Elgin's United Way celebrates 90 years, volunteer Shales

United Way of Elgin will celebrate its 90th anniversary while honoring longtime volunteer Jack Shales on Sept. 18.

The "Evening of Caring" event will be held at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, which is donating the dinner, said Elissa A. Kojzarek, director of marketing for United Way of Elgin.

All proceeds will fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which is among Shales' favorite programs, Kojzarek said. It provides free books for children up to age 5, at a cost of $30 per child per year, she said.

The United Way was born as the Elgin Community Chest Association in 1924 and became part of the national United Way movement in 1972.

Shales, an Elgin resident who became involved with fundraising in 1954, has served in a variety of roles including campaign chairman and board chairman in the 1980s. He's now among five lifetime directors of the agency.

He is both a role model and an inspiration, Kojzarek said.

United Way of Elgin created a "Jack Shales Spirit of Community" award a decade ago, in honor of his 50th year of service, she said.

"I don't think there's a lot of organizations that can say they've had someone who's consistently supported them for 60 years," she said.

The Evening of Caring will begin with a cocktail hour at 5:30. m., followed by a dinner and short program at 6:30. Dinner tickets are $50 per person, or $450 for a table of 10. Reservations can be made by calling United Way of Elgin at (847) 741-2259.