The Spring Bash, an annual fundraiser for the school put on by Friends of Whitney Young, will be held again this year. It will take place at the Grossinger Auto Complex in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood on Feb. 20.

The Spring Bash is one of many fundraisers Friends of Whitney Young holds to support the school’s facilities, classes, sports, clubs, and arts. It is also the only school-wide fundraiser.
“The Spring Bash is a chance for the parents to visit with each other,” says Deb Keegan, parent and development director.

Every club, team, and department is given the opportunity to participate in The Spring Bash by selling raffle tickets at $10 each.

The grand prize of the raffle is a 2015 Chevy Spark that WY purchases from Grossinger at a discounted price. Grossinger also donates its space to WY to use every year for the Spring Bash.

In addition to the drawing of the raffle, the Spring Bash will feature food, drinks, music, and a silent auction where attendees will have the chance to bid on many prizes that have been donated by various businesses, WY parents, sports teams and clubs.

Parent Anne Lenzini is in charge of this year’s silent auction. According to Lenzini and Keegan, prizes for the silent auction includes WY athletic apparel, an autographed Jahlil Okafor Duke jersey, restaurant gift certificates, a yoga gift pack, and tickets to Chicago Fire, Bears, and Blackhawks games.
This year, Friends of Whitney Young will also be using a mobile bidding option instead of the usual pen and paper method for the silent auction.

The raffle is expected to be the night’s highlight.
“I think the raffle drawing is exciting. People are into that,” says Keegan. “There is something for everyone.”

Though students are not allowed to participate in the activities, some student faces will be seen at the Spring Bash. Student volunteers will be working the event. The WY Jazz Band will also be playing music for the evening.

Last year, the Spring Bash raised $131,000. This year’s fundraising goal for the event is $150,000.
“People come back every year,” says Lenzini.

Tickets are still on sale for $50. All adults are able to attend. To purchase tickets and learn more about The Spring Bash and Friends of Whitney Young, visit their website, www.friendsofwhitneyyoung.org.
According to Keegan, “The more parents that come, the more money we make, and the more money that goes back to the school.”