Thanks to those who contributed

Last week, 209 Together was proud to award $14,000 in scholarships to 19 graduates of Proviso District 209 High Schools. These scholarships were funded by proceeds from the Great Chefs: Recipes for Success fundraiser held at the Urban Pioneer Group building.

On behalf 209 Together, the scholarship selection committee, and scholarship recipients, we want to thank the people who attended Great Chefs and those that made the event possible.

First, the restaurants whose incredible food was the centerpiece of the event: The Heritage, Small Batch BBQ, Azucar Rococo, Zesty Catering, Big Guys Sausages, La Notte, and Mexican Republic. Half Acre Brewery and Tenzing Wine and Spirits provided the drinks.

People and organizations who donated their professional expertise: Gasse School of Music, Leonard Branding and Design, Little Bitty Productions, Lilyput, Urban Pioneer Group, Linda Cibula, Franceso Forte and Gonzalo Cordoba.

Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson generously rescheduled his summer vacation to emcee the event. Kriston Lyons, Kevin Leonard, Maria Maxham and Andra Marello met weekly with us on the planning committee, and over 25 volunteers gave their time.

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Forest Park and their foundation, our partners for the first three years of the scholarship program. Their support when we launched the scholarships was invaluable.

Finally, thanks to those who contributed $1,000 or more this year, funding an entire a scholarship with each of their donations: Ralph and Andrea DiFebo, Forest Park National Bank, Dan Matas, and the Gillian-Baker Team, Realtors.

Thanks to all of you, we are building a community that gives our high schools and students the support they need and deserve.

209 Together Board of Directors

April Baker

Connie Brown

Sarah Gasse

Ken Snyder

Michelle Woehrle