LHS Educational Foundation's 'Food for Thought' Raises Nearly $39K

The Lemont High School Educational Foundation's premier fundraising event, "Food for Thought," brought in nearly $39,000 in revenue, school officials said.

The organization's fifth annual "Food for Thought" was held Saturday at the , 16501 135th St. The event was attended by about 200 people, who dined on cuisine from more than a dozen local businesses and participated in raffles and a silent auction.

For the first time, "Food for Thought" featured live music courtesy of local band "Crazy Uncles." Food and decor matched the event's theme, "Spooktacular."

"Overall, I think the event was terrific," said Julio Padilla, president of the Lemont High School Educational Foundation. "We asked for feedback from the people who attended, and the general consensus was that everything went extremely well."

According to Padilla, this year's event grossed a record amount of revenue, despite a slight decrease in tickets sold.

"We're incredibly grateful for everyone's support," he said. "Considering these economic times, it's really incredible that the community members and parents continue to embrace us."

Four of Lemont's newest restaurants — Jimmy John's, , and — participated in "Food for Thought" for the first time this year. They joined returning contributors: , , , , , , , and .

"The Lemont business community is very generous," Padilla said. "We couldn't do this event without them."

The mission of the Lemont High School Educational Foundation is "to provide funds for programs, training and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to Lemont High School students through government funding, in order to prepare them for their future and to help them become life-long learners."

Since 2007, the foundation has awarded more than $130,000 in grants to fund Advanced Placement workshops, motivational speakers, classroom materials, art exhibitions and other educational programs. In April, the foundation totaling $27,233 for Lemont High School's students, faculty and staff.

"Food for Thought" has become the foundation's signature fundraiser and primary source of revenue each year.

"I think the community now recognizes Food for Thought as our main event each year, so it's something everyone looks forward to and wants to be part of," said Cindy Schuit, the foundation's fundraising chair.

The foundation also accepts donations throughout the year to fund educational grants. Additionally, the group has worked with Lemont High School to establish the "Walkway to the Future" program, which allows alumni, parents, faculty and local business to purchase trees, benches and personalized bricks outside the school's Performing Arts Center.

Schuit said the foundation is grateful for the community's continued support.

"It's extremely gratifying to be part of something so positive," she said. "The administration and school board have been great to work with, and the community has been amazing. I think it shows that we all believe in the foundation's purpose and the opportunities we can provide our students if we work together."

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