If ever there was a time to be proud to be from Niles,  it was Friday night, Aug. 10. The Niles Education Foundation hosted its fifth annual Legendary Evening. It was a huge success because of the support of the community: many who were graduates of Niles High School. Sarah Gerrits was chair for this year’s event. Sarah is an expert party planner. She made sure every aspect was covered including fun.

I love the phrase, “It takes a village.” I want to recognize “the village” that contributed to our legendary evening.

Design of the invitation: Abby Harpeneau

Design assistant and creature of the program: Alyse Hoyt

Printing of programs and poster: Jim Lister, UPS

Beautiful centerpieces: Alicia Stepien

“A Taste of Niles” (a delicious, bounty of food) Coordinated by Daysha Amster included:

• Brew Ha Ha Café

• Frosted by Liz

• 11th Harvest Café

• Jim’s Smoking Café/The Paris

• Martin’s School of Cooking

• Niles Community Schools

• On Base Productions

• Pizza Transit

• Prime Table Restaurant

• Rise N Shine Café

• Smokin’ D’ Bar B Q

• Swirlyz

• The Brass Eye

• Veni’s Sweet Shop

• Wings Etc.

The energetic group replenishing the buffet: Michelle Carwyn, Charles Nelson, Lacey Petters, Katelyn Phillips, and Joy Shreve.

DJ: Dustin Cornelius kept the dance music going while promoting our silent auction and raffle.

Photography by Lindsey Wahl from “Off the Wahl Photography” who captured the essence of the evening.

Bartenders: Shannon Oleson and Aaron Dibbles who worked tirelessly to keep beverages in hand.

Silent auction: Coordinated by Sue Majerek.

Items donated by local businesses and friends (See a complete list on our website: nileseducationfoundation.org).

Sponsors (local business and friends (See a complete list on our website: nileseducationfoundation.org).

Friends and relatives of NEF Board members who assisted in set up, clean up or errands:

Bill and Paige Gaideski

• Jeff Gerrits

• BJ and Alicia Stepien

• Scott Schneider

• Tim Wilson

Our Niles Education Foundation Board:

• Taylor Brandstatter

• Aida Torres-Brawley

• Sarah Gerrits

• Maggie Gibson

• Bill Haslett

• Peggy Maiers

• Sure Majerek

• Lisa Munoz

• Darla Schneider

• Jack Strayer

• Jim Weaver

And last but not lease, our exemplary Viking, Michelle Asmus, who delivered a poignant speech which included answers to a question, “why Niles?”

If you missed this year’s event, I hope you will join us next year and support the Niles Education Foundation’s mission to fund projects and grants that will ensure the academic success of students attending Niles Community Schools.

Peggy Maiers

Chair of the Niles Education Foundation