The Elgin Community College Foundation will assist students who need help in achieving their academic dreams during its 16th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 16. 

The event, which also commemorates the college’s rich history and honors community leaders who make an impact to ECC, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the college’s Building E University and Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

The event’s theme “Some Dreams Just Need a Little Help,” focuses on those students who need assistance to make their educational dreams come true. 

In many cases, students receive words of encouragement from family, friends, and loved ones, but the need is much greater when they are lacking the financial resources to continue their education.

Guests will be treated to an opening champagne reception followed by an upscale plated luncheon. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter raffles for gifts and prizes.

“I would personally like to encourage the friends of Elgin Community College and their guests to attend this annual celebration,” says Dave Pfeiffer, ECC Foundation Board member and chair of 2014 Founders’ Day Celebration Planning Committee. “ECC touches the 21 communities it serves in so many impactful ways and this is an opportunity to share in its continued growth and success.”

The Founders’ Day Celebration recognizes the distinguished accomplishments of ECC’s students, alumni, employees, retirees, and other community supporters and partners who have been an integral part of the college’s history and the fulfillment of its mission.

Several awards will be given during the event. This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Alan Ladwig (Class of ’69).

JP Morgan Chase & Co. and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation will receive The Elgin Community College Friend of Education Award. 

The Exceptional Friend of the Elgin Community College Foundation Award will be awarded to The EFS Foundation. 

This year’s Lasting Impact award recipients are: The Honorable Keith Brown; The Honorable Patricia Golden; Rick Jakle; Leo Nelson; Susan and Thomas Rakow; Art Sauceda, CPA; and Helen Lopez-Strom and Bruce Strom.

All proceeds benefit the ECC Foundation Resources for Excellence Annual Fund, providing critical support for the areas of greatest need impacting student success. 

Tickets are $75 per person and should be purchased by Friday, Jan. 31 by visiting elgin.edu/eccfoundation. Seating is limited.

For more information, contact ECC Foundation at 847-214-7377 or foundation@elgin.edu.