Event raises nearly $20,000 for trade school scholarships

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation hosted a fundraising event that raised nearly $20,000 for its new scholarships for Arlington Heights students attending trade school.

The event took place at the Makerplace and featured a seven-course meal with wine and beer pairings. Chef Grace Goudie of Scratchboard Kitchen and Ilona House of Ilona n Company Events led guests through the evening.

Roughly 35 attendees enjoyed beautifully plated courses prepared and donated by CoCo & Blu, Ilona n Company Events, Beer on the Wall, Scratchboard Kitchen, Porky's BBQ, Gemma Foods, Passero and Kilwins.

During the event, Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation board member and scholarship committee Chairman John Hartnett and District 214 Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Lazaro Lopez both spoke to the need for a trade scholarship in the community.

"So many District 214 students come back to Arlington Heights to settle down," said Hartnett.

"The trades provide an excellent and rewarding career opportunity for those that are looking for access to a stable, high-demand, high-paying skilled job. Skilled trades programs are usually two years and cost significantly less than increasingly expensive four-year degrees.

"This allows the skilled tradesperson to start earning sooner and have significantly lower or no debt. We hope this scholarship reaches those who might otherwise skip the four-year degree and miss out on the earning potential of a career in the trades."

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation recently announced the creation of the new scholarship for students planning to attend trade school. Open to Arlington Heights residents ages 17 to 25, the scholarship can be applied to tuition, fees and textbooks.

Candidates must be interested in pursuing a career in the trades - such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, machining or welding - that require advanced training other than a four-year bachelor's degree.

"Thanks to the support of attendees/donors, Chef Grace and a number of local restaurateurs and chefs, the fundraising event was a huge success," Hartnett said. "We raised enough to ensure that we have funds for the scholarships for this year, and we have a great start for funds for future years."

The application process for all 2023 scholarships opened Jan. 2, and applications must be submitted by March 1.

For information on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation and its scholarships, visit www.ahmlfoundation.org.