SSC Foundation’s “Casino Royale” Gala Raises Nearly $90,000 for Student Success
South Holland, IL – The South Suburban College (SSC) Foundation hosted its highly anticipated Casino Royale Gala on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the breathtaking Odyssey Country Club, raising nearly $90,000 in support of student scholarships and academic initiatives.
The glamorous evening welcomed a distinguished crowd of elected officials, business owners, community leaders, South Suburban College (SSC) staff, administration, and generous supporters. Guests were treated to an elegant night of gaming, dining, live entertainment, silent auctions, and heartfelt celebrations, all in support of student success.
Entertainment was provided by the legendary Art Turk and the Congo Square Artistic Ensemble, a dynamic musical group led by Art Turk Burton. With over three decades of performance history, the ensemble brought a soulful, rhythmic backdrop to the evening, honoring the rich cultural traditions of Congo Square in New Orleans.
The program featured award presentations and remarks by SSC President Dr. Lynette Stokes, Chairman of the Board Terry R. Wells, Executive Director of PR & Resource Development Dr. Kellie Martin, Vice President of Administration & Finance Devon Powell, Vice President of Academic Services Tasha Williams, and Master of Ceremonies Jeff Beckham, Jr., CEO of Chicago Scholars and Co-CEO of REACH Pathways. Together, they highlighted the extraordinary achievements of the evening’s honorees and emphasized the lasting impact of donor support on SSC students’ educational journeys.
A standout moment of the evening was a $25,000 donation from Ingalls Memorial Hospital/UChicago Medicine to the Foundation’s Allied Health & Nursing Campaign, an investment that will significantly enhance healthcare education and training opportunities at the college.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our guests, sponsors, and donors, this year’s Casino Royale Gala raised close to $90,000, reinforcing SSC Foundation’s mission to break down financial barriers and elevate student success.
If you missed this year’s Gala and would like to support the SSC Foundation, please click here [https://www.ssc.edu/news-events-information/ssc-foundation/].
GALA PHOTO GALLERY pictures provided by Great News Life
Mark your calendars for our next major event—our 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing, scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025. For more information, visit: www.ssc.edu/golf.
PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo