Hundreds of community members gathered earlier this month at The Elm for the annual fundraiser hosted by the The Legacy Guild, an organization dedicated to supporting local students who have lost a parent. The event, held March 7, transformed the popular downtown restaurant and event space into a lively evening of music, dining, and philanthropy while raising funds for scholarships and mentorship programs benefiting students from the Lyons Township area.
Guests attending the organization’s 13th annual fundraiser enjoyed dinner, an open bar, live music, and both silent and live auctions. Organizers said the event is designed not only to raise funds but also to bring the community together around a shared mission of supporting young people facing significant personal loss.
Throughout the evening, attendees had opportunities to bid on auction items and experiences donated by local businesses and supporters. Live music helped create a celebratory atmosphere as supporters connected with one another and learned more about the organization’s work in the community.
The fundraiser also served as a moment to reflect on the organization’s impact over the past decade. Since its founding in 2012, The Legacy Guild has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to nearly 300 students living within the Lyons Township High School District 204 area. In 2025 alone, the group distributed approximately $237,000 in scholarships to 80 students, helping them pursue college or trade school after high school.
Founded by a group of local fathers and community members, The Legacy Guild was created to address a specific need: supporting students whose families have experienced the loss of a parent. The organization provides renewable scholarships of up to $12,000 per student over four years and also connects students with mentors who help guide them through college and early career decisions.
Organizers say the mentorship component is just as important as the financial assistance. Volunteers within the organization often help students build professional networks, prepare resumes, and explore internship opportunities while they are in college.
“We want these students to know they are not alone,” one volunteer explained during the event. “The scholarship helps financially, but the mentorship and relationships are what really carry them through the next phase of their lives.”
The annual fundraiser has become one of the organization’s most important events, drawing supporters from across the La Grange area. Many attendees have personal connections to the program—either as donors, mentors, or families whose children have benefited from the scholarships.
Local business owners, civic leaders, and residents attended the event, reflecting the broad community support behind the organization’s mission. Organizers say that strong local participation has been essential to the guild’s growth over the past 13 years.
For many in attendance, the evening was about more than fundraising—it was about honoring families and ensuring their children have opportunities for the future.
“Our community really shows up for this cause,” one attendee said. “It’s inspiring to see how people come together to support these students and their families.”
Guild leaders say the organization plans to continue expanding its scholarship and mentorship programs in the years ahead, ensuring that students facing the loss of a parent have the support they need to pursue their education and build successful futures.
