Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is honored to not only welcome Gregory Auto Group as our 11th Corporate Champion, but also to have Jonathan Plotkin join our Board of Directors. The HPCF relies on local businesses as well as committed community members to further our mission of addressing unmet needs in our community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. With Gregory Auto Group’s help, we will be able to fund essential services nonprofits provide for children and adults. Jonathan brings with him a creative perspective that will be used to further our mission in other respects.

Gregory Auto Group has served the Highland Park and Highwood community as a family- owned and -operated car dealership for 40 years. In addition to their extraordinary customer service, they are known for helping customers find the perfect car to suit their needs, with the best possible pricing. With dealerships throughout the Chicagoland area, including Gregory Hyundai and Gregory Genesis of Highland Park, Gregory Mitsubishi in Lake Villa, Gregory Infiniti of Libertyville, several used car lots, and service centers stocked with factorytrained professionals and genuine parts and accessories, their expert staff are available to fulfill all automobile-related needs for the community.

July 4th Recovery Fund check presentation at Gregory Hyundai Genesis in HP. Shown in photo: Chicago Autotrade Association President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro alongside representatives from Gregory Hyundai Genesis; HPCF Executive Director Terri Olian; and Highland Park Councilmember Annette Lidawer

“Being a Corporate Champion for the Highland Park Community Foundation is a true honor for the Gregory Auto Group,” said Gregory Mauro, President. “After serving the community for 40 years, this step highlights our steadfast commitment not only to providing exceptional service to our customers, but also to giving back and making a positive impact in the community we are proud to call home.”

Corporate Champions provide critical funding for programs and services Highland Park and Highwood residents need to thrive or, sometimes, just to survive. The HPCF is incredibly proud and thankful to have the support of 11 Corporate Champions: Mesirow, Sunset Foods, First Bank of Highland Park, Kovitz, Autohaus on Edens, Banner Kitchen and Bath, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Mariani Landscape Architects, Porsche Exchange, Shellé Jewelers, and now Gregory Auto Group. To add your business to our growing list, email Terri Olian, HPCF Executive Director at terri@hpcfil.org.

Jonathan Plotkin was born in Highland Park but moved to Massachusetts when he was 8 years old. He moved back to the Chicago area when he was 26 to marry Robin, each the other’s first neighborhood friend from the time they were 3 years old and living on South Deere Park Drive. Jonathan says he always considered Highland Park his true home, subconsciously knowing he’d return one day. Highland Park is not only home to Jonathan and Robin, but their children and grandchildren as well.

“My grandchildren represent the 5th generation of my family to live in Highland Park. It’s not just home, but it’s Home with a capital H both personally and professionally. It is incumbent on all of us to continually remind ourselves how special and unique this place is, and to do everything possible to help others live their life to the fullest potential.”

Jonathan and Robin Plotkin with their children (L to R): Oliver, Pearl, Alexander, and Noah

As a nationally published illustrator and editorial cartoonist, Jonathan has extensive philanthropic experience in the arts. As Chairman of the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission, he assisted in funding local arts organizations and helping artists connect their work with their community. He also served as the Board President of The Art Center of Highland Park, where he fostered education in the arts in the community. He believes that art is the heart of our community and wants to continue to spread that message as a HPCF Board Member. “We are proud to welcome Jonathan to the Board,” stated Laurie Levin, HPCF ViceChair. “His creativity and commitment to inspiring that same spirit in others as well as his dedication to the Highland Park and Highwood community are, in part, what makes us grateful to have him on our Board.”

Jonathan Plotkin

Jonathan hopes to draw on his experiences as a businessman, patron of the arts, and artist himself to better the community. “My background in business and the arts lends itself well to the organizations that the HPCF currently funds and will fund in the future,” he said. As a Board Member, he looks forward to working directly with the organizations and programs funded by the HPCF. He believes it is essential to work beyond the “glass wall” that often separates board members from the communities they serve. “What excites me about the HPCF is that board members are expected to be liaisons to the organizations the Foundation supports. Many times, boards don’t engage, or see, or spend quality time with grantees. I look forward to being a part of that process.”

We are honored to have Jonathan, with his artistic talent and philanthropic spirit, on the Foundation’s Board and look forward to having his ideas enrich and brighten our community. We are also thrilled to have the support of Gregory Auto Group and know that their giving spirit will help improve the lives of the Highland Park and Highwood residents.

Judy’s Pizza Community Partner Initiative

This entire month, Judy’s Pizza is generously rallying behind the HPCF as one of their first Community Partners of 2023. “Judy’s Pizza is thrilled to help Community Partners promote awareness through our various marketing channels and fundraising programs,” said William Abonce, owner. The HPCF Board is grateful to Judy’s Pizza for this opportunity and encourages everyone to eat a Pizza Pie to celebrate Pi Day, 3.14, and “round up” when they pay for their orders throughout the month of March and especially on Pi Day, March 14! Ordering a slice – or a whole pizza pie – adds up…do the math! Happy Pi Day!