2015 CLC Foundation gala raises record-setting amount; honors Ed Wehmer, CEO of Wintrust Financial
More than 250 friends of the College of Lake County Foundation came out to support student scholarships on Sept. 26 at the Funding the Future, Black and White Ball, held at the renowned Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago.
The event's diamond sponsor was Wintrust. "Tonight we are keeping the dream of education within reach for so many students who would otherwise not have access to it," said Ed Wehmer, gala honorary chair and president and CEO of Wintrust. "We are proud to support the CLC Foundation, which helps create a solid work force and makes our community strong."
Yesenia Mata, CLC student trustee, gave heartfelt thanks to the college for the experiences she has gained.
"Receiving scholarships from the CLC Foundation holds so much meaning to me. I rely on the kindness of donors to assist in funding my education. By assisting me in my pursuit of a college education, you are helping the community and making the world a better place. Because there are people who believe in me so firmly, I now believe in myself and am not afraid to follow my dreams," she told the crowd.
"We raised over $145,000 in net proceeds, making this gala a record-setting event. It was the largest amount raised since the 2008 market downturn," said Karen L. Schmidt, Foundation executive director.
Volunteer members of the CLC Foundation's gala committee were: Darrell Katz, Impact Training Solutions; Meg Largay, First Midwest Bank; Chris Piazzi, Mundelein Bank, a branch of Libertyville Bank & Trust, a Wintrust Community Bank; Joanna Rolek, Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce; Fred Scheu, College of Lake County; Sandra Shinsky, The Chicago Trust Company; Lisa Dooley Trace, Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors; Bob Worobow, CHP International; and Jan Zobus, gala committee chair.
"We are truly grateful to all our sponsors and donors for making this gala a grand success," said Jan Zobus.
Wintrust was the gala's Diamond sponsor, with its President and CEO Edward J. Wehmer serving as honorary chair. Platinum Sponsors were Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center and Legat Architects.
Gold Sponsors were Baxter International, First Midwest Bank and Robbins Schwartz. Silver sponsor was R.J. Galla Insurance Company.
Other corporate sponsors included Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; Allstate; Baxter International; The Chicago Trust Company; Consumers Credit Union; Cotter Consulting, Inc.; Crest Insurance Group, LLC; Delta Controls, First Bank of Highland Park; Grainger, Griffith, Grant and Lackie Realtors; Lake County Building Trades; Lesser, Lutrey, McGlynn & Howe; Mark Vend Company; Millbrook Properties; Mortenson Construction; Northbrook Bank; Presbyterian Homes; and Vista Healthcare Systems.
The College of Lake County Foundation raises money to fund scholarships and grants that provide CLC students an opportunity for a better future. In FY 2015, the Foundation provided $911,078 in scholarships and grants to support CLC students. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.clcillinois.edu/foundation.