Dinner celebrates We Day before event kicks off

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thursday, thousands of Illinois teens will be celebrated and empowered during We Day.

Wednesday night there was a celebration for all those who made the event possible. Teens earn tickets to we day through the good works they do in their communities and around the world.

Speakers will include Martin Luther King III, singer Paula Abdul and actor J.R. Martinez.

"I just love to come and be inspired by all of the kids that are going to be there tomorrow honestly. It's selfish but that's what I get out of it," Martinez said.

"It's humbling to see how beautiful these kids are to pull together such amazing aspects of paying it forward," said Abdul.