Wayfarer Theaters will host a special VIP screening and fundraiser on Monday, April 20, celebrating the North Shore premiere of the inspirational documentary Pursuing Light: The Bill Strickland Story. The evening will honor the life and work of social entrepreneur Bill Strickland while raising support for CHICAT (Chicago Center for Arts & Technology).
Pursuing Light: The Bill Strickland Story chronicles Strickland’s remarkable journey and his lifelong dedication to demonstrating how dignity, beauty, and opportunity can transform lives. The film highlights his pioneering work in arts education, workforce development, and community revitalization—ideas rooted in the belief that everyone possesses creativity and genius when given the right environment to thrive.
The event will serve as a fundraiser for CHICAT, a nonprofit organization opened in 2017 and modeled after the nationally recognized framework created by Strickland in Pittsburgh. Strickland founded the Manchester Bidwell Corporation, a center devoted to helping adults‑in‑transition and youth in underserved communities realize their potential through arts and technology. CHICAT is part of the National Center for Arts & Technology (NCAT) network inspired by this model.
Admission to the event is free, with a suggested donation benefiting CHICAT.
The evening will begin with doors opening at 6:00 PM, followed by a mocktail reception at 6:30 PM. The screening will take place at 7:30 PM, with a post‑screening Q&A starting at 9:00 PM, offering attendees the opportunity to engage more deeply with the film’s themes and its local impact.
Event Schedule
6:00 PM — Doors Open
6:30 PM — Mocktail Reception
7:30 PM — Film Screening
9:00 PM — Post‑Screening Q&A
Event Details
What: Pursuing Light: The Bill Strickland Story — VIP Screening & Fundraiser
When: Monday, April 20, 2026
Where: Wayfarer Theaters, Highland Park
Admission: Free, with suggested donation to benefit CHICAT
Wayfarer Theaters invites the community to join for an inspiring evening that celebrates creativity, compassion, and the power of the arts to change lives—both globally and right here in Chicago.
For more information and to RSVP, visit:
https://wayfarertheaters.com/highlandpark/movie/pursuing-light-the-bill-strickland-story
