The Illinois Valley Community College Foundation is celebrating 50 years of giving with its Golden Celebration, an event designed to honor its history while raising funds to continue supporting students and college programs.
The celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026. at Senica’s Oak Ridge, 658 E. U.S. Route 6 in LaSalle. The evening will begin with a 5 p.m. cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres, followed by a 6 p.m. presentation and live auction. A buffet dinner, music, and dancing will follow. Organizers expect between 150 and 200 attendees, including the college president, donors, faculty members, and returning scholarship recipients.
A silent auction will run from 5 to 9 p.m., featuring items valued under $1,000 such as themed baskets, gift cards, and certificates donated by local businesses and community members. The live auction will feature items valued at over $1,000, including vacation packages and other premium experiences. The event is 21 and over, and dress attire is semi-formal with an optional gold theme to match the anniversary. This year’s attire is slightly less formal than in previous years, with guests encouraged to add touches of gold or sparkle if they choose.
The Foundation hopes to raise $30,000 gross from the event. Planning has been underway for nearly a year, beginning shortly after last year’s event. While much has been completed, organizers say there is still plenty to finalize before March 27.
Although the college president initially did not want to call it a gala, the Foundation chose to focus its annual spring event on celebrating 50 years of service. The evening will highlight the legacy of Helen Taylor, a passionate educator and advocate for students’ success, whose transformative gift of more than $100,000 in 1975 led to the creation of the Foundation in 1976.
The event is being organized by the IVCC Foundation office staff: Tracy Beattie, executive director; Susan Monroe, alumni and donor relations coordinator; and Donna Swiskoski, administrative assistant and foundation board secretary. The three women meet weekly to coordinate details and ensure the celebration honors both the Foundation’s history and the students continue to serve. The Foundation manages nearly $800 million in invested funds and steps in to provide support whenever the college has a financial need.
Beattie says, “When the college has a need, we step up.”
Beyond scholarships, the Foundation also supports major initiatives such as the Ag Forward campaign, which aims to raise $2.5 million over at least two years to strengthen agricultural programming and facilities at the college. The Foundation’s overall mission is to advance education in the community by providing scholarships to deserving and well-qualified students while supporting innovative educational programs and services.
To attend the Golden Celebration, purchase tickets for $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight; tables must be fully paid to reserve. Tickets are still available. If you cannot attend, you may still support the Foundation by making a donation. Submit RSVPs by March 13, 2026, by mail or online at ivcc.edu/goldencelebration.
For questions, ticket purchases, or to donate, contact Tracy Beattie at 815-224-0550 or [email protected]