More than 700 guests packed Chicago’s House of Blues to hear REO Speedwagon and raise money for San Miguel School Chicago.
The 6th annual School Rocks! benefit concert brought in more than $475,000 for San Miguel students and the community. The Special Initiative Scholarship Challenge held just before REO Speedwagon took the stage raised $30,000 in just 14 minutes. Thanks to the 76 generous donors, three students will receive full 1-year scholarships to San Miguel.
“We are grateful to every donor, sponsor, guest and volunteer who made School Rocks! a success, ” said Phillip Jiménez, President and CEO of San Miguel School Chicago. “The generosity of this supportive community ensures a quality private education for San Miguel students and brings more resources to the school and neighborhood.”
The October 25th event also featured San Miguel 8th grader Leonardo warming up the crowd for REO with the School of Rock House Band. A graduate also spoke about how her experience at San Miguel impacted her educational and career choices, and how she gives back.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn issued a special welcome for the event in writing in which he called San Miguel Chicago “an example to others across our State of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication” and asked participants to continue supporting the school and students. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel proclaimed October 25, 2012 to be San Miguel School Chicago Day in Chicago to encourage everyone to “recognize the unwavering dedication and determination of San Miguel School students.”
School Rocks! is San Miguel School’s largest annual event. Since 2007, the benefit concerts have raised more than $2,500,000 to help the school continue its mission to transform lives through education, commitment and love.