Whether it is providing new technology to aspiring music students at Howard Elementary or microscopes to curious sixth grade scientists at Oak Manor, the Niles Education Foundation continues to devote resources toward programs that benefit children attending Niles Community Schools.

Making sure that the community’s young minds remain sharp is not cheap.

The all-volunteer foundation contributed more than $40,000 toward projects and grants since 2014.

A good portion of that funding is generated during the foundation’s annual fundraising event, known as “A Legendary Evening.”

This year’s event will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at Orchard Hills Country Club, located at 2841 Niles-Buchanan Rd., Buchanan.

The evening will include:

• A performance from Niles’ own Sixth Generation Band

• Silent auction

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres

• Cash bar

Trustee Peg Maiers said the foundation raised $32,000 in 2014. The goal is to raise $50,000 this year.

One-hundred percent of the money, she said, is used for grants and projects because the foundation is made up solely of volunteers. There are no administrative fees.

“The more people we have attending, the more grants and projects we can fund,” said Maiers. “We would like to be able to give money to every teacher that applies (for our grant/project funding).”

Each year, the teachers apply for foundation funding by submitting ideas for projects they would like to bring to their students.

Projects, or grants, have ranged from purchasing hot boxes for culinary classes to obtaining new science books for fifth graders.

Foundation members review each application and determine which projects will receive funding.

Maiers said former Niles physical education teacher Peg Parrot will attend the gallery as a special guest. She encourages anyone who would like to meet Parrot to attend.

Tickets are $50 a person and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Visit the foundation’s website nileseducationfoundation.org for more information.