Partners for Our Communities hosts ICompete fundraiser

On Friday, Jan. 25, Partners for Our Communities offers an ICompete fundraiser from 6-8:30 p.m. hosted by event sponsor Durty Nellie's, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine.

Money raised at the event will support IComplete, a program designed to break down barriers of access to stimulate interest, provide academic support, and increase opportunities for underserved children to participate in organized sports, clubs, and other community programs.

This year's tailgate themed event will feature basket raffle, door prize, auction items, and a 50/50 raffle. Live music entertainment is being offered by event sponsor Bucket Number 6, a Chicago area band performing the best rock and pop covers from the past five decades. For music samples, visit the group's website at bucketnumber6.com. Tickets are available at the door for $20 per person. Wear your favorite sports team attire to receive two free raffle tickets.

For more than 12 years, ICompete has creatively found ways to engage District 15 students in after school activities in the arts, athletics, and academics. ICompete continues to be successful at providing opportunities and affordable year-round programs for qualifying youth.

A summer 2018 parent survey indicated, "Excellent program. Keeps my daughter motivated through summer, busy and participating in sports. Outstanding program with great staff members."

And according to Rachel Lara, Youth and Family Program specialist, "It remains a top priority that individuals selected to work or intern with ICompete are ones that understand the mission and can serve as mentors in a community that works toward positive youth involvement."

ICompete is a Partners for Our Communities program with the collaboration of Palatine Park District, Palatine High School, Community Consolidated School District 15, Palatine Police Department, and Palatine Township.

In 2016, ICompete offered 13 year-round programs, three community wide events, and affected the lives of more than 1,200 youth and 75 local high school mentors and volunteers.

Throughout the years, Palatine and Fremd high school students have supported ICompete through volunteering and this event is an opportunity for alumni older than 21 years of age to continue their support and find out what their hard work has helped build.

For information about the ICompete Program, contact Falcon Park Family and Youth Program Specialist Rachel Lara at (847) 496-6303 or rlara@palatineparks.org.

For information about Partners for Our Communities, visit poc.news, call (847) 776-9500 or email info@poc.news.