History

Founded in 1986 by the late Donald J. DePorter, Chicago Gateway Green continues to lead the charge in greening and beautifying our great city.

Chicago Gateway Green developed the Expressway Partnership program in 1999 which joins the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois with Chicago’s corporate community to transform our Expressways into Parkways. Distinct from traditional ‘adopt-a-highway’ programs in other states, Gateway Green develops and maintains sweeping landscapes which feature our sponsors, creating green ribbons through the city.

In August of 1996, Gateway Green and the City of Chicago dedicated the award winning Donald J. DePorter Gateway, marked by lush landscaping and Virginio Ferrari's famed sculpture, "Being Born," at the base of the Kennedy Expressway.  From there our International Sculpture Program has grown to introduce several prominent public art works into Chicago's urban landscape.

Our signature gala, Green Tie Ball made its first appearance in 1992. What began as a 500-person party held in the street is now one of the best-known charity events in Chicago, attended annually by more than 3,000 of the city's most influential and trendsetting young professionals. Each year, the event is marked by scores of Chicago’s top restaurants, multiple stages of eclectic entertainment; and a unique indoor-outdoor venue to celebrate the green spaces of the city.

Our goal is to transform Chicago's reputation from a gritty city of “big shoulders” to 21st century metropolis leading the way in responsible environmental development as one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Join us!