The Museum of Broadcast Communications today announced the launch of its 2026 Front Row Experiences Charity Auction. Featuring more than 50 experiences with broadcasters, actors, musicians, athletes and media personalities, the auction supports the museum’s educational mission and preservation efforts.
Online bidding opens Tuesday (July 14) at 10 a.m. CT and continues through July 28 at 4 p.m. CT on Charitybuzz.com and MUSEUM.TV.
Featured experiences include private lunches with actors Henry Winkler, Joe Mantegna and Bob Odenkirk; VIP tickets to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; VIP tickets and a meet-and-greet with Billy Corgan and Smashing Pumpkins; an exclusive Chicago Bears game day experience with quarterback Caleb Williams; a private dinner with meteorologist Tom Skilling; an exclusive NBC One Chicago experience featuring a private tour of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and a cast meet-and-greet; an authentic I Dream of Jeannie bottle personally autographed by series star Barbara Eden; and a private wellness consultation with author and television personality Dr. Ian Smith.
Television and radio enthusiasts can enjoy exclusive access to The WGN Morning News, NBC 5 Chicago, CBS Chicago, Svengoolie, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, Mojo in the Morning, The Breakfast Club, Dean Richards, The Loop’s Kevin Matthews, John Williams, Lisa Dent, Jim Rome, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Bill O’Reilly, Chris Cuomo, and other personalities and programs.
Music fans can bid on opportunities with Corgan and Smashing Pumpkins, Poi Dog Pondering, The Beach Boys‘ Al Jardine, iHeartRadio Jingle Balls and other artists.
Sports fans can bid on premium experiences with the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks, Northwestern Football and Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball.
“Front Row Experiences is much more than a charity auction,” David Plier, chair, president and CEO of the Museum of Broadcast Communications said in a statement. “It is an opportunity to connect fans with the personalities, programs and performances that have shaped American culture. Every winning bid supports our educational programs and will help fund complimentary field trips for high school students from underserved communities.”
Proceeds benefit the Museum of Broadcast Communications, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Now celebrating its 44th year, the Museum of Broadcast Communications has become one of the nation’s premier institutions dedicated to preserving America’s broadcasting heritage. Since opening its new museum in Chicago last fall, the museum has earned national recognition for two critically acclaimed exhibitions, The Evolution of Late-Night Television and Johnny Carson: The Centennial.
Located in Chicago, the museum is also home to the Radio Hall of Fame.
