Established in 1985, Magellan is more than a specialty steel distributor. Magellan is also an exemplary corporate citizen.
Throughout decades of business, we’ve earned a reputation as an engaged and generous company. The Magellan logo is visible to Chicagoans thanks to our prolific support of many sports teams, music venues, and cultural initiatives.
But we’re most proud of our work with charitable organizations. Through hands-on volunteer opportunities and with direct financial support, we have contributed to dozens of nonprofit groups addressing cultural opportunities and critical societal needs in the Chicagoland area.
It makes us feel pretty great.
Kindness is serious business at Magellan Corporation.
From learning from a boardroom presentation by a world-renowned astronomer to plating chicken dinners in the USO commissary, exploring behind the scenes at a museum to attending executive luncheons, entertaining at client appreciation events, or supporting nonprofit fundraisers, Magellan employees find there’s no such thing as a typical work week. Here are a few snapshots of activities we’ve participated in over the years.
On August 9, Magellan traded business casual and hard hats for blue jeans to celebrate one of Chicago’s favorite cultural events — the Old Town School of Folk Music’s annual Blue Jean Gala. As a Premier Sponsor, we joined hundreds of guests for an evening that blended great food, lively conversation, and a roof-raising performance from hometown legends Wilco.
The night kicked off with a roaming feast from beloved neighborhood restaurants, followed by a warm and witty welcome from Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! host Peter Sagal. Old Town School CEO devotees joined the Palm Court Strut before Wilco took the stage and delivered the kind of set that made everyone feel “right here, right now.”
We were proud to host 16 friends and partners at our seats —and prouder still to help raise over $1.2 million to support Old Town School’s mission of bringing people together to learn, create, and share in the joy of music and dance.
From sports arenas to community stages, Magellan backs the organizations that make Chicagoland vibrant. The Blue Jean Gala proved once again that when music, generosity, and community come together, the result is unforgettable.
On August 3, 2025, eleven-year-old Chloe Lewis of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago experienced something she’ll never forget: being named the Magellan / Chicago Sky Player for the Day.
Chloe and her family arrived in style, stepping out of a limousine to join the Sky for an afternoon that was all about her. She toured the practice facility, shared lunch with the team, and even signed an official contract in a mock press conference that sealed her spot as “Player for the Day.” Outfitted in her own personalized jersey, Chloe was welcomed as a true teammate.
That evening, the magic only grew. Chloe was introduced with the team over the arena loudspeaker, her name lit up on the Jumbotron, and she took her place on the bench right next to W sensation Angel Reese—who, sidelined with an injury, spent much of the game chatting with Chloe like an old friend. Though the Sky didn’t come away with the win, Chloe left with something better: a memory that will last a lifetime.
Adding to the celebration, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago were recognized on center court, receiving a $5,000 donation from the Chicago Sky on behalf of Magellan Corporation. For Chloe, who has been a proud Club member since age five, it was a powerful moment to see her Club honored alongside her.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s mission is to enable all young people—especially those who need it most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Chloe embodies that mission, and Magellan is proud to support BGCC and its incredible members through our sponsorship of the Chicago Sky.
As Chloe herself put it after the game, she and Angel Reese are now “sort of best friends.” And that’s the kind of joy, connection, and inspiration we hope to spark with every Player for the Day experience.
On June 18, guests gathered at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel for Gilda’s Club Chicago’s 27th Annual Awards Dinner—an evening that blended heartfelt stories, humor, music -- LOTS of music!! -- and community support for a great cause.
This year’s event honored longtime NBC Chicago News anchor Allison Rosati for her work in the community, and featured leadership from Honorary Chair Dr. Leonidas Platanias, Event Chairs Ann and Thom Serafin, and emcee Stefan Holt. Guests heard powerful remarks from Greg Frasz, a prostate cancer survivor who shared how Gilda’s Club helped him feel less alone.
By the end of the night, more than $700,000 had been raised to support the Club’s mission of providing free emotional and social support to anyone affected by cancer. That funding helps sustain roughly 250 monthly programs—including support groups, counseling, healthy lifestyle classes, family activities, and more.
Magellan was proud to sponsor the event and to celebrate the contributions of our colleague Lisa Wortman, who serves on the Gilda’s Club Chicago Board of Directors. Lisa’s involvement reflects Magellan’s ongoing commitment to organizations that strengthen our community.
