Glenwood Academy To Host First-Ever Virtual Gala

GLENWOOD, IL — Glenwood Academy will host its first-ever virtual gala on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all supporters, parents, sponsors, volunteers and to those who are looking to learn more information about their unique residential education facility that they say is changing the lives of our most vulnerable children.

According to Glenwood Academy, the “UNLuncheon 2020” will showcase an interactive program featuring NBC5 Chicago’s entertainment reporter, LeeAnn Trotter as the emcee. Guests will also have the opportunity to hear from Mary Hollie, President and CEO of Glenwood Academy, as well as meet the students and families who have been positively impacted by the school and its mission, the academy said.

Glenwood Academy says they are a school that offers a "second-to-none" educational environment for more than 150 students in grades second through eighth, with a high school option at local partner schools. In a typical time, students live onsite Sundays through Fridays in a nurturing environment, away from the violence, poverty and challenging situations that they may have experienced previously. Nearly all students live below or at the poverty line. Glenwood Academy is almost fully funded by fundraising events, as well as donors and sponsors, the academy said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring, Glenwood Academy has worked diligently to maintain connections and ensure the safety of their students, who are currently living off-campus in their communities with their families/caretakers, according to the academy. In the past few months, needy Glenwood Academy families have been provided gift cards for food and essentials. All students have been provided chromebooks to maintain connections with their teachers, and to have the opportunity to e-learn, the academy said.

According to the academy, teachers, houseparents and support staff has been available around the clock to provide tutoring sessions or assistance. Social workers have been checking in on a near daily basis to ensure the students are in a safe environment, as well as providing individual, group and family therapy sessions, if needed. And, medical staff continues to make sure they are in contact with students and that proper medication is being administered and health issues addressed, the academy said.

“During these unprecedented times, our families and students need the support of Glenwood Academy now more than ever. It is through the support of our sponsors and donors that we have been able to provide food and essentials to our families, as well as 24/7 support for those who need it," Mary Hollie said.

The majority of our students live below the poverty level, and come from backgrounds that involve neglect, traumatic situations, abuse, and substance abuse. Our families are suffering during this pandemic with loss of jobs, homes, food security, and more. It is my hope that all of Chicago land will tune in to our UNLuncheon to learn more about what we do for our students and families, and see how Glenwood Academy is changing the lives of our future generations.”

The annual Glenwood Academy Luncheon is typically held in-person each November in downtown Chicago. The gala is one of the largest fundraising events of the year for the organization.

Registration is now open and can be completed by clicking here. For more information on Glenwood Academy visit their website here.