February 22, 2017

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Yesterday, February 21st, Epstein, who is a proud sponsor of the ACE Mentor Chicago Program, attended for the fourth year in a row the annual ACE Luncheon held at the Chicago Hilton Grand Ballroom. The ACE Program engages, sponsors and mentors Chicago-area students with an interest in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. ACE Chicago places a special focus on recruiting minority and female students; groups that are significantly under-represented in the construction and design industry. ACE Chicago also financially supports each student's continued success through scholarships and grants. And, this fundraising luncheon was attended by over 50 firms and 700 people, all coming together to raise funds and celebrate the great accomplishments of the program, and most importantly its mentors and mentees.

The ACE Luncheon represents a great opportunity for sponsors to connect with the ACE Program as each table is joined by a student who is actively participating in the program and a mentor to act as ambassadors for the donors. Epstein was there representing both Epstein and the Epstein Community Foundation, who regularly donate their time and money to the ACE program. During the luncheon, tables were tasked with a contest to build the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel or the Willis Tower out of gummies, paper, and spaghetti. The two winning tables each won a $500 scholarship provided by ECF to the student sitting at that table!


Epstein's Ferris 'Spaghetti' Wheel

Additionally, Pat O'Connell, the long-standing Director of ACE Chicago was recognized for her accomplishments and dedication to the program, she will be retiring this fall is will be greatly missed. The luncheon set its most ambitious fundraising goal ever this year at $300K, and managed to raise over $280K of that goal! We really look forward to our continued investment into the talented youth who will be the future of our industry.

The Epsteiners in attendance included Criss Paccione- Anderson, Jim Jirsa, Randy Buescher, Ryan Lezcano, Jake Effinger, Cassiday Love, Mark Rustin and Sean Miller.


Pictured left to right, Epstein's Ryan Lezcano, ACE Scholarship Winners Carlos Villanueva & Eilson Uribe, and Epstein's Criss Paccione-Anderson and Sean Miller