A wine-tasting fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 19, in Villa Park will raise money for classroom projects at Willowbrook and Addison Trail high schools.
The District 88 Foundation's third annual Gathering at the Grapevine runs from 2 to 5 p.m. at DeVine Wine and Cocktail Bar, 339 E. Kenilworth Ave. Attendees must be 21 or older. The first 50 people to register will receive a souvenir wine tumbler.
The afternoon includes wine tasting, charcuterie, desserts, live music and a raffle, according to the Villa Park Review.
All proceeds go toward mini-grants that fund teacher-designed projects the regular district budget does not cover. The grants have supported ideas like advanced 3D printing equipment, podcast and art-curriculum technology, hands-on math-in-construction lessons and programs that expand students' cultural experiences, according to the foundation's website.
In the 2024-25 school year alone, the foundation awarded more than $14,500 in mini-grants across both schools.
Since the program launched in 2013-14, the foundation has funded 120 mini-grants totaling nearly $106,000 for teachers at Willowbrook and Addison Trail, according to District 88. Past grants have also covered updated music equipment and chemistry lab projects.
Last year's Gathering at the Grapevine drew more than 80 people and raised more than $13,000.
The District 88 Foundation is a member of the Partnership for Inspired Education (PIE) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 that serves students in District 88 and three neighboring elementary districts. The sponsorship deadline for this year's event has passed, but individual tickets and donations remain available.
Ticket pricing and registration details are available on the District 88 website. For questions, contact District 88 Director of Community Relations Dani Brink at [email protected] or 630-530-3989.
