Medinah Patriot Day Sells Out Again in its Sixth Year

MEDINAH, ILL. – April 24, 2015 – Illinois Patriot Education Fund announced today that its annual Medinah Patriot Day has sold out once again with a full field for the event, which is slated to take place May 26 at Medinah Country Club, home of the 2012 Ryder Cup. The fundraising event, which happens each year on the day after Memorial Day, raises funds for educational scholarships supporting post 9/11 Illinois military families. This year’s sponsors include: Fifth Third Bank, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, Aon Corporation, Advanced Resources, Wintrust, LawVision Group LLC, Avaya, Wheaton Academy, Jim Cornelison, Chicago Sun-Times Foundation, Joe Perillo Auto Group, Steve Cochran’s WGN AM Radio Show, Clear Channel Outdoor, Cruises International, Tour Edge, Pepsico, Maron Electric, PGA Superstore, Legacy Marketing and Eaglewood Resort and Spa. Each of the sponsors has, through their financial commitment, made an impact to help Illinois military families.

“Organization-wide capacity building is a major priority so we can support the more than 10,000 eligible Illinois military families in need,” said the organization’s newly appointed Executive Director, Michael Ziener, a U.S. Navy Veteran and former CEO of Susan G. Komen – Chicago. Since its inception in 2011, Illinois Patriot Education Fund (IPEF), and Medinah Patriot Day have provided $250k to 67 Illinois scholars with repetitive grants ranging from $1,000 to $19,000 for the veteran, their spouse and children. Particular focus is given to underserved veteran families in greatest need to help them transition and continue to give back to their community.

“IPEF bridges the gap of expenses not covered by the post 9/11 GI Bill and creates a safety net for our Illinois military families in need of educational and job assistance. We want to prevent the high burden of debt from student loans for those who have served this country and encourage everyone who may qualify for our funding to apply,” said Ziener. The 2015 deadline for applications is May 31. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at http://www.illinoispatrioteducationfund.org/apply-online/.

Although golf foursomes and single player spots have sold out, those interested in participating in the inspirational day are able to buy luncheon/BBQ reception tickets online at http://www.illinoispatriot.org. The event is filled with Illinois celebrities expected to lend their support during a program to include: radio legend and master of ceremonies Steve Cochran; Chicago Blackhawks’ Jim Cornelison, who will sing the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies; Jim Skinner (Navy Veteran, former CEO of McDonald’s and current Chairman of the Board at Walgreens) delivering a keynote address; Chicago Police Department bagpipers; the Illinois Army Color Guard; IPEF Scholars and Purple Heart Recipients, and much more. The day will also include a live auction, brunch and an outdoor BBQ dinner party after play.

IPEF is an Illinois-specific philanthropic entity, with all funds restricted to support local Illinois military families, ensuring that Illinois citizens are supporting their neighbors who have sacrificed for our country. “I am truly thankful to the donors and corporations in the state of Illinois who continue to support IPEF,” said Mark Slaby, Founder of Illinois Patriot Education Fund. “We are thrilled that this year we have two IPEF scholars graduating as doctors – Dr. David Glass, a USAF Pararescueman and Dr. Erin Stein, who lost her Father in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Stein has been accepted into the Army Corps of Veterinarians. I feel this speaks volumes as to how our organization has grown and positively impacted so many Illinois military families, but it’s important to remember that there are thousands of families who still need our help.”

Media are welcome to cover the event and should contact Lisa Gunggoll at lisa@lg-pr.com for credential requests. More information, including complete schedule and sponsorship information can be found at http://www.illinoispatriot.org or by emailing IPEF Executive Director Michael Ziener at mike@illinoispatriot.org. To receive the latest updates, follow the event on Twitter @ILPatriotEdFund and on the official Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ILPatriotEdFund.