Waukegan, Illinois (February 13, 2024) – The Waukegan Parks Foundation is hosting the Party for the Parks Fundraiser on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 5:30pm to 8pm at the Adaptive Recreation Center, located at 540 S. McAlister Avenue in Roosevelt Park. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit initiatives that enhance parks and recreation opportunities in Waukegan.

The Party for the Parks Fundraiser will feature food, drinks, drawings, and live music by Waukegan Public Schools’ Mariachi Estrellas. A silent auction will give attendees the opportunity to bid on items donated by community partners. Tickets are $65 per person in advance or $75 per person at the door.

New this year, honey harvested in Waukegan will be available for a donation at the Party for the Parks Fundraiser. Pollinator Park, located 3552 Winhaven Driven, is home to the Waukegan Parks Foundation’s pollinator project, which includes honeybee hives that produced honey in 2023. The pollinator project provides a hands-on and educational experience for the community.

The Waukegan Parks Foundation is a not-for-profit that serves as a partner and fundraising organization for the Waukegan Park District. Their mission is to strengthen the minds and bodies of community members, build community image and pride, and ensure access to parks, programs, and facilities for all while being financially and environmentally sound.

Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation, stated, “The Waukegan Parks Foundation is grateful for the support from the community. As an all-volunteer organization, the funds raised through the Party for the Parks Fundraiser support the organization’s growth and impact local children and their families through park projects and recreation programs.”

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is thankful for the ongoing efforts led by the Waukegan Parks Foundation. From a water safety initiative serving thousands of local students to financial support for park projects, they are making a remarkable difference in the community. It is our turn to support them.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Since its founding in 2014, the Waukegan Parks Foundation has been committed to raising funds that have contributed to the success of recreation programs and capital projects in the parks. The Waukegan Park District is proud to have a positive and strong partnership with this philanthropic organization that is devoted to the community.”

The Party for the Parks Fundraiser is sponsored by American Place Casino, E4TheFuture, Louis Glunz Wines, Commissioner Anton L. Mathews, North Shore Printers Inc., Waukegan Computer, and Toluca’s Restaurant. More information, including tickets, is available at waukeganparks.org/party.