Jazz was in the air at the second annual Jazz Under the Stars Sept. 23 at Southeastern Illinois College. The fundraiser was held at the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art and Terrace to raise money for the SIC Foundation endowment, which funds student scholarships and support.
Around 80 people attended, and the event grossed over $10,000 for student scholarships and support. Additionally, every dollar raised will be doubled by a federal Title III grant, making the total proceeds from the event even larger.
A big part of that funding is due to generous sponsors. The platinum music sponsor was Banterra Bank. Gold sponsors included Southern Illinois Healthcare and Ferrell Hospital. Silver sponsors were Legence Bank and State Representative Patrick Windhorst.
The first band of the evening was local favorite, The Penguins, with Jim Smith, Melinda Tolley, Keith Talley and Bruce Boone.
The Louis Pettinelli Jazz Quartet was the headlining band for the evening. Food was provided by Chef Michael Intravaia of the SIC Falcon Bistro, including a chocolate fountain, and a cash bar was provided by Morello's Restaurant. Morello's also donated $1 of the evening specialty drink, the Funky Falcon, back to the event.
"Although we were worried about the heat in the afternoon, by the time the jazz began, the weather was perfect!" said event committee member and Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations Angela Wilson. "We appreciate everyone who attended, sponsored, donated and bid on items. We may mix things up next year and try a different genre, so stay tuned."
Art exhibitions in the Hise Museum included Regional Landmarks and Architecture and The Works of Kathy Phelps.
New this year was a wine pull. SIC employees donated 44 bottles of wine that were raffled off the night of the event, bringing in an extra $400.
A number of local silent auction sponsors contributed to the event. For more information about events, giving, or the SIC Foundation, visit sic.edu/foundation, call 618-252-5400 ext. 2205, or email giving@sic.edu.
