Sneaker Ball 4 A Cause - Nov. 7

Three of Triton College’s student support programs are coming together to collect and donate essential supplies for homeless families in the surrounding community. The organizations will host the college’s first-ever “Sneaker Ball 4 A Cause,” Thursday, Nov. 4 on campus in the Student Cafeteria, B Building, 5:30-9:30 p.m. to collect items for local families in need.  

Ball attendees are encouraged to bring hygiene and/or personal items to donate for entry to the event. Required attire includes the attendees’ best, most favorite and fanciest pair of sneakers paired with formal attire, and a mask due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. At a sneaker ball, casual footwear lends a fun flair to an otherwise dressy affair, while bringing attention to an important cause.  

“Our students are willing to give back in any way that they can and the Triton community showed up last year in a big way. Now, with the Sneaker Ball, there is an opportunity to have fun and support an important cause at the same time,” said Julia Willis, director of Student Support Initiatives. 

TRIO, Sisterhood of Undergraduates Representing Great Excellence (SURGE), Transforming and Inspiring Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher Education (TRIUMPH), and the TRIUMPH Expansion Program participants from Elgin Community College, Kennedy-King College and Waubonsee Community College will create “blessing bags” from the donated personal hygiene and clothing items. The bags will be given to local homeless families through a partnership with Housing Forward. 

Last year, over 1,200 items were donated, and the students hope to double that amount by bringing increased attention to the cause through the gala-like affair. 

“We’re hosting the ball to gather essential items for homeless families in our community, so collecting donations is the first priority for the event,” said Willis. “However, many of our incoming students could not attend prom or other formal events in high school due to the ongoing pandemic. So we are also using this event to recognize and reward our students for their perseverance and dedication to continuing their education through these challenging times.” 

The Sneaker Ball also provides an opportunity for students to socialize and network with faculty, staff and community members. Donations will be collected upon entry to the ball on Thursday, Nov. 4, but those interested in giving donations can also drop them off in the A Building, Room A-106i through Friday, Nov. 12.  

Attendees should RSVP to attend.