Fall Foodie Fest Fundraiser Oct. 17 to help build School in Uganda

Shelter Academy of Light has announced that they are hosting their third annual Fall Foodie Fest fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Greenbrier Elementary School in Arlington Heights, to raise funds to build a school in an impoverished area of the Mount Elgon region in Eastern Uganda.

Greenbrier Elementary School is at 2330 N. Verde Drive, Arlington Heights.

Shelter Academy of Light is a nonprofit that began in 2012 when founders and native Ugandans George and Grace Sakwa envisioned bringing the quality education that they experienced for their children in Arlington Heights School District 25 to the impoverished region where they were raised. Knowing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, the Sakwa family has been steadfast in their mission.

In addition to working to bring light to the Bubutu community of Eastern Uganda, the organization has also partnered with six local elementary schools to form the Small Steps Reading Clubs, which hosts after school reading support, and football and netball (soccer) teams for students. SAL is also working with local women to make reusable feminine hygiene products to help their families and keep girls in school.

In November 2025, SAL broke ground for the first building on the Uganda campus, but this is only the beginning. The fundraiser on Oct. 17 will offer a fall buffet dinner, an hour of jazz music from a local trio, a Ugandan marketplace, silent auction baskets, fellowship and fundraising to continue the momentum of building and opening a school.

SAL thanks School District 25 for all of its support; and thanks Silver Level Sponsors: Juliet Skuldt of Berkshire Hathaway Stark Realty, jskuldt.starckre.com; and Melissa Gilland of Christian Pre-K Prep Preschool, christianprekprep.com. To register for the event by Oct. 10, or make a donation, visit shelteracademy.org.