Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is honored to welcome two new businesses to our growing list of Corporate Champions: Menoni & Mocogni, Inc. and Scott Byron & Co. HPCF relies on the generosity and community spirit of our Corporate Champions to help further our mission of addressing unmet needs in the Highland Park– Highwood community, as well as funding services and programs that enhance the community as a whole. With their deep-rooted connections to the community that span decades, and in Menoni & Mocogni’s case, over a century, we are thrilled to have the support of both Menoni & Mocogni and Scott Byron & Co.

Menoni & Mocogni is deeply integrated into the fabric of Highland Park and Highwood as one of the oldest family-run businesses in the area. Over the past one hundred years, they have evolved from a horse-and-buggy operation, delivering coal to heat residents’ homes and sand for the Old Elm Country Club golf course, to a full-service landscaping company providing high-quality service and materials to retail businesses and residents, come rain or shine. Menoni & Mocogni has remained a family-owned and operated business since its founding.

Currently, Dan (Flint) Miotti serves as president of the company, with his son Alex by his side, representing the third generation of Miottis at Menoni & Mocogni. Flint recalls riding Mr. Menoni’s horse and buggy throughout his childhood, as well as learning to drive their tractor at a young age. He always knew that he would one day work for the business that his father had partially run for some time. His deep ties in the community have only strengthened his resolve to give back to the place he calls home.

Menoni & Mocogni have been dedicated to supporting organizations that strive to better the community since it first opened its doors a hundred years ago.

“Philanthropically, we are involved with a number of schools as well as various sports programs, and we donate to the Highwood Recreational Center and Highland Park Fire Departments,” Flint said. When reflecting on why he was excited to become an HPCF Corporate Champion, he added, “We felt this would be a great way to ensure that the money we put back into the community impacts as many lives as possible. HPCF supports a wide variety of organizations that provide essential services, and we are proud to help them as well through our partnership with the Foundation.”

Joining Menoni and Mocogni as a new Corporate Champion is Scott Byron & Co., a long-standing landscape design, construction, and maintenance firm whose roots are deeply intertwined with the Highland Park–Highwood community. Founded in 1983 by Scott Byron, a Highland Park resident who raised his family in the community, the company was established with the goal of delivering unmatched service through innovative designs and curating the finest materials. Scott Byron & Co. is known for its culture of quality, creativity, and respect. The company believes in using landscaping as an expression of art in harmony with nature, a philosophy that has allowed it to help property owners bring their dreams to life throughout the Midwest.

Currently owned and presided over by Gordon Held and Kenneth (Ken) Williams, Scott Byron & Co. has a long history of philanthropy in the Highland Park–Highwood community, a legacy the current owners are committed to continuing. “This community is where Scott built his life and his business, and it has been our goal to give back to the place that has given us so much,” Ken shared. Over the past few years, they have invested in the well-being of the community by donating to HPCF as an Annual Sponsor, the HPCF’s Victim Fund, the HP Strong races, and A Safe Place. They’ve also supported broader causes, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Cancer Research at The University of Chicago, and Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. Their generous spirit is also reflected in the work they do with the Chicago Community Gardeners Association, in the trees they plant in lots throughout Chicago, and in the greenhouses that they’ve built in schools.

Scott Byron & Co. has further entrenched themselves in the community by becoming an HPCF Corporate Champion. “I think it’s a privilege to be a part of the HPCF. We’ve been servicing the community for over forty years, and in turn, our community has supported our business and our family for all that time. I believe we have a responsibility not only to provide exceptional service but to also make an impact on the place that has supported us for so long. It’s an honor to support a foundation that continues to enhance support for its own community,” Gordon said, reflecting on the decision to join the Corporate Champion ranks.

HPCF is proud to have the support of our two new Corporate Champions, Menoni & Mocogni and Scott Byron & Co. Their dedication to giving back to the community they serve is essential to helping us fulfill our mission and further strengthen our community. If your business is interested in becoming a Corporate Champion, please contact HPCF’s Director of Philanthropy, Steve Schapiro, at Steve@hpcfil.org.

