Credit Union makes large donation to foundation

With just days left before the Niles Education Foundation’s fundraising gala, a local business has stepped up to become the event’s largest sponsor so far.

United Federal Credit Union announced Monday it is donating $5,000, which makes the organization the only gold-legend sponsor for “A Tribute Vikings Legends Ed Weede and Peg Parrott.”

The education foundation’s first ever district wide fundraiser will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday at Orchard Hills Country Club.

Brett Wier, Market Vice President at United Federal Credit Union, said they are excited to be donating to such a worthy cause.

“We are very committed to Niles Community Schools and education in general,” he said. “Having an opportunity to partner with the Niles Education Foundation and help them support education in the community is an easy decision for us.”

The Niles Education Foundation’s mission is to acquire and grant resources exclusively in support of the Niles Community Schools for programs and projects aimed at enhancing, enriching and supplementing learning opportunities for students, staff and community.

Saturday’s gala will be an evening of reminiscing good times with presentations made by former students, faculty and friends honoring former coach and athletic director Ed Weede and Peg Parrot, the former physical education teacher and long-time sponsor of the Niles Ushers Club. The emcee for the evening will be Niles High School graduate Allison Hayes, sports commentator for the Big Ten Network. There will be a live auction and a silent auction with all proceeds going to the foundation’s innovation grants program and other special projects. The event will include heavy hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar.

Jack Strayer, vice chair, said they have sold more than 200 tickets already, while receiving many significant donations. He expects the gala will bring in more than $30,000.

Tickets are still available.

Visit the website nileseducationfoundation.org.