✦501(c)(3) Verified · After the Peanut Foundation
Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 6:00 PM CDT
Jacob Henry Mansion · Joliet, Illinois
Garden Terrace · Historic Mansion · Under the Stars · An Indoor & Outdoor Experience
✦ Attire: Summer Chic
Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 6:00 PM CDT
Jacob Henry Mansion · Joliet, Illinois
Garden Terrace · Historic Mansion · Under the Stars · An Indoor & Outdoor Experience
About Us
The After the Peanut Foundation was founded in 2017, inspired by the legacy of George Washington Carver, to democratize STEAM education for under-resourced youth across Will County and beyond.
We run immersive summer camps, after-school enrichment, educator training, and community STEAM programming that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.
This year's Summer Soirée directly funds our most ambitious expansion yet — taking students from Will County to college campuses in Chicago and Atlanta, with our first-ever international cohort launching in Japan in 2027.
Founder & CEO
A Joliet native, University of Illinois graduate, combat veteran, and STEM professor, Dr. Coleman built After the Peanut from the ground up to ensure every child — regardless of zip code — has access to transformative STEAM education.
Event Updates
🎉 Tables are filling fast — Only a few VIP tables remain!
🌏 Japan 2027 cohort officially announced — be part of history.
🏛️ Georgia & Chicago campus visits confirmed for 2027.
Mission Focus
“The Summer Soirée powers the After the Peanut Foundation's mission to democratize STEAM education. Your support provides equitable, innovative learning for under-resourced youth, strengthens the STEM workforce pipeline, and builds diverse leadership for a more inclusive future.”
Every program, every experience, every door we open exposes youth to excellence and possibility, enriching the trajectory of their lives.
Preparing youth for the future of flight — hands-on drone training and the skills to apply it across healthcare, search-and-rescue, and public safety.
Launching our first international cohort in Japan in 2027 — making Will County students global citizens and innovators.
Our Impact · KPIs
Students
Youth reached through programs
Educators
Teachers empowered with STEAM training
Partners
Organizations advancing the mission
Years
Serving Will County communities
Evening Programme · August 8, 2026
Tickets & VIP Tables
Recognition · 2026
Each year, the Summer Soirée honors individuals whose work reflects the highest standards of innovation, service, and commitment to STEAM education. One recipient will be recognized in each category.
STEAM Innovation
Donnie Chestnut
Mission Advancement Director
YMCA
STEAM Innovation
Sheldon L. Watts
Founder
Bolingbrook STEM Association
STEAM Innovation
Pending
EnRapport
Nicor Gas
STEAM Innovation
Vikki Kehoe
Science Teacher
Joliet Public Schools
STEAM Innovation
Sarah Kinsella
Vice President | Community Marketing & Engagement
Old National Bank
STEAM Innovation
Kelly Rohder-Tonelli
Executive Director, Strategic Engagement
Live Entertainment · 7:30 PM
Special Appearance
& Band
Live Music · 7:30 PM
Delmark recording artist and international touring blues vocalist, Sheryl Youngblood brings her signature blues, funk, and soul sound to the Summer Soirée stage.
sherylyoungbloodband.com →About the Artist
Sheryl Youngblood is a Chicago-based blues, dance, and funk recording artist on the legendary Delmark Records label. An international touring performer, she has captivated audiences across the country and around the world with her powerhouse voice and electric stage presence.
Her appearance at the Summer Soirée promises to be an unforgettable evening under the stars at the Jacob Henry Mansion.
Partnership Opportunities
Where business leadership meets lasting impact.
Sponsorships begin at $2,000 · Custom packages available · Contact us for a tailored package
Our 2026 Sponsors
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Ad Book
The Summer Soirée Program Book is a full-color premium magazine — designed with editorial quality, distributed to every guest, and kept long after the evening ends. Features original editorials, STEAM impact stories, awardee profiles, and partner spotlights.
After the Peanut Foundation · Official Event Program · August 8, 2026
Summer
Soirée 2026
The Ultimate Party for a Purpose · Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet, IL
A premium keepsake magazine featuring editorials on STEAM innovation, community impact stories, youth spotlights, and partner features — in the hands of every guest.
Double Page Spread
8.5 × 22"
$400
Full Page
8.5 × 11"
$200
Half Page
8.5 × 5.5"
$100
Quarter Page
4.25 × 5.5"
$50
What's Inside
Secure your placement in a premium full-color program book distributed to every guest. Ad copy deadline: July 25, 2026.
Reserve Your Ad SpaceEvent Updates
May 2026
After the Peanut Foundation officially announces its first international STEAM program for Will County students. Japan 2027 is happening!
May 2026
Students from Will County will visit Georgia Tech's Atlanta campus for an immersive STEAM career experience in summer 2026.
May 2026
We've raised $26,000 toward our $85,000 goal. Every ticket and table sold brings us closer. Push your network to get us over the top!
Gallery
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Event Leadership
Our Summer Soirée is guided by an exceptional group of community leaders and professionals who have generously dedicated their time, expertise, and networks to making this evening extraordinary.
Event Chair
Brian Thomas
Nicor
Co-Chair · Sponsorship Chair
Nick Pantazes
Nicor
Program Book & Ads Chair
Dr. Tiffany Allen-Smith
PostNet Shorewood
Political & VIP Engagement Chair
Octavia Samuels
Status Plā Space
Décor & Atmosphere Chair
Dr. Teresa Lawrence
Glenbard East
Table Host & Ticket Sales Chair
Justin Smith
Nemark
Get Involved
Want to help make the Summer Soirée an unforgettable night?
We need passionate volunteers for event setup, guest services, and more.
Join our team and be part of the mission.
Get In Touch
Questions about tickets, tables, sponsorships, or partnerships? Reach out to our team directly.
After the Peanut Foundation
For event inquiries, partnerships & tickets