CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Champaign Parks Foundation raised over $160,000 for recreation scholarships at its third annual Ties & Tennies Gala.Â
The event was held September 4. The record-breaking amount raised exceeds the 2024 fundraiser by 60 percent.Â
The funds will directly support the Champaign Park District and Champaign Parks Foundation scholarship programs.Â
The keynote speech was given by Fighting Illini Women's Basketball Head Coach Shauna Green. "I think that sports, activities, and whatever events our kids are involved in can literally transform them and can set them on a path to be successful," she said. "The more [kids] can be around these adults who are teaching them core values, I believe their path to achieve their dreams is a lot better... You could have the next head coach of Illinois Women's Basketball out there. They will never know unless we give them that opportunity."Â
There were over 300 attendees at the gala and 40 sponsors.Â
The Champaign Park District and CU Special Recreation scholarship programs offer financial assistance for activity registration for those experiencing financial hardship. Both adults and youth can utilize the program to pay for activities and facility memberships. For more information, click here.Â
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