2016 Foundation Gala raises record setting amount to 'Inspire Dreams'

More than 250 friends of the College of Lake County Foundation came out to support student scholarships Nov. 5 at the renowned Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago.

First Midwest Bancorp was the gala's Diamond sponsor. Platinum Sponsors were Cancer Treatment Centers of America® at Midwestern Regional Medical Center and Legat Architects.

"As a banker, I talk about investments all the time, but there are no greater investments than the investment in people and in education," said Mike Scudder, CEO of First Midwest Bancorp (at right, with his wife, Barb).

Karen L. Schmidt, College of Lake County Foundation executive director, said "The CLC Foundation Gala was a smashing success. We raised more than $220,000, including a record-setting auction and raffle that raised over $40,000. One of the evening's highlights was when a CLC Foundation board member won the grand prize raffle trip and donated it back to the live auction, generating nearly $6,000."

Chris Piazzi, CLC Foundation Board chair and president of Mundelein Community Bank, said event emcee and CLC alumnus Mike Caplan of Fox 32 News, was "witty, and his CLC connection was quite intriguing. The students who attended were the stars of the evening, and the delivery of their speeches had a lot to do with the success of the emotional appeal, as each of their CLC experiences is unique and noteworthy," Piazzi said.

Ryan Haass, a CLC Scholar, gave a heartfelt thanks to the attending donors. "The college wouldn't be able to offer these amazing opportunities if it weren't for the contributions and the sacrifices that you all make. So, thank you for making it possible to transform a dream into reality."

Volunteer members of the CLC Foundation's Gala Committee were: Meg Largay, First Midwest Bank; Holly S. Monger, HSM Consulting; 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; Sue Rosko; Sandra Shinsky, Gala Committee co-chair, The Chicago Trust Company, a Wintrust Wealth Management Co.; Lisa Dooley Trace, Gala Committee co-chair, Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors; Bob Worobow, CHP International; and Jan Zobus, Gala Committee co-chair.

"We are truly grateful to all our sponsors and donors for making this gala a grand success," Zobus said.

Gold Sponsors were Baxter International, Wintrust Financial Corp., First Midwest Bank, Robbins Schwartz, and R.J. Galla Insurance Company. Other corporate sponsors included Allstate; The Chicago Trust Company, a Wintrust Wealth Management Co.;; Consumers Credit Union; Cotter Consulting, Inc.; First Bank of Highland Park; Grainger, Griffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors; Lake County Building Trades; Lesser, Lutrey, McGlynn & Howe; Mark Vend Company; Mortenson Construction; Northbrook Bank; and Presbyterian Homes.

The College of Lake County Foundation raises money to fund scholarships and grants that provide our students an opportunity for a better future. Through these efforts the College of Lake County Foundation strengthens the vitality and well-being of the diverse communities we serve. In FY 2016, the Foundation provided $1.3 million for scholarships and grants to the college to award this year. To learn more, visit www.clcillinois.edu/foundation.