Creating conditions that help community members thrive is an important aspect of Highland Park Community Foundation’s (HPCF’s) work in Highland Park and Highwood. The Foundation is thus proud to have awarded grant funding in 2023 to six organizations that support individuals with disabilities who live in our community: Anixter Center*, Arts of Life, Center for Enriched Living, Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, Glenkirk, and Keshet. While we include information about only four in this article, we are extremely grateful to each of them for all they do to help residents with disabilities.

Keshet supports children and adults with disabilities through enriching experiences as well as educational, recreational, vocational, and residential programs. “Keshet works tirelessly to create a community of belonging where people of all abilities can learn, play, work and live together. When we first set out to offer residential services for adults with disabilities in 2015, Highland Park was the ideal community with quality homes, friendly neighbors, and easily accessible recreation, shopping, and transportation. Since then, Keshet has added three more residences and now supports 18 adults who happily call Highland Park home. Keshet’s residential program is supported through State funding and private donors, including the generosity and on-going commitment of the HPCF. HPCF’s partnership has enabled Keshet to continually enhance the programs and services offered to our residents and other disabled adults in the area,” said Jamie Lake, Chief Communications Officer at Keshet.

HPCF Grant Recipient Keshet

In an exciting development, Keshet’s relationship with Highland Park will grow in extraordinary ways this year. Keshet just moved its adult day program to Highland Park and will be relocating its high school transition class to Highland Park in the fall. As Jamie explained, “Our connection to Highland Park and HPCF will flourish in 2024. In addition to adding two more residents to our group homes, Keshet’s adult day services moved from Skokie to Highland Park in the first week of January. Forty-six adults now spend their days with Keshet in Highland Park engaging in community life; volunteering; exploring their interests; and participating in vocational training and employment.”

HPCF looks forward to Keshet becoming an even more integral part of the community both for the residents it serves and for residents looking to volunteer or for employment. “As our programs in Highland Park continue to grow, we will be looking for more adult volunteers who want to share their talents and job coaches. There will be a need for additional job placements as well,” Jamie added.

Glenkirk, another 2023 grantee, has been serving people with disabilities since 1954. With the ultimate goal of growth and independence, Glenkirk offers residential and employment services, behavioral health therapies, and a variety of home-based services. “Glenkirk’s mission is to provide quality, lifetime supports and services which empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully in all areas of community life. Glenkirk accomplishes this mission by providing housing, day, and employment services, respite, and behavioral health services to over 200 individuals in Lake and northern Cook Counties,” explained Kim Berenberg, CEO of Glenkirk.

Specific to the services provided for members of our community, Kim added “HPCF plays a crucial role in advancing two vital programs at Glenkirk – our Next Generation Day Program and our Behavioral Health Clinic. The Next Generation Day Program offers participants an immersive community-based day program experience focused on adult learning and healthy lifestyles, enabling adults with intellectual disabilities to stay active, make friends, and connect with their community. The Behavioral Health Clinic is a Medicaid-licensed program providing essential mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The clinic offers counseling, medication management, community support services, and daily living in-home services, promoting independence and well-being.” She further explained, “HPCF’s backing is especially critical as Glenkirk, while governmentfunded, faces a significant gap between funding and the actual cost of providing quality services. This support ensures the success and impact of these programs.”

HPCF Grant Recipient Glenkirk

From childhood to adulthood, The Center for Enriched Living (CEL) enhances the lives of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities by providing safe spaces for growth and learning and fostering social and educational experiences that help develop independent living skills. “We are so grateful for the funding CEL receives from the HPCF to provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to experience life’s possibilities. CEL’s social, employment, mental health, and adult day programs empower nearly 400 members, with more than two dozen hailing from Highland Park. This grant directly supports your neighbors, like Howard, who thrives in our Tuesday Night Art program where he expresses himself beautifully through art. We are grateful for HPCF partnering with CEL to empower people with disabilities to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams,” said Herb Washington, CEO at Center for Enriched Living.

