Rolling Meadows plans foundation to help fund community events

Rolling Meadows is dusting off its red donation cans from the '70s and ‘80s in hopes that more businesses and residents will donate money to support community events if there is a foundation organizing the effort.

The proposed Rolling Meadows Community Events Foundation would be a tax-exempt 5013c with a board including a president, treasurer and secretary. Community events funding through the organization would include the Fourth of July celebration, Memorial Day event, tree lighting and holiday decorations throughout the city, officials said.

Recent “City of Excellence” solicitations for the city's 45th and 50th anniversary had limited success, officials said. The city hopes the creation of a foundation will encourage more businesses and residents to donate on an annual basis.

The city attorney will file for 5013c status, which could be a lengthy process, officials said. Residents were told to be on the lookout for the red cans in the future.