Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Join us for a night of community, connection, and impact.

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) invites you to the 6th Annual Gather for Good celebration on Friday, September 26 at 6:30 PM, hosted at Binny’s Beverage Depot, 153 Skokie Valley Highway, in Highland Park.

Gather for Good is a joyful community tradition that brings neighbors and friends together to celebrate what makes our community so special. As HPCF’s only fundraising event of the year, the night plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of addressing unmet needs and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents.

“This event is the culmination of the efforts of many individuals within HPCF and throughout the broader community who contribute their time, energy, and resources to make it a success,” said Caroline Mead, Gather for Good Co-Chair. “From our event committee, staff, and volunteers to our generous corporate and individual sponsors, the businesses that donate fantastic raffle and silent auction prizes, and the many restaurants who support us—it’s a true community effort that continues to grow each year.”

And that growth matters.

This year, HPCF received a record-setting volume of annual grant proposals, reflecting the rising demand for critical services in Highland Park and Highwood. Funds raised through Gather for Good help the Foundation support as many impactful programs as possible—serving children, families, and adults across our community.

“We saw a significant increase in the total amount of funding requested this year—a reflection of the growing and evolving needs in our community,” said Sofia Alvarez, Gather for Good Co-Chair. “The funds raised from this event—with everyone’s assistance, dedication, and generosity—will allow us to award critical support to address those needs.”

Tastes of the Town: A Culinary Celebration

Tastes of the Town is back — bigger, better, and more delicious than ever — with our largest lineup yet: 30 local restaurants and beverage partners showcasing the incredible culinary offerings in our community. Guests will enjoy a wonderful tasting experience while mingling with neighbors and supporting a vital cause.

The Foundation Board extends heartfelt thanks in advance to: 28 Mile Distilling, Abigail’s, Ami. Jerusalem Street Food, Backyard Grill, BellaRu Catering, Bent Fork Bakery, Binny’s Beverage Depot, Bluegrass, Buffo’s, Carol’s Cookies, Clucker’s Charcoal Chicken, Flara Bakery, Fluffy Bunny, Goodstuff Eats, Indus Progressive Indian, Judy’s Pizza, La Plancha Loca, La Taquiza, Long Grove Confectionery Co., Love That Spice, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Mil Colibris, Once Upon A Bagel, Pixca, Sally’s Nuts, Tamales…A Mexican Joint, The Chunky Scone, The Claim Company, Viaggio – Highland Park, and Yummy Bowl, with additional participants still being confirmed!

HPCF is especially grateful to Maya Rotman-Zaid, founder of BellaRu Catering, for pouring her heart into coordinating the food and drinks for this year’s event, entirely pro bono. BellaRu has been part of our community since 2017 and, since 2020, has distributed more than 7 million pounds of food to help neighbors in need.

“We’re thrilled to see so many restaurants participate in this event,” Maya said. “It’s not just about food—it’s about connection. We love getting to know people in our community and seeing them connect with each other.”

That spirit of connection and generosity is shared by all our Restaurant Sponsors, and we are deeply grateful for their generous donations of time, energy, resources, and, of course, incredible food.

“We’ve been part of Gather for Good for years now,” noted Jeff Gorbena, owner of Tamales… A Mexican Joint. “I’ve been a part of the community since I was ten years old, and I think it’s a great event. We like to give back and support Highland Park and Highwood because the community supports us,” he added.

“HPCF is one of my favorite organizations to support because it is so directly impactful,” said Ryan Gamperl, owner of Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar. “They do so much that goes right back into our community. For me, it’s the best place to put our resources—supporting those who support us every day.”

Exciting Raffle & Auction Prizes

In addition to wonderful food and drinks, Gather for Good includes a silent auction and raffle with many exciting individual and bundled prizes valued at $1,000 or more. Prizes include:

• A Highland Park Fire Department ride to school
• A Highland Park Police Department ride to school or station tour, or adult ride-along
• Sports and entertainment tickets
• Fine jewelry and dining experiences
• Health and wellness services
• Special event and vacation packages
• Artistic, recreational, and photography offerings
• And much more, donated by over 70 generous local businesses.

Community Support Makes It Possible

As of our print deadline, more than 150 individuals and businesses have already committed to sponsorships, recognizing the difference their support makes for residents throughout the Highland Park-Highwood community. The Foundation looks forward to welcoming even more in the coming weeks to amplify the event’s success and all the good that flows from it.

Binny’s Beverage Depot—a long-standing, family-owned local business—is proud to host HPCF’s annual fundraiser once again. “We love being part of this event,” said Keith Youngmann, North District Sales Specialist. “It’s a great way to bring the community together and give back in a meaningful way.”

Let’s Gather for Good

Gather for Good is a night to come together, learn about HPCF’s impact, and help further the Foundation’s goal of improving the quality of life for all residents.

Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or the fundraising, it’s a night not to miss! To buy event or raffle tickets, donate, or become a sponsor, visit hpcfil.org/events/gather-for-good!

Let’s gather. Let’s give. Let’s strengthen our community.