MCC athletics raises $875 for NIU Memorial Fund

McHenry County College Athletics initiated and coordinated a campus-wide fundraiser for a memorial to recognize and honor the victims of the Northern Illinois University campus tragedy.

"We realized that many of our students, staff, athletes and community members have attended, or currently or will attend, NIU," said Wally Reynolds, director of athletics.

"In response to the shocking and heart-wrenching events that occurred at NIU, we initiated an idea to raise funds through various means," he said.

MCC athletics, in conjunction with college student leaders, decided upon the NIU Memorial Fund as the beneficiary of this support campaign.

The MCC athletics department solicited donations directly from the college employee population; all basketball gate receipts were waived for the final regular season and home playoff games in exchange for voluntary NIU Memorial Fund donations; and special Memorial Fund collection buckets were placed in the campus bookstore, dining hall and student life areas.

The original goal of raising $500 through this effort was achieved and then exceeded. MCC athletics, through the generosity and involvement of many, ultimately raised $875 in a three-week period, which was sent to the DeKalb County Community Foundation to forward to NIU.