Women in Business Advisory Forum presents Mindfulness and Merlot, a scholarship fundraiser

The Women in Business Advisory Forum (WIBAF), a networking group of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, is hosting its eighth annual scholarship fundraising event. The WIBAF Scholarship Fund supports local high school women who are planning to pursue a degree in a business-related field.

Breaking away from WIBAF's traditional Fashion Show, this fundraiser is themed, Mindfulness and merlot. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in wine tasting, creative exploration, and mindfulness exercises. Raffle tickets for gift basket will also be sold to help raise funds. A light dinner will be provided.

This year's in-person event will be held on May 12, from 5-9 pm at the Palatine Township Senior Center, located at 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. This event is open to all adults. Ticket are $35 each or $180 for six. Tickets to attend can be purchased at https://bit.ly/palatine-fundraiser. Raffle tickets are also available online.

Proceeds from the event will provide two $1,000 scholarships. They will be awarded to a student from Fremd High School and a student from Palatine High School. The funds will be earmarked for college tuition, fees, books or supplies.

To be eligible for the scholarship, female students must have a minimum of a 2.75 GPA with the intent of attending a two- or four-year college or university in fall 2022 to pursue a degree in a business-related field.

Other criteria that will be considered by the scholarship committee includes business coursework in high school, employment experience, participation in clubs/activities/service/volunteer roles, three short response questions, and two letters of recommendation. The application deadline is April 30th.

The WIBAF scholarship application can be found on the College & Career pages of the Fremd and Palatine High School websites. Students can also access the application via the Chamber website at: https://www.palatinechamber.com/networking-groups/?fbclid=IwAR1ALjwoLWwzswEPeBWmzMC_9S1BKPwWZi5hhqB_yaISnZGCqmZQ6D-nupE

WIBAF is an active group of businesswomen who are interested in learning and networking with one another while discussing business related topics. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The fee for WIBAF networking meetings is $15 per person with proceeds directed toward the annual scholarship program. Preregistration is required and can be completed online each month at www.palatinechamber.com.

For more information about the Women in Business Advisory Forum, contact Greta Nielsen at gretan@illuminatingyou.com; Katie Brooks at katie.brooks@elderwerks.org; or Sasha Ivanov at sasha.ivanov.vaahjq@statefarm.com