First Annual Oktoberfest Deemed a Success as Thousands Turned Out to Help Military Families
CHICAGO – November 10, 2011 – Illinois Patriot Education Fund (IPEF) announced today that it has received a check in the amount of $5,000 from Ignite the Spirit, the 501(c)(3) behind the Oct. 8 IgniteFest event held at Paul Revere Park in Chicago with all proceeds going to IPEF to help fund scholarships and educational needs for Illinois military families.
Ignite the Spirit was created in 2003 by full-time members of the Chicago Fire Department as a charity specifically for emergency responders. Ignite the Spirit gets its funding through events and merchandise sales to help first responders in times of hardship. It was a natural fit for the firefighters to come together to help those who serve our country.
“As firefighters, we really wanted to do something for Illinois veterans’ families,” said Rich Pinskey of CFD Engine Company 112, Tower Ladder 21. “There’s no better way to say ‘Thank you’ for their service than to invest in their children’s education as they transition back into civilian life here in Illinois.”
The event drew more than 2,000 attendees in its first year and was generously promoted by media partner NBC5 Chicago. In addition to food and beer, revelers enjoyed some of the best Chicago bands, with a lineup that included Resident Freak, State and Madison, Stache, Whiskey Jezebel, and NORTHSIDE, to name just a few.
IPEF’s mission is to raise scholarship funds on behalf of the spouses and children of Illinois military service men and women who have given their lives or become disabled in service to our country.
“We are grateful to the Chicago Fire Department, Ignite the Spirit and the members of Firehouse 112 and Tower Ladder 21 for all the hard work they invested in setting up and running the event to raise funds for our Illinois military families,” said Mark Slaby, founder and executive director of Illinois Patriot Education Fund. “We thank them for their service to our community and their partnership with IPEF.”
IPEF will use the proceeds towards its scholarship program and in its expanded efforts to help military families with a wide variety of education-related assistance that may include school supplies and materials, professional tutoring programs and funding to help offset charter school costs. For more information, please visit the website or direct email to info@illinoispatriot.com.
IPEF receives 100 percent of its funding through individual and corporate donations via its website and at its hallmark fundraising events, including Medinah Patriot Day and Bets for Vets™. IPEF is currently seeking corporations and individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of military families and children by becoming volunteers and corporate sponsors to join its roster of 2011 Financial Sponsors and Goodwill Partners. Please direct any inquiries to sponsors@illinoispatriot.com or volunteers@illinoispatriot.com.
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