Health & Fitness
Casino Night Fundraiser Makes College Dreams Come True
More than 300 people enjoyed an evening of gambling and sampled cuisine from local restaurants to raise funds in support of College Bound Opportunities, a local nonprofit that helps low-income youth.
Funds to Support College Bound Opportunities and Local Youth
On a typical day, the Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Northfield goes about its normal business of assisting customers with car purchases out front and car repairs in the garage. But last Saturday was not a typical day when the dealership was transformed into a bustling casino with Blackjack tables, Poker Tables, Roulette, and Craps. The event, sponsored by Fiat, was put together to raise funds for College Bound Opportunities (CBO), a local nonprofit that helps low-income youth get into college and graduate. CBO currently supports 132 area students and has helped another 14 scholars earn a college degree.
More than 300 guests tried their luck at the casino tables and turned their winnings into raffle tickets for the chance to win over 30 amazing prizes. In addition, guests dined on cuisine served from local restaurants including Abigail's, Giordano's, Lovell's, Merlo's, Philly G's, and Royce. Wine was also supplied and served by Cooper's Hawk. All food and wine was donated in support of the event. CBO capped off the evening by raffling a Fiat 500c sports convertible to raise funds. Additional sponsors include CBI Fulfillment Services, First Bank of Highland Park, Mesirow Financial, Victory Park Capital, Arnstein & Lehr, and Edward Don & Company. A surprise appearance was even made by former Bears Offensive Tackle and member of the 1985 championship team Keith Van Horne. "I am just happy to come out and support the local community," Van Horne said. "This is certainly a worthwhile cause."
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In just one evening, over $200,000 was raised to support CBO's programs including ACT Prep classes, laptops, financial assistance, career workshops, and the one-to-one mentorships. These funds will make it possible for CBO to take on more students next year and help them earn a college degree. Tatiana Alonso, a former CBO scholar and graduate of the University of Illinois, spoke to the attendees about the importance of CBO to her and her fellow scholars. "I don't know where I would be today without CBO," said Alonso. "I am so thankful to them for giving me the chance to realize my full potential, and I want to now give back to the community because they believed in me." To learn more, go to http://cbo4success.org.
About College Bound Opportunities:
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College Bound Opportunities (CBO) is a not-for-profit organization centered in the ten communities within Deerfield and Highland Park High School District 113 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115. CBO identifies high-achieving but under resourced young people who, without support, would likely forgo post-secondary education and assists them in applying to and completing college. CBO goals are achieved through a program of one-to-one mentoring between volunteers and scholars. Additional aid provided by CBO includes tutoring, training services, laptop computers, and up to $4,000 per year in financial support. Learn more at http://cbo4success.org.
