International Tom Hanks Day
It may have started off as an April Fools’ joke back in 2004, but Tom Hanks Day has grown into much more: an international and charitable event now supported by Tom Hanks. Every year on the Saturday closest to the first of April, a big, fun-packed party is held in Chicago.
This annual party for fans (and non-fans alike) has expanded from its Kalamazoo, Michigan and Chicago roots and is celebrated annually in other cities and parts of the world too. Locations have included Los Angeles, London, Cleveland, Toronto and Cape Town, South Africa. Attendees receive free raffle tickets and a chance to win great Tom Hanks’ memorabilia including posters, signed movies, signed Wilson volleyballs (from his movie Cast Away) and even one of Tom’s famous typewriters.
The proceeds from each International Tom Hanks Day benefit Lifeline Energy, given Tom’s long association with us. In 2023, proceeds will go to the Esila – Education for Girls campaign.
If you’re interested in hosting an event in your town, you can contact one the founders, Kevin Turk, via e-mail: kevin@thetomhanksday.com.
Kristine Pearson, Lifeline Energy CEO, and actor Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks Day 2023 | Press Release
After a three-year (COVID) hiatus, Tom Hanks Day is back for its 20th annual event, and we’re ready to celebrate the nicest man in Hollywood and raise funds for his favorite charity, Lifeline Energy. On Saturday, April 1, fans and friends will unite at several locations across the country and around the globe to celebrate this one-of-a-kind event.
Chicago will be hosting the main International Tom Hanks Day party as we kick off two decades of Tom Hanks Day shenanigans. This year’s event will be held at one of Lincoln Park’s premier venues, Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614), from noon to 5pm. Lincoln Hall is known for booking popular artists, having great sound, and providing an amazing atmosphere for all its guests.
A $10 donation gets you in the door and opens you up PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) specials. Come out and enjoy some Tom Hanks’ movies, trivia, a costume contest, and more all in the name of a good man and a good cause.
Message from Kevin Turk [2013]
The Tom Hanks Day Journey
It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 whole years filled with Tom Hanks Day memories. I still remember that first day sitting on our deck saying, “Hey, this was a lot of fun. We should do this again next year.” No one knew that we would be at this for ten years. Let alone that we would be raising money for a great cause. People love to hear that Tom Hanks sends us signed items for a raffle and that he just loves the idea of celebrating his “pretty good movies — and the other ones.” But I think the backbone of Tom Hanks Day is its philanthropic side. We would have ran the credits years ago if we weren’t working with the great people of Lifeline Energy. Not only do they support us through every step of the planning process they are always telling us the positive outcome that comes from ITHD. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and an annual fundraisers doesn’t even touch our appreciation for their dedication over these last nine years.
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