The Midwest Conference Canned Food Drive Challenge concluded recently and Lake Forest College's fundraising total was the school's highest in the nine-year history of the program.

League members collected $7,158 in monetary donations and 9,656 canned food items this year. The Foresters raised $2,700 in monetary donations and gathered 56 cans for an equivalency total of 5,456, roughly five times last year's mark and well ahead of the previous school record of 2,143.

The Lake Forest College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Athletic Council (AC) were responsible for spearheading the effort. Collection bins were set up around campus for non-perishable items and there were also options for monetary donations.

Among the fundraising options was the Forester $4 for a Cause, which contributed to the College's Annual Fund, Special Olympics, MWC Food Drive, and Fill a Heart 4 Kids. Fill a Heart 4 Kids is an organization based in Lake Forest that provides homeless, at risk, and foster children food, critical necessities, educational support, and life skills opportunities.

SAAC and AC student-athletes also hosted "Pie Fridays" to encourage donations for the canned food drive. Student-athletes, staff, and coaches made themselves targets for pies to the face from those making contributions.

"I think a big reason for our success this year was the whole athletic department working together to make our fundraising event work," commented Forester football player and MWC SAAC representative Justin Albee. "It was awesome to see every team participate, even the coaches. This should be a great tradition!"

Lake Forest's SAAC and AC President Margaret Bugnacki, a women's tennis player, was more philosophical in her comments about this year's efforts. "I have always been inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa that says, 'I can do things you cannot ... you can do things I cannot ... together we can do great things.' The success of this food drive speaks to this quote that with a concerted effort by the exec team, coaches, SAAC/AC members, and the student body, we were not only able to meet our goal, but exceed it. I'm pleased that Lake Forest College understands the importance of addressing hunger in our community."

Monetary donations and canned food items were donated to the Northern Illinois Foodbank.