At a major fundraising gala, April 11, Adam Alonso, CEO of BUILD, a nonprofit working with children and teens on the West Side, opened his remarks saying it would be “tone deaf” not to talk about the impact of Trump administration initiatives on organizations such as his.
Alonso said $4.5 million in annual federal funding is now at risk and that amount represents some 20% of BUILD’s annual budget. But in strong language he pledged that BUILD, 5100 W. Harrison St., would continue all of its programs to assist young people in Austin and across the West Side. He said the nonprofit will not step back from its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
BUILD has long focused on a message of growing resilience among its young clients, but on Friday he added resistance to the mantra of the organization going forward.
In his boldest comments on an evening filled with inspiration and courageous speeches by young BUILD clients, Alonso described the federal administration’s actions as “chaos and fuckery” to a very approving audience.
Alonso, a long-time Oak Park resident, told the crowd how BUILD would respond to all this uncertainty. “By becoming structurally indispensable to Chicago. Through our resilience and resistance,” he said.
The resistance, he said, takes the form of “inspiring hope and offering opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures.”
He went on to define BUILD’s resistance as its Donna Dudley Peace League, a summer softball program that brings together different gang factions, police and community members to play softball through the summer. It also takes shape in the group’s ongoing marches to end gun violence. “We do not accept that gun violence is normal. We resist it every day through our work with young people, through community events and through our marches,” he said.
The organization was founded in 1969 but its presence has been notably elevated under Alonso’s leadership and with the expansion and construction two years ago of its headquarters at Harrison and Laramie in Austin. The expansive campus includes a 62,000-square-foot building and urban garden. Its mentoring program served 2,752 young people in 2024 and nearly 4,800 youth and their families were involved in other BUILD programs last year.
Two young people who have benefited from BUILD mentorships spoke at the event. Andrea Weathersby, 21, talked about her focus on criminal justice training in a college that the organization guided her admission to. She also gave credit to a 15th District Chicago police official who has mentored her over several years. Tyshawn Weisinger, 19, talked about the impact of BUILD’s outreach in helping him steady his life after an encounter with the criminal justice system. With BUILD’s help, he has had his record expunged and is now a student at Harold Washington College.
Roderick Hudson has been on the BUILD staff for 8 months. Alonso introduced him saying, “He may be newer to BUILD, but he’s doing our oldest work with our longest-running team: street violence intervention with street-involved youth. You need a unique combination of experience, courage, skill and personality to do this work well.”
CEO Adam Alonso speaks at Build Chicago’s 2025 Gala at The Geraghty on Friday April 11, 2025 | Todd Bannor 
Young rappers perform at Build Chicago’s 2025 Gala at The Geraghty on Friday April 11, 2025 | Todd Bannor 
Guests view artwork for auction at Build Chicago’s 2025 Gala at The Geraghty on Friday April 11, 2025 | Todd Bannor 
Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, his wife Monique and Growing Community Media’s Dan Haley at Build Chicago’s 2025 Gala at The Geraghty on Friday April 11, 2025 | Todd Bannor 
DJ spins tunes at Build Chicago’s 2025 Gala at The Geraghty on Friday April 11, 2025 | Todd Bannor
Hudson described his affinity for working with children but also acknowledged his criminal record, his two gunshot wounds ending his dream of playing football, and his strong desire to work at BUILD in a neighborhood where he lived.
The evening also honored one corporation and one couple for their partnerships and investments in BUILD. McDonald’s Corporation was recognized for its ongoing support through employment and education opportunities.
Paul and Leah Beckwith received the Lifetime BUILDer Award for their active support of the organization over many years. They were described as lead investors in BUILD’s capital campaign which resulted in its new building. In his remarks, Beckwith talked about BUILD’s focus on creating purpose for young people. And through his involvement in BUILD, he said, the organization had also given him purpose.
More than 550 people attended the event which was held at The Geraghty, an event venue on the city’s near southwest side.