From the moving speeches to the final auction paddle-raise, the dinner was a reminder of how powerful it is when people come together to care for one another. We’re proud to stand with Gilda’s Club Chicago in helping ensure no one faces cancer unsupported.
On Tuesday, June 3, Magellan Corporation welcomed 64 guests—including staff, clients, and friends—for a memorable evening at Steak 48 in Chicago. The gathering marked 11 years of partnership with the Chicago Sky and featured a keynote from retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans. The evening was emceed by Magellan’s own Adam Shaw.
Evans, a decorated combat veteran and leader of Team UNBROKEN in Bear Grylls’ World’s Toughest Race, shared reflections on resilience and interdependence. Central to her message was the concept of the “Rope Team”—a system where members lean on one another, not only for support, but to lift and be lifted in return. She drew a powerful connection between that mindset and the Sky’s own culture, where players rely on each other—and on people outside the locker room—to keep pushing forward.
The event also celebrated the Chicago Sky, a team entering a new chapter with rising stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Reese, a force from LSU, and Cardoso, the 6'7" South Carolina standout, bring fresh energy to a team known for grit and cohesion.
Magellan’s commitment to women-centered partnerships, including its continued support of the Sky, reflects a broader mission: building meaningful alliances that empower, engage, and grow communities. Events like this are an extension of that philosophy.
The night was about more than recognition—it was about connection. A full room, shared stories, and the simple but lasting act of showing up for one another. That’s the Rope Team. That’s Magellan.
On Tuesday, May 20, Magellan Corporation hosted a spirited luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Deerfield, bringing together 150 guests—including clients, colleagues, friends, and family—for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community engagement.
The event featured the Chicago Sky, Magellan's longtime WNBA partner, and welcomed students and staff from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, the designated Magellan/Chicago Sky Nonprofit Partner.
The Chicago Sky, established in 2006, have been a powerful force in the WNBA, securing their first championship title in 2021. Under the guidance of new Head Coach Tyler Marsh—who joined the team in late 2024 after roles with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Pacers—the Sky are focused on building a team culture rooted in accountability, development, and heart.
General Manager Jeff Pagliocca and Coach Marsh kicked off the luncheon with a behind-the-scenes "chalk talk," offering insight into team strategy and introducing the players and coaching staff. From there, the Sky players fanned out across the ballroom, joining tables to chat with guests, sign autographs, and pose for photos.
The energy in the room was high—especially for the kids in attendance, who had the chance to engage with professional athletes up close and personal. It was a reminder of the positive impact that access and opportunity can have on young people.
Magellan’s commitment to building strong partnerships came through clearly in every moment of the afternoon. By connecting professional sports, community organizations, and business partners in one room, the event underscored how much more we can accomplish when we come together—with purpose and heart.
At Magellan we hustle, we ship and we deal,
In specialty metals—yes, that’s high-quality steel.
We work with precision, with purpose, with pride...
But even steel sellers need pancakes on the side.
Now our leader, the big cheese, full of quirks and great cheer
Had a delightful and unusual idea this year.
He woke up one morning (as legends begin),
Craving 49ers—those pancakes so yummy and thin.
“They’re golden and bubbly! They’re buttery dreams!
They shimmer like our beloved SBQ and stainless steel beams.
”He pondered this craving, his heart full of glee,
And thought, “Why not share this with the whole company?”
So that guy made it happen, no fanfare, no fuss,
Just pancakes and joy for each one of us.
To Walker Bros. or the Pancake House we’d go,
With hungry kiddies and spouses and friends in tow.
For Magellan's not just about steel and the grind,
It's about the people, the hearts intertwined.
We're more than just coworkers, we're family, it's true,
And gestures like this make that sentiment new.
So here's to the pancakes, the syrup, the butter,
To moments that make our hearts all aflutter.
And here's to Magellan’s Prez, our leader, our friend,
Whose offbeat ideas bring joy without end. ❤️❤️❤️
Remember when we told you we were more than a steel company?
Follow Magellan Corporation on LinkedIn to learn about updates on our business, meet our team members, read a little bit about our civic and athletic involvements, and become more familiar with our nonprofit partners.
We have a lot to say!