Nexplore’s Magic Program Takes Center Stage at Family Focus’ Dream Builders Dinner
At Nexplore, we always say our programs are designed to help students “explore their passions.” Last month, a group of incredible students from Chicago took that mission to a whole new level—performing live in front of over 400 people at the Family Focus Dream Builders Dinner.
The evening wasn’t just a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of community, leadership, and the “Magic in Motion” that happens when educators and partners work together.
How the Ball Began Rolling
The journey to the Dream Builders Dinner began with a connection. Elliot Bell-Krasner, a former Nexplore instructor now working with Family Focus, saw a perfect alignment between this year’s gala theme—Magic in Motion—and Nexplore’s Magic curriculum.
He reached out to see if our students could play a role in the event’s mission: to help raise more than $850,000 for children and families across Northeast Illinois. We knew immediately that this was a challenge our students were ready to meet.
The Preparation: From Classroom to Center Stage
In the weeks leading up to the event, students at Ruggles Elementary dived into Nexplore’s Wacky Science program, while students at Mays Elementary mastered the art of illusion in our Magic program.
The goal wasn’t just to teach them “tricks.” We wanted to equip these students with the leadership skills, public speaking confidence, and social-emotional tools to guide adults through complex science experiments and perform sleight-of-hand for a massive audience.
Cocktail Hour: Science and Street Magic
As the hundreds of guests arrived for cocktail hour, they weren’t just met with drinks and appetizers—they were met with young scientists and magicians.
The scientists from Ruggles, under the guidance of Nexplore’s Director of Partnerships, Zach Flax (book a meeting with him here!), Ruggles students led interactive stations. They expertly guided donors through the chemistry of making Lava Lamps and the mind-bending physics of Elephant Toothpaste.
The Magicians, led Adam Kosberg, Nexplore’s Regional Excellence Coordinator, and his team of student magicians took to the floor. They practiced “strolling magic,” walking right up to guests to perform illusions. The excitement was palpable; by the end of the hour, students were running back to the group exclaiming, “I performed for 27 people!” and “I just showed 31 people a trick!”
The Finale: A Night to Remember
The highlight of the evening came during the formal program. Adam Kosberg—an amateur magician and occasional performer himself—took center stage. Alongside him were the Mays students, who transitioned from performers to a featured “on-stage audience,” helping Adam facilitate a 20 minute show-stopping finale for the 400 donors in attendance.
You may watch the show here, as Adam comes on at the 14 minute mark and entertains through the 33 minute mark.
The energy in the room was electric. Seeing the students transition from the classroom to a high-stakes gala environment proved that when you give children the right tools and a stage, they will always exceed expectations.
A Partnership for the Future
We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to Family Focus for inviting us to be part of such a high-impact evening. This event was a beautiful reminder that Nexplore programs do more than fill after-school hours—they build the confidence and “magic” that stays with a child for a lifetime.
Congratulations to the Ruggles and Mays students! You truly put Magic in Motion.
