District 88 names Gathering at the Grapevine supporters as October Business Partners
District 88 is thrilled to continue its Business Partner program, which acknowledges businesses, organizations and individuals for their assistance in building futures for students and helping to accomplish the district's mission and vision. We know these collaborations are vital to ensure our students are successful, and we greatly appreciate the support.
One event that truly epitomizes the value of these partnerships is the District 88 Foundation’s Gathering at the Grapevine. This year’s fundraiser took place on Sept. 20, and more than 80 people attended.
The foundation raised more than $13,000, which will fund mini-grants to benefit students through implementing innovative, teacher-led initiatives that could not otherwise be funded through the district’s budget. The foundation has offered mini-grants since the 2013-14 school year. Since that time, 102 mini-grants have been awarded, and more than $78,600 has been secured for students. To view a list of mini-grant recipients, go to www.dupage88.net/Foundation.
The foundation’s second annual Gathering at the Grapevine was an incredible success thanks to:
- DeVine Wine and Cocktail Bar in Villa Park (the event venue)
- 27 generous sponsors (view the sponsors at www.dupage88.net/Sponsors&Donors2025)
- 41 generous donors (view the list of donors at www.dupage88.net/Sponsors&Donors2025)
- OrganicLife (donated the food items)
- Two beverage vendors (view details at www.dupage88.net/WineVendors2025)
- Music entertainment provided by:
- Viento Woodwind Quintet (with District 88 alumna Martha Cavender)
- Johnny on the Box and that other guy, featuring John McCarthy and Jeff Vittorio, with special guest Dorothy Shaw on the violin (who are all graduates of District 88)
- District 88 Foundation members
- District 88, Addison Trail and Willowbrook administrators
- District 88 Buildings and Grounds staff
- District 88 Technology staff
- District 88 staff and community members, who served as volunteers for the event
- All those who bought a ticket to attend
During the Oct. 27 District 88 Board of Education meeting, the individuals and businesses listed below were in attendance and were recognized for their support of the fundraiser, without whom this event would not be possible.
To watch the presentation, click on the video above. To view a photo gallery, see the images below.
| Name | Company/group | Position | Guest(s) | Support of Gathering at the Grapevine |
| Veronica Noyola and Esther Delgado | Addison Trail Ballet Folklórico Estilo México | Co-sponsors | Members of the dance group | Provided items for the raffle |
| Linda Z. Polacek | Candidate for State Senate | Brian Polacek | Sponsor for the event; provided items for the raffle; attended the event | |
| Pam Hamil | Addison Park District | Marketing & Communications Manager | Provided items for the raffle | |
| Jen Krichbaum | Willowbrook Athletic Booster Club | President | Provided items for the raffle | |
| T.J. Tyrrell | The Cary Company | CEO | Sponsor for the event | |
| Frederick Wick | BRIGHTCENTRA | CEO | Provided a Lenovo Chromebook for the raffle |
As you can see, they are all tremendous Business Partners, and we’re proud to recognize their efforts and collaboration. We thank them for all they have done and continue to do for our students, families and the community.
District 88 is always looking to develop more partnerships, and those who are interested can find information at www.dupage88.net/BusinessPartnerships.