The Niles Education Foundation was created in 2010 by a group of community leaders and in just a few years, the NEF began raising impressive amounts of money to help fund programs not covered by the Niles Community School budget. 

Thanks to the generosity of inviduals, foundations and businesses. the NEF has contributed more than $140,000 and has helped fund a wide array of innovative and collaborative programs, including the popular “Summer My Way” program in collaboration with the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, the United Way and financial and corporate institutions.

Each year since 2014, the Niles Education Foundation has hosted its annual “Legendary Evening” at Orchard Hills Country Club. This annual event is the main fundraiser for the nonprofit foundation.

The proceeds from this year’s gala tribute will be used to continue funding  projects and programs aimed at enhancing, enriching and supplementing learning opportunities for Niles students, faculty and the community.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, the Niles Education Foundation will once again honor two Niles High School graduates who have led and continue to lead successful and exemplary lives: Jim Weaver (1968), the founder and CEO of Wings Etc., the very successful and award-winning sports bar and restaurant chain; and Dr. Michael West (1972), one of the world’s leading medical doctors and a pioneer in stem cell research and its broad-based impact on today’s medicine. Dr. West holds 140 patents relating to stem cell research and associated fields.

The legendary Vikings are chosen from a group of alumni whose names are suggested by Niles Community Schools faculty, administrators and local citizens. The board of trustees of the Niles Education Foundation selects the names among the nominees.

Please join us in honoring Jim Weaver and Dr. Michael West on Aug. 19. Tickets for this year’s Legendary Evening are $50 per person.

For more information, please contact Barbi Starr at the Niles Community Schools administrative center at (269) 683-6662.

A native of Niles, Jack Strayer moved back home in 2009 after living and working in Washington, D.C., since 1976. Strayer has served as a congressional staffer, state legislative press secretary, federal registered lobbyist and vice president of the National Center for Policy Analysis. He is a nationally recognized expert on federal health policy reform and led the fight for the enactment of Health Savings Accounts.