OnWord 2025

The American Writers Museum’s annual benefit, OnWord, will take place on September 8, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTER

Peter Sagal

Host of NPR’s Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

THE FOUNDER’S Inspiring writer award

David Grann

Journalist and best-selling author of Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wager, and many other titles

INSPIRATION AWARD

Presented by Brit Bennett

Best-selling author of The Mothers and The Vanishing Half

BEYOND THE pAGE hONOREES

Scott Turow

Best-selling author and advocate for writers

Jerre and Mary Joy Stead

Philanthropists and Civic Leaders

Event Co-Chairs

Roxanne Decyk

Brenda Grusecki

Program Highlights

  • THE FOUNDER’S INSPIRING WRITER AWARD: David Grann interviewed by Peter Sagal
  • INSPIRATION AWARD: Presented by writer Brit Bennett to her former teacher, Christine Esteban
  • JOHN ESTEY STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION: Celebration of Winners
Learn more about the 2025 John Estey Student Writing Competition

OnWord 2025 Sponsorship Levels

$25,000 | Patron

  • Premier seating for ten
  • Special recognition in program materials

$12,000 | Benefactor

  • Priority seating for ten
  • Special recognition in program materials

$6,000 | Sponsor

  • Preferred seating for ten
  • Special recognition in program materials

$600 | Individual Reservation

To make your table, ticket, or gift commitment via check or wire transfer, please complete the form below:

To purchase a table, tickets, or make a gift via credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Donor-Advised Fund, click here:

Tables and Tickets

Host Committee (in development)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ONWORD 2024