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Inspire. Educate. Support.

We are fortunate to make our living in the very dynamic and rewarding profession of parks and recreation.

Regardless of the position you hold, you are making a difference in the lives of your constituency. Though your journey is not over, we are asking you to Pay it Forward, to reach back and help equip the next generation of park and recreation professionals. How? Through a tax deductible donation to the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation. The endowment is housed within the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation and only the interest earned can be used to support IPRA member’s educational and professional development needs. The principal will remain intact to ensure that the funds donated by individuals like you, will be used to help build the future of parks and recreation professionals throughout the state of Illinois for years to come.

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Call to Action for the 2020 IPRF Silent Auction!

The Silent Auction raises funds for the Illinois Park and Recreation Student Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund gives young professionals and students the opportunity to attend professional development conferences and workshops.

This year we’re spicing up the event by creating themed silent auction packages that we’re sure will draw attention to this fundraising initiative. Your help is needed to make this a success! Please click on the "Donate Here" button below to view the themed basket suggestions and to fill out the donation form. Of course, completed baskets and restaurant gift certificates are always welcomed as well!

Please make your donation as soon as possible so they can be bundled into attractive baskets and packages. If you have questions, please contact Cathy Splett , Ray Ochromowicz or Heather Weishaar, IPRA Outreach Director.

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IPRF Sports Raffle Winners

Congratulations to Audry Melchiorre from the Deerfield Park District and Louise Egofske from Lemont Park District for winning the 2019 IPRF Sports Raffle! Audry is pictured with IPRF Board Liason, Trisha Breitlow and Louise is pictured with IPRF Board Member, John Curran . Thank you to all our donors and kudos to Audry and Louise!

Support the IPRF Silent Auction

Students studying parks and recreation are essential to the future success and growth of the parks and recreation field. Their education and experiences will translate into enriching experiences for future generations as new ideas, research and technology emerge. You have the opportunity to invest in the future of a park and recreation professional by donating a gift basket to the Annual Silent Auction at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Information regarding donating to the 2020 Silent Auction will be available in the fall of 2019.

Professional Scholarships

Scholarships are invested toward today’s leaders to attend IPRA professional development or continuing education opportunities.

Rod Aiken Memorial Fund

This scholarship was developed in memory and honor of Rod Aiken, who was committed to the development of new leaders of the Illinois park and recreation system. This scholarship is dedicated to financial assistance for awarded recipients to attend and participate in the IPRA Leadership Academy.

Commonality in Diversity Fund Scholarships

This scholarship was developed to promote diversity and inclusion in the field of parks and recreation.

Student Scholarships

The development of tomorrow’s leaders is integral to the mission of IPRF, as scholarships are provided to attend the Annual Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Wilson Family Public Servant Fund

This scholarship was established by John and Barb Wilson in memory and honor of the family of John W. Wilson. The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the work characteristics, dedication for serving members of public institutions in the most professional & caring matter, to award who portray similar professional and public service work traits as members of the Wilson Family and to set an example of paying it forward to say “thank you”. The scholarship is exclusively for young professionals who are members in good standing with the SSPRPA. This scholarship is dedicated to financial assistance for awarded recipients to attend and participate in the IPRA Supervisor Symposium and the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference.

Member Benefit Events Funding is provided to enhance continuing education and professional development opportunities, such as ProConnect and ProConnect South, which places professionals of various backgrounds and career experience into a three-part mentoring team.

Special Assistance/Disaster Relief financial support is provided to assist an individual member, including relief to mitigate the negative impact of an emergency or disaster that has affected the individual, such as a house fire.

2019 IPRF / Joint Section Golf Outing

Over 130 IPRA Members and friends took to the fairways at Tanna Farms Golf Club in Geneva on September 19 for the annual IPRF / Joint Section Golf Outing. Golfers received tee prizes, a turn lunch and post golf dinner, awards, and craft beer courtesy of our 32 Corporate Sponsors!

Funds raised at the Outing support IPRF's mission for scholarship support to park and recreation university students and professionals working in our Illinois agencies.

THANKS to everyone who played and supported IPRF!

Premier Sponsor
GolfVisions

Dinner Sponsor
PFM/IPDLAF + Class
Ancel Glink

Sign Sponsor
Divine Signs

Lunch Sponsors
Fifth Third Bank
Hitchcock Design Group

Craft Beer Sponsor
Speer Financial

Awards Sponsor
Mighty Mites Awards

Hole Sponsors
Vermont Systems, W.B. Olson, Inc., First Midwest Bank, The Lifeguard Store, Luge Brothers, Thunder Buddies of the Belissimo Tour, DLA Architects, Ltd., Henry Bros. Co., Larson Equipment, Cody/Braun & Associates, LLC., Forever Lawn Chicago, Chicagoland Turf.

Golf Ball Sponsor
Ancel Glink

Thank you to our Golf Outing Committee
Tim Reinbold - Event Chairperson, Mike Azzaretto, Jon Beckman, Steve Bessette, Dave Dillon, Josh Hendricks, Kim Laper, Dan LoCascio, Bill McAdam, Nanette Sowa, Ethan Williams, and Chuck Szoke - Foundation Board Representative.