Gala nets ECC foundation record totals

The Cirque de la Musique gala was a record-raising event for the Elgin Community College Foundation, netting $59,444. That is the highest total ever for an ECC Foundation event. Held Sept. 26 at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, the gala was attended by a sellout crowd totaling 280 people.

"We are extremely pleased with the results," says Caren Nickelsen, the event chair and a member of the ECC Foundation board of directors.

"The extraordinary efforts put forth by the event committee and the foundation staff, as well as the generous support of our donors and attendees, helped raise much-needed student scholarship funds. With increased enrollment comes increased need."

ECC Foundation Executive Director Norm Madsen, Ph.D., stated, "The foundation is extremely gracious for the vast show of support from the community to assist our students. In these tight economic times, this money helps more students achieve their academic goals. It is very appropriate for this milestone to occur during the 60th anniversary of the college, and during such a signature event."

Founded in 1984, the ECC Foundation has provided private financial support to ECC students and college programs with the assistance of numerous donations from individuals, families and businesses.

For information about giving opportunities, contact the ECC Foundation at (847) 214-7377. For information about 60th anniversary events at ECC, visit www.elgin.edu/anniversary.