CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — On Thursday, September 4, local supporters of the Champaign Park District will don ties—and their most comfortable sneakers—for the third annual Ties & Tennies Gala at the I Hotel. The evening blends raises funds to directly support the park district’s growing scholarship program.

Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions, and an inspiring keynote from Illini Women’s Basketball Head Coach Shauna Green. Emcee Jennifer Roscoe, Maggie Baker Productions, and Mike Namoff engineer the evening’s entertainment and live auction.

Here the interview here: https://soundcloud.com/illini-radio-group/focus-ties-tennies?si=a6f4652b23534b078909daeec49d7ad8&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

As Chelsea Norton, the park district’s Director of Marketing & Development explained, “The need for financial assistance for programs like swim lessons, after-school, day camps is evident … we hope this event will set us up to continue to provide that assistance for our community.”

Shannon Morber, the Foundation’s Development Manager, captured the mission’s heart: “We’re not just raising money—we’re lifting futures. Scholarships from this gala help children and families access programs that shape confidence, community, and lifelong joy.”

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Foundation granted more than $93,000 in scholarships, and this year aims to raise $125,000 to expand access to swimming, camps, preschool, fitness centers, and Special Recreation programming.

The gala also recognizes two distinguished community contributors: Nate Dixon, recipient of this year’s Champion Award, and Richard Noel and the Noel Family, honored with the Newt Dodds Legacy Award for their 1965 Morrissey Park land donation.

Tickets—priced at $100 and inclusive of dinner, wine, and beer—are available online via the Champaign Parks Foundation website.