Bar revue raises $12,000 for Oakton scholarships

The Oakton Community College Educational Foundation raised $12,000 for student scholarships at its annual bar revue event. Nearly 250 people attended the event, entitled "A Christmas Quarrel: A Tale of Two Parties," which was held Jan. 30, at the Performing Arts Center, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

"We are thankful for the participation of so many people in support of this wonderful cause," said Mary Knight, executive director of development, specifically noting the strong contribution from residents of Oakton's district, including Des Plaines, Skokie, Park Ridge, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, Glenview and Niles. "Their belief in Oakton, our mission and especially our students makes all the difference in the world in the success of our students' endeavors while at Oakton and beyond."

This success of this event comes at a particularly good time. Oakton Community College and the Educational Foundation recently provided funding of approximately $700,000 in 2015-2016 Monetary Award Program grants to more than 670 Oakton students with the highest financial need amid the state's budget stalemate.

As dwindling public funding continues to erode support for student financial assistance, Oakton Community College increasingly relies on the generosity of community members to ensure the sustainability of its scholarship program.