U-46 Educational Foundation

09/03/2026

Ready to make a lasting impact in our community? 💀🏃‍♀️

Become a sponsor of El Trote de las Calacas, a one-of-a-kind event that brings hundreds of people together to celebrate Latino culture through a vibrant 5K race, live entertainment, food and more.

Your sponsorship helps make this unforgettable celebration possible while showcasing your support for literacy, culture and our community. We are incredibly grateful to the sponsors who have already partnered with us to bring this event to life. 👏

Join us in making a difference—become a sponsor today!🔗 gailborden.info/trote

Comment "🏃" if you have already registered for the race! 😎🎉

Presented by the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation. Co-sponsored by the City of Elgin.

Thank you to our early sponsors:
Gold Sponsor: Elgin State Bank - A Wintrust Community Bank
Silver Sponsors: International Contractors, Inc., Leith Heating & Cooling, Studio GC, Right at School, Ezee Fiber, DLA Architects, Consumers Credit Union, and Denise Broz.
Bronze Sponsors: Senator Cristina Castro, OTTO Engineering, Elgin Community College, Tridorian, Fox River Water Reclamation District, and Councilwoman Rose Martinez.
Copper Sponsors: Shales McNutt LLC, State Representative Anna Moeller, Signs By Tomorrow - Elgin, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, and W.R. Meadows, Inc.
In-Kind Sponsors: El Milagro, Churros Y Chocolate Inc, Woodman's Markets, La Michoacana Paradise, Jarritos, Cross Kicks Fitness - South Elgin, and Explore Elgin Area.

09/01/2026

There is still time to secure a sponsorship for El Trote de las Calacas 5K -
Presented by the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation and the U-46 Educational Foundation. Co-sponsored by the City of Elgin.

Thank you to our early sponsors:
Gold Sponsor: Elgin State Bank - A Wintrust Community Bank

Silver Sponsors: International Contractors, Inc., Leith Heating & Cooling, Studio GC, Right at School, Ezee Fiber, DLA Architects, Consumers Credit Union, and Denise Broz.
Bronze Sponsors: Senator Cristina Castro, OTTO Engineering, Elgin Community College, Tridorian, Fox River Water Reclamation District, and Councilwoman Rose Martinez.
Copper Sponsors: Shales McNutt LLC, State Representative Anna Moeller, Signs By Tomorrow - Elgin, the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, and W.R. Meadows, Inc.
In-Kind Sponsors: El Milagro, Churros Y Chocolate Inc, Woodman's Markets, La Michoacana Paradise, Jarritos, Cross Kicks Fitness - South Elgin, and Explore Elgin Area.

08/28/2026

🚨 THE ELGIN VS. LARKIN CHALLENGE 🚨

The Elgin High School Class of '76 just rolled up to Larkin High School's front lawn and tagged the LHS rock with a big "76."

To add to the friendly competition, they even said, "We don't think you can beat us. We have better spirit."

Challenge accepted, Larkin?

Now it's Elgin vs. Larkin....Maroons vs. Royals. Give to the U-46 Educational Foundation and help your school claim the crown before the challenge ends 10/5. Every dollar supports U-46 students. Bragging rights are on the line all September.

👉 Donate here and be sure to include Elgin or Larkin so we can tally the votes: https://bit.ly/4zJSHBI

08/12/2026

🎊 Big News for El Trote de las Calacas! 🎊

We're thrilled to announce Studio GC as an official sponsor of this year's El Trote de las Calacas — our festive Day of the Dead run/walk benefiting students in School District U-46! 💀🌼

This event wouldn't be possible without our incredible community partners: a huge thank-you to the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation for co-hosting and the City of Elgin, for their continued support as a co-sponsor. This is truly an Elgin community effort!

Every registration, donation, and sponsorship directly supports our U-46 students — funding classroom grants, scholarships, and programs that make a real difference.

👀 Elgin businesses, this could be you! Sponsoring El Trote de las Calacas puts your name in front of thousands of families, students, and neighbors, all while supporting a cause that shapes our community's future.

💬 Want to sponsor or get involved? Send us a message or email [email protected]

📅 Mark your calendars: October 10 at 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL
🎟️ Registration info: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Elgin/ElTroteDeLasCalacas

Let's make this year's race the biggest one yet! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💀🌸

07/28/2026

🌼💀 Big thanks to Signs By Tomorrow - Elgin, Copper Sponsor for El Trote de las Calacas! Local businesses like theirs are what make this 5K possible every year.

📅 See you October 10 in downtown Elgin, and if your business wants in on the fun, sponsorship spots are still open!

👟El Trote de las Calacas is hosted by the U-46 Educational Foundation and Gail Borden Public Library Foundation and co-sponsored by the City of Elgin, Illinois Government.

07/24/2026

🌼💀 Thank you, International Contractors, Inc. ! 💀🌼

We're excited to recognize iCI as a Silver Sponsor of El Trote de las Calacas (The Skeleton Trot) 5K! As a partner of District U-46, iCI's continued investment in our students and community means so much to us. 🙌

This event is a joint celebration between the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Gail Borden Public Library Foundation, co-sponsored by the City of Elgin, and sponsors like iCI help make it possible.

📅 Join us October 10, 2026, in downtown Elgin for a morning of movement, culture, and community spirit!

👟 Want to sponsor? El Trote de las Calacas still has sponsorship opportunities available at every level — and every contribution directly supports U-46 students and Gail Borden Library programs. Reach out today to see how your business can join iCI in supporting this community celebration!

***os

07/23/2026

Thank you, State Senator Cristina Castro!

We're so grateful to State Senator Cristina Castro (District 22) for stepping up as a Bronze Sponsor of El Trote de las Calacas (The Skeleton Trot) 5K! Your support helps us bring this run/walk to life in downtown Elgin this October.

This event is a joint celebration between the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation, co-sponsored by City of Elgin, and sponsors like Senator Castro make it possible for us to support students and our community together. 🙌

📅 Join us October 10, 2026, in downtown Elgin for a morning of movement, culture, and community spirit!

👟 Want to run? Want to sponsor? El Trote de las Calacas still has sponsorship opportunities available at every level, and every contribution directly supports U-46 students and Gail Borden Library programs. Reach out today to see how your business or organization can join Senator Castro in supporting this community celebration! For more information, contact Leslie Smogor at [email protected] or visit www.u-46.org/trote.

***os

06/30/2026

Registration is open for the third annual El Trote de las Calacas — Skeleton Trot 5K on October 10, 2026 in Downtown Elgin! But prices go up July 1, so now is the time to sign up.
Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, El Trote has a place for you. Run through the historic north end of Elgin along the scenic Fox River, then stay for food, entertainment, a cultural Marketplace, and our stunning Community Ofrenda celebrating Día de los Mu***os. 🌺💀
🏅 Fox River Triad runners — El Trote is Race #3 after Dublindee Kilted 5K and Elgin Valley Fox Trot! Complete all three and earn your exclusive Triad medal.
👨‍👩‍👧 Coming with a crew? We have a group discount!
👉 Register now at bit.ly/eltrote2026 before prices increase July 1!

03/09/2026

03/08/2026

SENIORS - ARE YOU PLANNING ON ATTENDING ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

The Malik M. Brown Memorial Scholarship is offered in memory of Malik M. Brown, a South Elgin High School student-athlete, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021. Available to graduating seniors at all U-46 high schools, the scholarship will be awarded to one student with plans to attend Elgin Community College in the fall of 2026. To learn more and to apply: u-46.org/our-district/educational-foundation/scholarships
The deadline is March 31.