The Legacy Guild has awarded more than $200,000 in college scholarships for the upcoming academic year to 85 students living in Lyons Township District 204 who have had a parent pass away. Founded in 2012, the local charity has now surpassed $1 million in college scholarships given to area students.

“When we started this scholarship program eight years ago, we were simply trying to support families in our area who had suffered a terrible loss,” said Legacy Guild President Bill Carney of La Grange. “This Lyons Township community stepped up in a huge way, and continues to do so, by embracing our Legacy Guild Scholars and their families with love, generosity and support.”

The Legacy Guild will recognize supporters – such as FNBC Bank & Trust which has been our top sponsor since inception – through a “Thanks a Million” social media campaign to highlight this milestone.

Each Legacy Guild Scholar is awarded a $2,500 scholarship renewable for up to four years of undergraduate college – a commitment of up to $10,000 per student. Legacy Guild Scholarship Committee Chair and Board Member Ned Sher of La Grange said, “Scholars and their families tell us that it’s much more than the monetary gift. They also greatly value and appreciate the networking and mentoring assistance.”

This year’s new Legacy Guild Scholars represent surrounding communities including Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Highlands, La Grange Park, and Western Springs. The listing of the 85 new and returning recipients can be viewed here.

One long-term supporter has been Kathy Dierkes, owner of the local State Farm Insurance franchise. She commented, “For over 50 years our family business has been privileged to call the La Grange community home. The mission of our company has always been to help people realize their dreams and recover from the unexpected. And now, more than ever, when the unexpected occurs the effects ripple through the community. The Legacy Guild is a touchstone for parents, students and friends. It is a reassurance that someone has your back, that you will always be part of an amazing community dedicated to helping you not only recover, but thrive. That there is always someone willing to help. My family and I are very grateful and honored to be able to support the Legacy Guild. In our mind, there really isn’t a better mission than helping fulfill a parents dream of his child’s success and happiness. Isn’t that what we want for everyone?”

Another key sponsor from the beginning has been Kerry and Tom Nutter. Kerry, Founder and President at Program Management & Controls Services (PMCS), shared, “Supporting The Guild gives Tom and I a way to help those who have gone through a horrible loss. We hope the kids and their families know that they are not alone, that they are part of a community that stands together and helps each other.”

Other supporters will be interviewed in the coming months as part of our “Thanks a Million” social media campaign.