Carrying on with the successful tradition of fundraising, the Highland Community College Foundation is making a transition from the Shindig to the Highland Community College Gala, planned for Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Wagner House in Freeport, Ill.
For eight years the Highland Community College Foundation has raised over $400,000 from the Foundation’s annual fundraising event. The tradition of the event started in 2011 and has varied themes and locations from western to flapper. Attendees have always enjoyed a hearty meal, music, silent and live auction.
“The HCC Foundation’s Shindig has been a long-standing, community event and we thank everyone who has been a part of it,” said Jeff Reinke, Highland Community College Foundation Executive Director. “Our vision of transitioning to the Gala is to focus on the Highland mission, and highlight Highland programs while engaging alums and corporations throughout the district.”
The Foundation thrives on partnerships with organizations, corporations, and individuals throughout the district to develop mutually advantageous strategies to meet the educational and training needs of the community. Money raised from this event help fund programs at Highland.
At the Inaugural Gala, the Foundation will recognize individuals and corporate partners that demonstrate shared responsibility in transforming the lives of the students through accessible, affordable, and rigorous learning experiences. The fundraising event will continue with the traditional dinner, entertainment, live and silent auction as well as the $5,000 in five minutes for the H.O.P.E. student emergency fund. There will be room for 330 guests, dinner, auctions and live entertainment.
The Gala will rely on past successes and incorporate key components from the previous Foundation events. The highlight of the evening will be recognition of an individual with the inaugural “Lifetime Achievement Award”, honoring someone who has had a lasting impact on Highland Community College and its success.
In addition, the Foundation will host an Alumni Reception on campus the night prior to the Gala (Friday, November 1). The event will recognize alums highlighted by a campus-wide open house.
“By featuring both the Alumni Reception and the Gala on back-to-back nights, we will be creating a HCC Weekend, offering everyone the opportunity to see the campus, and be part of an exciting weekend,” said Reinke. “This will truly give Highland the opportunity to highlight its mission of shaping the future of our communities by providing quality education and learning opportunities through programs and services that encourage the personal and professional growth of the people of northwestern Illinois.”