OnWord 2026

The American Writers Museum’s annual benefit, OnWord, will take place on September 29, 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

 

BEYOND THE PAGE AWARD

The Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan

THE FOUNDER’S Inspiring Writer Award

Jesmyn Ward

Two-time National Book Award Winner and author of Sing, Unburied, Sing, Salvage the Bones, and other titles.

 

JOHN ESTEY STUDENT WRITING COMPETITION

Celebration of Winners

Event Co-Chairs

Malcolm O’Hagan 

Judy Pomeranz

 

Learn more about the 2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition

OnWord 2026 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)

BMO

Joan E. and Robert A. Clifford

Roxanne Decyk and Lew Watts

John and Cathie Estey

Brenda and James Grusecki

Ivan and Kathy Kane

Debra and Blake Moritz

Patrick O’Hagan and Paula Llaneza

S&C Electric Company 

Michael and Tracey Scodro

Larry Shulman and Rhonda Rochambeau

Sally Wood

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ONWORD 2025