Gateways Gala will raise funds for Moraine Valley Foundation

The Moraine Valley Foundation will hold its annual fundraising gala on Friday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m., on Moraine Valley’s campus in Palos Hills. This year, the Foundation unveiled a new name for the event, Gateways Gala, to reflect how the college is a gateway to anyone seeking a successful future through higher education.

Each year, the Gateways Gala will emphasize an area at the college that will benefit from the funds raised at the event. This year’s theme will be “Reimagining Futures,” which focuses on supporting student success programs to help students who are nearing completion.

The evening will include hors d’oeuvres, food stations, open bar, live entertainment, interactive activities, live auction and raffles. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit morainevalley.edu/gala.

The event will honor Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins, president of Moraine Valley Community College, who is retiring on June 30 after 36 years, by raising funds for a new scholarship in her name that will be awarded to students who are nearing the end of their degree or certificate program but are facing challenges that may make it difficult for them to finish.

“Dr. Jenkins always has been incredibly supportive of the work of the Foundation, making student success a hallmark of her presidency,” said Kristy McGreal, executive director of the Foundation. “We are proud of the many ways we help students earn a college credential and believe the new scholarship is the perfect way our donors can help commemorate her legacy.”

Lisa Rispoli, special events and donor relations manager, said they have some fun surprises planned for the gala. “It is always wonderful to spend the evening with our supporters as we raise money to help Moraine Valley students achieve their educational goals.”

The Foundation is grateful to the sponsors for their generous support. Governors State University and Wind Creek Casino and Hotel are this year’s gala Entertainment Sponsors. The Foundation’s 2023 Annual Event Sponsors include Demonica Kemper Architects (DKA), Platinum; John and Patricia Coleman, Gold; PepsiCo Food Service, Silver; Old National Bank, Bronze; and ComEd and Legat Architects, Supporting.

For more information about the event or to become a sponsor, contact the Foundation Office at (708) 974-5480.

For media inquiries, contact Karen Town, communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or [email protected].

About the Moraine Valley Foundation

The Moraine Valley Foundation was founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and emergency assistance to Moraine Valley Community College students, fund innovative programs at the college and offer financial support to its Fine and Performing Arts Center. As a 501(c)3 entity, the Foundation partners with corporate and individual donors and has awarded over $1 million to support the college’s mission. In the last fiscal year, over $300,000 in scholarship funds were awarded to students pursuing a better life through higher education. Please help make our students’ dreams possible through a donation to the Foundation at morainevalley.edu/donate.