continues to grow. Parker awards more than $5 million in financial assistance each year. Parker’s special events play a critical role in our school's ability to deliver on this promise.
2024 Parker Party Co-Chairs
Gary Pedulla, Jon Oppenheimer, Matt Combs, Judah Rodgon ’93,
Cameron Friedlander ’93, Danny Levi ’04, Mikus Kins ’91, and Deji Jimoh 


For almost three decades, Parker’s annual fundraisers have attracted Chicago families and businesses who embrace the importance of community, education and diversity. These signature fundraising events began in 1959 with an $18,000 goal to benefit Parker’s financial assistance program. Today, our annual fundraising events raise over $1 million for the program. It is an opportunity for our community to come together to enjoy a special evening, which includes good food, great fun and invaluable fundraising in support of our commitment to ensuring more students throughout Chicago are able to access a high quality education like Parker’s.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.