District 88 Board of Education thanks community partners for their support

During its Nov. 17 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education honored local organizations and businesses for their support of District 88.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Villa Park were recognized for sponsoring the annual Spaghetti Dinner at Willowbrook, which took place on Nov. 14 this year. The Spaghetti Dinner provides an opportunity for attendees to enjoy a great meal, as well as see the fall musical at the school. This year, those who attended saw “Beauty and the Beast” after they enjoyed a home-cooked spaghetti dinner. Proceeds from the event are used to support scholarships for Willowbrook students, supplies and materials for elementary school students and local charitable organizations and foundations. Students from Willowbrook’s Key Club, through their interaction with the Kiwanis Club, assisted with the dinner and attended the Board meeting to thank the Kiwanis Club.

The Board also recognized 23 local businesses for helping with the Latino food festival (called Kermes) that took place on Nov. 1 at Addison Trail. More than 400 guests attended Kermes, which invited families to come together to share food, music, culture and good will. The event raised about $3,700 that will go toward scholarships for students who are members of Addison Trail’s Interact Club. Proceeds also will benefit District 88 students who will participate in a trip to Spain this spring. Students had to apply to participate in that trip and went through a rigorous selection process. Money raised from Kermes will help defray the costs of travel for the students.

The businesses and individuals that helped make Kermes a success are Addison Floral, Alma Villegas, Aracely's Bakery, Baker's Basket Inc., Carnicerias Jimenez, D’s Flowers Gifts and More Inc., El Milagro Tortillas, Ernest Hernandez, Famous Dave’s, IHOP, Judy Campbell (NorthCoast Wellness Center), La Hacienda De Los Fernandez, La Placita Mexican Restaurant and La Huerta, La Riviera Maya Restaurante, Lazer X, Mamma Maria's Pizzeria & Ristorante, Michaels' Driving School Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Cosio, Rotary Club of Addison, Safari Land, Shave Legends, U & Style and Whittingham Meats. Interact Club students also helped with the event, and officers of the club attended the Board meeting to thank the businesses for their support.

The businesses and the Kiwanis Club of Villa Park were recognized as District 88 Business Partners and were given a certificate as a thank you for their partnership with the district.