Lake County chamber’s Hispanic Scholarship Gala set for Sept. 21

The Hispanic Business Group of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth annual Hispanic Scholarship Gala at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Glen Flora Country Club, 2200 North Sheridan Road in Waukegan.

Since 2008, the Si Se Puede Scholarship Program has provided almost $20,000 to Latino students throughout Lake County currently attending colleges in Illinois and universities throughout the United States.

Julian Crews, WGN midday news reporter and founder of Old Havana Foods, will be the keynote speaker for this event.

Since joining WGN in 1996, Crews has hosted many award-winning segments and news features, including “Cruzin’ Illinois.”

He has also covered the “Around Town” beat to politics and crime, producing in-depth, investigative pieces on Chicago street gangs and organized crime.

In 1998, Crews took Chicago on a journey to Cuba as viewers witnessed the live, historic visit of Pope John Paul. A year later, he returned to Havana with the governor of Illinois and a delegation of Illinois business leaders for a face-to-face encounter with Fidel Castro.

In 2008, Crews added small business owner to his title when he launched Old Havana Foods, a family-operated specialty food company celebrating the culinary traditions of Cuba.

For a second year, the gala will recognize outstanding business leaders and organizations that have made significant contributions to support Hispanic families in Lake County.

Special honorees this year include: Maria Reyes, owner of Estudio La Storia in Winthrop Harbor; Myra Gaytan-Morales, assistant dean for academic programs and services, University Center of Lake County; and the Latino Coalition of Lake County.

“Recognizing our business and community leaders as part of this ceremony strengthens the long-term mission of our scholarship program,” notes Shaunese Teamer, executive director of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

“Building bridges between achieving students and business success can spark entrepreneurial, as well as philanthropic community involvement.”

The Hispanic Scholarship Gala will include a networking reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and a silent auction courtesy of Lake County Chamber of Commerce businesses.

To obtain sponsorship information, program booklet advertising rates or reserve tickets for this event, contact Teamer at (847) 249-3800 or visit lakecountychamber.com.