FreshLens Chicago

Party mandatory, pickleball optional.

Ten years ago, we started with a simple idea: put a camera in a young person’s hands and see what happens. What happened was 600 students, 53 zip codes, 550 cameras earned, and a community we could not have imagined back then.

We are celebrating all of it on July 18 at Cheers to 10 Years, our anniversary fundraiser at SPF Chicago. Think drinks, a silent auction, mini games, student work on display, and yes, pickleball.

Pickleball or Party?

Why not both… whatever you choose you’ll be supporting our program. This summer we are throwing a pickleball tournament and party to raise funds for our program.

Every dollar raised goes towards keeping our program tuition free. Photography is an expensive hobby and deters a lot of people from getting into the art form. We are trying to change that.

We provide tuition free classes and teach Chicago high school students the art of photography and other life long skills. Every student who passes through this program earns a camera of their own.

Help support our program by donating or attending our fundraiser.

July 18, 2026
7:00pm - 10:00pm

2121 N Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614