Harper foundation turns to public for help raising $7 million
The Harper College Educational Foundation is going public with its most ambitious comprehensive fundraising effort since the college opened in the mid-1960s.
The Project Tomorrow campaign aims to bring in $7 million by June 30, 2009, for dozens of programs, faculty enrichment opportunities and scholarships.
Specific initiatives slated to receive support include technology to aid deaf and hard-of-hearing students; scholarships, tutoring and materials for adults transitioning into Harper's career programs from GED and English as a Second Language classes; workshops for local small business owners; and equipment for a new nanoscience degree program.
A survey of area businesses, community members, students and faculty helped to identify needs.
"As the state's financial contributions to higher education are lessened, the need for private support grows increasingly strong," said Catherine Brod, vice president of community relations and executive director of the educational foundation, in a statement.
Fundraising actually began two years ago, but the foundation kept the effort private, mostly reaching out to those who had previously donated. Despite the campaign's limited scope, pledges and donations already exceed $5.5 million.
Contributing more than $3.2 million of the total are a small group of lead donors including Martha Bell and Glen Reeser; Rita and John Canning; Diane and the late David Hill, Richard and Jean Hohol; Steven Krempa; Northwest Community Hospital; and Square D/Schneider Electric. Harper administrators, trustees and the foundation's board of directors have all donated as well.
Kick off to campaign season: With Palatine's mayoral election less than a year away, residents can expect to hear from former Chicago Bear Jim Schwantz. The Fremd graduate and one-time pro bowler threw his helmet into the ring in February.
In April 2009, Schwantz is expected to challenge Rita Mullins, who's held the office for nearly 20 years. Mullins said Tuesday she has yet to officially declare whether she'll seek another term. Former Councilman Warren Kostka has already announced he'll run.
Schwantz's team is holding a fundraiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Lamplighter's Inn, 60 N. Bothwell St. A $30 cash donation is requested. For more information, go to jimforpalatinemayor.com.
Speaking of Mullins ... : Palatine's current mayor can currently be found in Oklahoma City attending the 2008 Citizen Corp Leadership Forum.
Many towns including Palatine have a Citizens Corps, which trains residents to support first responders. Mullins said the village has a strong medical reserve corps made up of doctors, nurses and veterinarians already signed up in the event of a disaster. Volunteers also help in other capacities, such as directing traffic at this weekend's Street Fest (Reminder: Smash Mouth takes the stage at 10 p.m. Saturday).
Mullins said her trip is being funded by the federal government, and not by the village.