Special Olympics Illinois is thrilled to announce the co-chairs for the 2025 Champions Ball, our premier annual gala dedicated to celebrating and fundraising for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. This year’s event will be led by two dynamic leaders: Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon, and Toby Enqvist, Global Chief Operations Officer at United Airlines.
Set to take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Geraghty in Chicago, the Champions Ball will bring together supporters, business leaders, community partners, and athletes for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, dining, live and silent auctions, and powerful stories from our athletes and families.
Last year’s event raised nearly one million dollars in a single night, and we’re aiming even higher in 2025.
Who They Are and Why They Lead
Sarah Glavin leads Amazon’s community and civic partnerships across the Midwest. Special Olympics Illinois has partnered with Amazon to propel unified initiatives in Illinois for more than four years.
“Amazon began partnering with Special Olympics Illinois in 2021, engaging directly with athletes and families to understand their vision for inclusive classrooms and workplaces,” said Glavin. “Their leadership is transforming our schools and work environments, creating more collaborative, inclusive, and productive communities. This impact drives our continued investment in Special Olympics Illinois’ mission to develop opportunities for every individual.”
Prior to joining Amazon, Glavin spent a decade at United Airlines as Director of Global Community Engagement. Her career spans roles in political campaigns, nonprofit leadership, and corporate affairs, including work with the American Cancer Society, Ariel Investments, and Senator Richard J. Durbin’s campaign staff.
Glavin is a 2025 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and serves on the boards of the National Museum of Mexican Art, How Women Lead Chicago, and the Chicago Corporate Coalition.
Toby Enqvist oversees global operations at United Airlines, including safety, airport and flight operations, inflight services, and customer solutions. United Airlines has partnered with Special Olympics Illinois on championing inclusion on and off the field for more than 10 years.
“At United, we believe in connecting people not only through travel, but through opportunity and inclusion,” says Enqvist. “From hosting plane pull fundraisers at our hubs to employing Special Olympic Service Ambassadors in our terminals, United has a long-standing partnership with Special Olympics Illinois. I’m honored to serve as co-chair of this year’s Champions Ball as we continue working together to break down barriers and uplift every individual’s potential.”
With over 25 years in the airline industry, Enqvist began his career at Continental Airlines in 1996 and has held leadership roles in both operations and finance. He previously served as United’s EVP and Chief Customer Officer, where he championed innovations to enhance the passenger experience.
Originally from Stockholm, Sweden, Toby earned his undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
He serves on the Northwestern University Business Advisory Council and lives in the U.S. with his wife and daughter.
Driving Our Misson Forward
Special Olympics Illinois is committed to building a more inclusive world alongside people with intellectual disabilities. Through year-round programming, Special Olympics Illinois is creating opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Sarah and Toby provide the leadership, vision, and commitment that drive our movement forward,” said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “Together, we will continue creating a more inclusive world where every athlete has the opportunity to use their abilities and thrive.”
There are many ways to support Champions Ball, whether through attending, donating, or sponsoring.
Let’s champion every athlete and make 2025 Champions Ball unforgettable.