Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Each year, Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) honors an individual or organization with the Jack Blane Community Service Award, named for longtime public servant Jack Blane. The award recognizes those who go above and beyond in their dedication to the Highland Park-Highwood community and improving residents’ lives. “The award is given to those who are, at their core, truly selfless and deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community,” said Steve Schapiro, HPCF’s Director of Philanthropy.

This year, HPCF is proud to present the award to Lenny Innocenzi, a Highland Park native, longtime small business owner, and outstanding civic leader.

Lenny was born and raised in Highland Park’s Ravinia neighborhood and has spent his entire life on the North Shore. As the owner of Buffo’s in Highwood for over 47 years, he has played an integral role in shaping the vibrant community Highwood is today. A dedicated member of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce Board for roughly 20 years, Lenny helped establish many of the traditions the community is known for, including Highwood Days. He’s not just involved behind the scenes; he’s hands-on, visible, and enthusiastic about building community through these events. “I love Highwood,” Lenny said. “It’s my town. It’s a town of really hard-working people, and I always enjoy volunteering my time to work with them. It’s a really special place.”

Lenny’s spirit of service extends far beyond Chamber activities. Over the years, he has supported can drives, school pizza days, holiday drives for military units and families, youth sports, first responders, and United Way initiatives. He also served as president of the Highwood Bocce Club for several years and is respected for the strong, trusted relationships he has built with city leaders. “I’ve worked closely with the past four mayors of Highwood; I work really well with the city, and when they need something done, I’ll always volunteer my time to help out,” Lenny added.

Lenny Innocenzi

As both a business owner and dedicated community member, Lenny has played a vital role in raising awareness of HPCF’s mission within the Highwood business community. He was the driving force behind HPCF’s inaugural Aiming High for Highwood campaign, personally connecting with local businesses to spread the word and generate support—and remains actively engaged in the initiative’s second year.

“Lenny has been a fixture in Highwood for decades,” said Jim Hospodarsky, former Highwood City Council member and current HPCF Board Member. “His involvement and commitment to Highwood, not just as a business owner, but as someone who deeply cares about the community, has made a tremendous impact. Lenny’s support for the Aiming High for Highwood campaign has also been invaluable.”

Lenny’s unwavering dedication to service, his passion for improving people’s lives, and his generosity of time and spirit truly reflect the essence of the Jack Blane Community Service Award. “The award honors outstanding citizens who go above and beyond what is normally expected of community members to help others,” said HPCF Board Chair Laurie Levin. “Giving back seems to come as second nature to Lenny. He is generous with his time and effort and helps foster the close-knit community we all cherish.”

Please join us in honoring Lenny Innocenzi as the 2025 Jack Blane Community Service Award recipient on Friday, August 1, at the Highwood Bocce Club. The celebration will take place from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM, with light bites and a cash bar.

Kindly RSVP by July 23 online at http://bit.ly/3F7NoEv or to Steve Schapiro, steve@hpcfil.org. There is no cost to attend.