CHICAGO—To address ongoing economic challenges facing many Chicagoans, Equality Illinois is hosting a free financial education event with a resource fair and programs focused on banking, saving, loans and debt management.

Equality Illinois will host the 77 Proud Financial Education & Resource Fair on Tuesday, February 23, in partnership with the Chicago Treasurer's Office, MB Financial Bank and the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce.

"Despite our national economic recovery, there is still great economic disparity. That disparity is all the more exacerbated by uneven access to basic banking and debt management information and services," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "I am proud that Equality Illinois partnered with the Treasurer's Office, MB Financial Bank, and the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce to help our community members access critical information and services."

The event will be hosted by Equality Illinois at the Loyola Park Field House Dance Studio at 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago from 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm. The sessions and resource fair are free and open to the public. Food will be provided as well.

MB Financial Bank will conduct two presentations. The 45-minute programs will cover basic banking and how to save money at 7:00-7:45 pm and address student loans and debt management at 8:00-8:45 pm. The programs will also focus on mortgages, building credit, what to save, and tips on how to avoid spending on unnecessary fees. Mortgage and small business specialists will also be available to answer questions.

All attendees will receive a free Ventra card, as well as a chance to win a gift card in the event's raffle.

The Financial Education & Resource Fair is one event in Chicago City Treasurer Kurt Summers' 77 Proud initiative, which seeks to financially empower Chicagoans through economic resources across the city. More information on the initiative can be found at the Chicago City Treasurer's website: Article Link Here .

Free registration for the 77 Proud Financial Education & Resource Fair can be found at tinyurl.com/77Proud-EqualityIllinois.

What: Financial Education & Resource Fair

When: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6:30 pm-8:45 pm

Where: Loyola Park Field House Dance Studio, 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago

Schedule:

7-7:45 pm - Basic banking and how to save money

8-8:45 pm - Student loans and debt management

Mortgage and small business experts will be available throughout the evening

Registration: Free at tinyurl.com/77Proud-EqualityIllinois .