QUINCY — The award is named "Friend of Catholic Education," but in the case of the McClains, it's friends ... with an "s."

The family of Elmo "Mac" and Margie McClain will be recognized Feb. 6 at the eighth annual "Friend of Catholic Education Award" dinner at the Quincy Quality Inn & Suites. The award is given annually by the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation (QCES) to recognize significant contributions to Catholic schools in Quincy.

"The McClain family has contributed so much of their time, talent and treasure to Catholic education, for which they wanted little or no recognition," said Paul Rittof, executive director of QCES. "That makes it all the more appropriate to honor them."

Mac McClain was the first coach at Christian Brothers High School and Margie taught at St. Peter School for 14 years. All eight children graduated from St. Peter, and either Christian Brothers, Notre Dame or, after merging, Quincy Notre Dame High Schools. Their belief in Catholic education was a major influence on their family life and their contributions in the community. When the Christian Brothers announced they would be leaving at the end of the 1969-1970 school year, McClain was part of the group of local citizens that rallied to keep Christian Brothers open. He served in Springfield as state Representative for the Quincy area, as did son Michael in later years.

Funds raised at the dinner honoring the McClain family go to support the QCES Foundation tuition assistance fund for families with children enrolled in one of Quincy's four Catholic elementary schools. Since 2009, the QCES Foundation has awarded more than $450,000 in tuition assistance to families with students enrolled at Blessed Sacrament, St. Dominic, St. Francis and St. Peter elementary schools, regardless of their faith tradition.

Ticket information is available by calling the foundation at (217) 779-3157 or at .