CHICAGO – San Miguel Schools Chicago www.sanmiguelchicago.org announced it raised a record $300,000 at its 5th annual School Rocks! benefit concert on October 20 at Chicago's House of Blues.

More than 600 guests rocked with Cheap Trick, and the band performed all its classic hits, including "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender." The evening featured a sold out VIP Reception featuring British rock band Badfinger.

San Miguel Schools provide innovative and accessible education for inner-city children. 2011 marks the 5th year for the School Rocks! event, which has raised over $1 million for scholarships and community support for San Miguel students.

Mike Anderer-McClelland, President and Executive Director of San Miguel Schools Chicago said, "We're proud of the success of School Rocks! and most grateful for our supporters. The dollars raised will fund 20 scholarships and provide crucial financial resources for our students and the communities we serve. San Miguel donors provide 90 percent of the cost of education for our students. I continue to be inspired by the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our students and faculty."

Pete McMurray of WLUP 97.9 The Loop emceed the School Rocks! benefit. Guests at the event included Tim and Mary Smithe (Walter E. Smithe), Jack and Debby Larson (Triumph Higher Education), Bill and Jean Divane, event creator and committee co-chair Kevin and Nancy Allodi (Vintage Charm and Kevin and Nancy Allodi Family Foundation), and Celia Chavez, (Telemundo Chicago) and Larry Wert, (NBC 5/WMAQ-TV), both celebrity co-chairs.

During the benefit, San Miguel presented its Leadership in Education Award to Mrs. Lina Abraham for her decade long support and commitment to San Miguel Schools. With her late husband Gene, Mrs. Abraham established the Gene and Lina Abraham Family Foundation to provide scholarship support for San Miguel middle students and graduates attending high school.

Another highlight of the evening came when San Miguel alumnus, José Gonzalez, Class of 2003, addressed the audience. Guests listened intently as Mr. Gonzalez spoke of his challenges and successes, and of his deep appreciation for the education and support San Miguel provided through middle school and high school. The crowd cheered when the Lewis University student announced he has returned to San Miguel to give back to his community.

Donations can still be made to San Miguel's School Rocks! through its website, www.sanmiguelrocks.org and photos from the event are available on the media page.

About San Miguel Schools Chicago

San Miguel Schools Chicago (www.sanmiguelchicago.org), with campuses in Chicago's Back of the Yards and Austin neighborhoods, provide an innovative and accessible educational experience for the children of inner-city families, so that they can complete high school with the skills, support and self- awareness to make the next productive choice in life. Based on Lasallian principles, San Miguel engages faculty, family and the community to meet the individualized needs of the student through middle school programs that include an extended school day, year-round academic calendar, and a low student to teacher ratio, as well as graduate support high school youth development programs and family strengthening programs.

Media Inquiries contact Diane Laux