CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Champaign Parks Foundation raised over $160,000 for recreation scholarships at its third annual Ties & Tennies Gala.

The event was held September 4. The record-breaking amount raised exceeds the 2024 fundraiser by 60 percent.

The funds will directly support the Champaign Park District and Champaign Parks Foundation scholarship programs.

The keynote speech was given by Fighting Illini Women's Basketball Head Coach Shauna Green. "I think that sports, activities, and whatever events our kids are involved in can literally transform them and can set them on a path to be successful," she said. "The more [kids] can be around these adults who are teaching them core values, I believe their path to achieve their dreams is a lot better... You could have the next head c

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