PDHP Champions Banquet w/ Blackhawks legend, Denis Savard, benefitting the SMILE Fund

Working for the Park District of Highland Park in Illinois we have what is called the SMILE Fund. The SMILE Fund is a grant-in-aid program in which local residents can apply for a scholarship, based on financial need, for participation fees for programs and memberships that we offer. In 2015, over $100,000 was awarded to families to participate in day camps, athletic programs, early childhood classes etc. The list goes on and on. Bottom line we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to SMILE regardless of financial stability. SMILE is under the Park District's 501c3 umbrella and information about SMILE can be found here pdhp.org/parks-foundation-highland-park/

In 2016, we hosted the first annual Champions Banquet recognizing our youth athletic programs and those that make them possible while benefitting the SMILE Fund. Chicago Cubs legend, Fergie Jenkins was our keynote speaker and was fantastic. Through this evening, slightly under $10,000 was raised for the SMILE Fund via ticket sales and the amazing silent and live auction items that were available.

The 2017 Champions Banquet is set for Thursday, May 25 in Highland Park and features, Chicago Blackhawk legend, Denis Savard as our keynote speaker this year. More information about the event can be found here pdhp.org/event/2017-champions-banquet/

I would love for any and all local fans to attend and make this event something special for the community in which I work and serve daily. Plus you can meet, have your picture taken with, and get an autograph from a NHL Hall of Famer! Pretty cool.

If you have any questions, would like to attend, or even donate an item or money to our fund please reach out.

Thanks for reading!