With summer just around the corner, we’re feeling an incredible sense of pride—in our community, our partners, and the meaningful impact we’re making together.

There’s a lot to celebrate in this month’s newsletter, including exciting updates and heartfelt thanks:

• Welcome to Setna iO, our 18th Corporate Champion, making a five-year pledge at our highest level, Platinum
• Congratulations to Vanessa Flores, recipient of this year’s Personal Achievement Award
• Save the Date for our 2025 Gather for Good fundraiser
• Special thanks to our ever-growing list of 2025 event sponsors, with a note about our print invitation deadline
• Spotlights on four grantee organizations making a difference every day

There’s even more! Each of these milestones is a reason to celebrate—and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together.

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Win an Exciting Raffle Prize!

Click here to purchase raffle tickets online or download a form here and send it to HPCF, P.O. Box 398, Highland Park, IL 60035. Raffle winners will be chosen randomly on 9/24/21 and notified thereafter.

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Individuals and families, private foundations, small businesses, and large corporations have shown incredible support for the July 4th shooting victims and our community.

So many have rallied to donate to and, in many cases, fundraise for the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund the HPCF established. The majority of the initial donors have been local. Yet, many live in states across the nation and far-reaching places such as Singapore, London, and India. Following an unimaginably tragic and horrific event, our community is being lifted up by the strength of our neighbors and an outpouring of support from people far and wide.

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We are honored to welcome GREGORY AUTO GROUP to our growing list of Corporate Champions and to have JONATHAN PLOTKIN join our Board of Directors!

Local businesses and committed community members help further our mission of addressing unmet needs in our community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. Special thanks to Gregory Auto Group and Highland Park resident Jonathan Plotkin for their help in advancing our goals.

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With tremendous appreciation for all our grant recipients provide for members of our community, the HPCF Board recently awarded 63 grants, totaling $784,825, to organizations* dedicated to improving the quality of life for Highland Park and Highwood residents.

These grants will be used to address the educational, human service, creative, and cultural arts needs of young children, teens, families, single adults, individuals with disabilities, and seniors in our community and expand opportunities for all residents.

The awards topped all previous annual grant award distributions and were announced on October 25th at our annual Grant Awards Distribution gathering for the grant recipients.

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With over 25 years of experience in education, Pablo brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role as a School Counselor at Highland Park High School. His dedication to supporting students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence has left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Outside of HPHS, Pablo serves on the boards of numerous local organizations that are centered on causes about which he is deeply passionate. Pablo is finishing his second term as a trustee for Moraine Township, which provides a safety net of support to residents in need. He has also led the Township’s Latino Advisory Committee since 2012. In addition, he works with the Giant Football Fund, an organization that raises funds for under-resourced youth football players so they can experience teamwork, dedication, and leadership. And finally, Pablo serves as Board Chair for Josselyn, a mental health center (and HPCF grantee) that provides invaluable mental health services to nearly 8,000 clients from 300 communities, including Highland Park and Highwood.

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We are thrilled to honor Lenny “Buffo” Innocenzi with the 2025 Jack Blane Community Service Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to service, leadership, and community impact.

Presented annually, the Jack Blane Community Service Award honors an individual or organization whose generosity, leadership, and compassion reflect the legacy of Jack Blane—a lifelong advocate for service and civic engagement.

For nearly five decades, Lenny has been a pillar of Highwood through his unwavering commitment to community service. As the longtime owner of Buffo’s, Lenny created a welcoming space where neighbors gathered, families celebrated, and friendships thrived.

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