Frequently Asked Questions: Trustee Benefit Concert for Scholarships

When is the 2024 Trustee Benefit?

Thursday, May 9, 2024

What time do the festivities begin?

5:30 p.m. Reception featuring food, drink, awards ceremony and paddle raise – all to take place in a tent on the University’s main quadrangle. (You won’t miss it—promise!)

7:30 p.m. Concert spectacular Yesterday and Today, the Interactive Beatles Experience, in the Lund Auditorium. Nehru jackets optional.

Why is the Benefit on a Thursday instead of the weekend?

Because we know that weekends are precious to busy people! In all seriousness: last fall, the University informally surveyed prior Benefit guests, and a common theme was that a weeknight event and a shorter overall time commitment would be more accommodating. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable evening as we celebrate our honorees and tell the stories of Dominican students whose lives are changed because of your support of scholarships.

Why is the Benefit important?

Dominican’s Trustee Benefit Concert is the university’s only fundraising event and, each year, all the funds provide immediate financial assistance to our students. Nearly 97% of current undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance to attend Dominican. Our mission—now and always—is to serve students with a transformational education. This is the reason we are ranked #1 in social mobility in Illinois, indicating our success in assisting students and their families to ascend to higher socio-economic statuses. As more than half of our students are the first in their family to go to college, and almost all work or juggle family obligations while going to school, every dollar raised at the Benefit helps to alleviate their financial strain.

Who are the Honorees?

Two awards will be presented as part of the Benefit this year. WS Darley & Company will receive the inaugural Pillars Award from the University, which recognizes an organization that represents and complements the four Dominican pillars of faith, study, community and service. Darley, a four-generation family-owned and operated company headquartered in Itasca, provides the highest levels of quality, integrity and service to first responders, the military, the community and educators. Marty and Mary Lou Noll will be honored with the first-ever Heart of Dominican Award, which recognizes individual(s) who have contributed significantly over time to both the University and the surrounding community. The Nolls have been steadfast supporters of civic and philanthropic causes for decades, advocating strongly for Dominican and numerous esteemed organizations within Oak Park, River Forest, and the neighboring regions. Their devotion to mission, education, and ensuring a vibrant network of support for so many is a lived example of Caritas in action.

Who is the featured artist?

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. Start thinking about your favorite Beatles song now, because we will invite our guests to share the songs, and stories of why they are meaningful, through a show curated that evening by our artists, a trio of talented brothers led by the award-winning Billy McGuigan!

What is the dress code?

We’re calling it ‘smart casual.’ Be trendy or classic, and bring the bling, if you’d like. While not black tie/formal, we hope you will dress confidently and comfortably!

How can I support the event if I cannot attend?

If you are unable to attend the concert and reception, you can still support our students! Each donation supports scholarships at Dominican. Please visit dom.edu/benefit or call (708) 524-6284.

Can I use my Donor Advised Fund or Family Foundation to pay for a Benefit Sponsorship or ticket?

Short answer: give us a call to discuss. While the University can receive donations from Donor Advised Funds, there are limitations on any benefit or goods/services provided to the person who recommends the donation.* Your contribution to qualifying DAFs (often held at community foundations) is treated by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable contribution at the time that it’s made.

Other questions?

Please contact Lisa Parisi at (708) 524-6284 or lparisi@dom.edu

*The fine print: IRS regulations prohibit the donor, donor advisor, or the donor’s family member from receiving any benefit in excess of an incidental one as a result of a DAF distribution. Dominican does not provide legal or tax advice; please consult your donor advisor or tax advisor for additional guidance.