DuPage High School District 88 recognized business sponsors, donors and volunteers Oct. 27 for their support of the District 88 Foundation’s Gathering at the Grapevine event, which raised more than $13,000 to fund teacher mini‑grants.

District staff member Danny told the board the fundraiser drew more than 80 attendees and that the proceeds go directly to the foundation’s mini‑grant program, which staff and teachers can apply to support classroom initiatives. "So we raised more than $13,000 to benefit District 88 students," Danny said while summarizing the event and thanking sponsors and donors.

Representatives of partner groups and donors appeared before the board to accept recognition and briefly describe their involvement. Isabel Vargas, representing Addison Trail’s Ballet Folklorico, described how mini‑grant funds helped pay for costumes and invited the board to the group’s November 14 performance: "We are going to be performing in our new outfits November 14 at 7PM at the International Dance Show," Vargas said.

Other supporters recognized included Linda Polasek, Pam Hamill of the Addison Park District, Jen Crookbaum of the Willowbrook Athletic Booster Club, TJ Tyrell of The Carey Company and Frederick Wick of BrightCentra, who joined via videoconference and donated a Lenovo Chromebook for the event raffle. The district’s presentation listed 27 sponsors and 41 donors who contributed money, raffle items or in‑kind help.

Event organizers thanked Divine Wine and Cocktail Bar for hosting the evening and Organic Life for providing food service. Staff encouraged community members interested in future sponsorships, donations or volunteer roles to visit dupage88.net/businesspartnerships for more information.

The board then took a brief break and continued its regular agenda.