Harper's foundation to host President's Ball

A dinner-and-dancing gala aimed at raising tens of thousands of dollars for Harper College student scholarships, programs and educational experiences will be held on Saturday, March 6, in Schaumburg.

The President's Ball, hosted by Harper's Educational Foundation, will feature live music and remarks from both a Harper scholarship recipient and college president Ken Ender, who will discuss how student success can bolster an entire community.

Tickets are $250; tickets for a live raffle, which boasts a $2,500 grand prize, are $25. Sponsorship opportunities also are available.

Bob Fiorani, an Educational Foundation board member and a retired vice president at Square D/Schneider Electric, also will address the crowd. Since its inception in 1973, Harper's Educational Foundation has supported the College and its students with dozens of scholarships, programming and other financial contributions.

"Today, our Foundation is working even more diligently in the face of decreased state funding and increased demand for higher education opportunities," says Catherine Brod, Harper College Educational Foundation executive director. "Our success has come from building strong relationships with others in our community. Our President's Ball is another excellent opportunity to make new connections and bring our community together for the purpose of championing the College and our students."

Harper's most recent foundation gala, held two years ago, raised $500,000 for college students. The ball will start with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive North. Dinner and dancing will follow. Event Co-chairs are Fiorani and his wife, Roberta, of Barrington; Mike and Sue Gilfillan of Arlington Heights; and Jack and Linda Lloyd of Palatine.

To RSVP, or for more information on gala sponsorships or other donation opportunities, visit harpercollege.edu.