Elk Grove Township Community Empowerment Fund Holds Annual Fundraiser

The Elk Grove Township Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) held a fundraiser last week at Station 34 in Mount Prospect. CEF, an independent 501(c)(3) charity, was established by Elk Grove Township in 2018. Its mission is to provide financial support in special situations when Township assistance for a resident in great need is either insufficient or not allowed by law.

The annual fundraiser was sponsored by over twenty local businesses. Another thirty businesses and individuals donated items for a raffle and silent auction. Over $8000 was raised to support CEF’s mission.

“The purpose of the fundraiser was not only to raise funds to assist the Township in providing residents with critical aid, but it was also meant to raise awareness about this final safety net resource,” said CEF Board member Corey Dewey. “The Township is normally the last safeguard for residents struggling with basic needs. However, even a safety net can sometimes need a safety net and that’s what CEF provides.”

Dewey cited several examples of times when the CEF Board allocated funds to help meet a resident with an essential need. These were situations where the Township and other government agencies could not provide help either because the family had exhausted their benefits, or their special needs did not qualify for assistance. She noted that funds have been allocated by the CEF to help a family who had lost their home in a fire to obtain temporary housing, to buy a water heater for a low-income veteran who had been without hot water for more than six months, and to restore cell phone service for a handicapped individual who was dependent on his phone for telehealth therapy.

The distribution of funds is overseen by the organization’s Board of Directors which consists of four residents and three Township representatives. Board member Kevin Kinsella noted that CEF is dependent on businesses and individuals for funding. “We receive no government funds and are reliant on support from the community. I think it is important that we stand up together to catch our neighbors who are falling through the social service cracks and give them a chance to get back on their feet.”

Individuals who would like to know more about CEF can call Corey Dewey at 224-222-0944. Donations can be made payable to “Community Empowerment Fund” and mailed or dropped off at Elk Grove Township, 600 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.