Woodlands Academy Fundraiser Generates Nearly $300K
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart's 44th annual Congé event raised approximately $290,000 April 29 for the all-girls college-preparatory day-and-boarding high school in Lake Forest. All proceeds benefit the Woodlands Opportunities Fund, created to provide resources needed to take advantage of unique opportunities for strengthening the school as well as to address unforeseen needs.
The event - a celebration of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series championship - was held at the Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois. It began with cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner, a program and a live auction. Après Soirée - a mix of coffee, desserts, liqueurs and improve - brought the evening to a close.
Head of School Meg Steele offered remarks thanking those who worked so hard to make Congé possible and to all in attendance for their support of Woodlands Academy and its mission. "[Our students] travel by train, bike, car, and airplane from far and wide to come to Woodlands," she said. "When they leave us, Woodlands Academy alumnae surge into the world, confident and ready to contribute to making it a better place. They are poised, articulate women who choose their own paths, know who they are, and know that their work and lives have great purpose."
In her remarks, senior Caylee Hamilton, of Wadsworth, recalled falling in love with every aspect of Woodlands Academy during her first visit there. "Four years later, I look back and still feel the same way about Woodlands," she said. "Through [its] friendly, collaborative environment, I have been encouraged and supported in exploring my passions in and out of the classroom. The positive encouragement motivated me to become the first swimmer from Woodlands Academy to qualify for IHSA State Finals." That was in her sophomore year. Hamilton went on to qualify for the state meet in all three of the years that she competed.
This year's event was co-chaired by Mary Oelerich, of Chicago; Megan Morris, of Lake Forest; Maria Allen, of Lake Forest; and Myrna Swanson, of Chicago. Oelerich was recognized for helping guide Congé fundraisers throughout the time her five daughters attended Woodlands. That fifth daughter, Mamie, graduates this year.
Congé is derived from the French word for "play date."
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Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It's part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy's identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and
to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org.