Highland Park Resident Howard at The Center for Enriched Living, a HPCF Grant Recipient

Focusing on the importance of the arts in enriching residents’ lives, Arts of Life offers unique and creative opportunities to individuals with disabilities that allow them to express themselves in accessible ways with their peers. “Highland Park Community Foundation’s investment in our In-Home Community Program is playing an essential role in growing our capacity to support artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Highland Park. Disabled people experience loneliness, low perceived social support, and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without a disability. Through this program, we provide a bridge – helping each artist individually to hone their creative practice and connect with peers virtually on a weekly basis. Together with the HPCF we are working to reach these artists in innovative new ways,” said Anne Cauley, Director of Development and Communications at Arts of Life

We are delighted to be able to provide grants that fill funding gaps for organizations that enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, which, in turn, enriches our entire community. The Foundation Board thanks our donors as well as the City of Highland Park who make these grants possible and looks forward to continuing our support well into the future.

* Anixter Center ceased its operations for which HPCF grant funding was provided in December of 2023, and its grant funding was prorated accordingly

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!

Highland Park Community Foundation Grantees at Work

Every year, Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) awards grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to addressing unmet needs throughout Highland Park and Highwood. These grants support vital programs in five focus areas: creative & cultural arts, education, human services, senior services, and services for individuals with disabilities.

Human services—HPCF’s largest grant funding area—covers a wide range of needs, including mental health care, substance abuse prevention, and food insecurity. The programs we fund play a critical role in helping residents find stability and thrive. HPCF is proud to support organizations that place mental health at the center of their mission and work to eliminate barriers to care, including Family Service of Glencoe, Cancer Wellness Center, Art Impact Project, Josselyn, and Willow House.

Family Service of Glencoe

Founded more than 100 years ago in the wake of a house fire, Family Service of Glencoe (FSG) has long provided direct support to those in crisis. While it continues to partner with Glencoe Public Safety to respond to house fires, FSG has expanded its mission to make mental health care a cornerstone of its services. “Due to our history rooted in crisis response,” explained Amber Bond, Executive Director, “we see the whole client and can work to address the social determinants of mental health in addition to providing direct therapy.”

Thanks to HPCF’s support, FSG has been able to open its doors even wider to Highland Park and Highwood residents who are uninsured or underinsured. “We offer a sliding fee scale that can go as low as $5 based on income,” Amber added. “We’ve also been able to expand our Spanish-speaking services by adding another Spanish-speaking clinician. HPCF’s grants help ensure that our services are accessible to anyone in the community who needs them.”

Cancer Wellness Center

Launched in 1989 as a volunteer-led initiative, Cancer Wellness Center has supported Highland Park and Highwood residents for 36 years. Highland Park resident Patsy Winicour, along with two friends, founded the Center to address the emotional toll that cancer takes on patients and their families, creating a space focused on mental wellbeing.

Cancer Wellness Center pioneered Illinois’s first cancer support hotline and two cancer support groups—both the first of their kind—which has since evolved into a robust operation offering professional counseling, support groups, educational workshops, nutritional services, and wellness classes. Today, it serves over 2,000 individuals annually.

“HPCF has been a tremendous support,” said Michelle Maer, Director of Development. “Beyond the financial assistance, which has allowed us to support more Highland Park and Highwood residents, the resources that we have access to and the network that we are connected to through the Foundation have really opened up a lot of other opportunities.”

Art Impact Project

Founded as a 501(c)(3) in 2014 by Lake Forest resident Vickie Marasco, Art Impact Project combines creativity and compassion to support mental health—particularly for adolescents struggling with emotional wellness and navigating substance abuse recovery. Through guided art-based programming, participants are encouraged to express themselves and process their emotions through art, especially when words fall short.

Although its roots are in substance abuse support, the organization has responded to broader community needs. In the aftermath of the 2022 Highland Park shooting, Art Impact Project partnered with The Art Center Highland Park to provide healing through creativity. That effort evolved into Knitting Communities Together, a twice-monthly knitting program that brings residents impacted by the shooting together in a safe, supportive environment. This knitting program marked Art Impact Project’s first grant from HPCF.

In their 2023 program year, they supported 1,520 teens and more than 200 adults. Last year, they saw a 27% increase in adolescent service participation and more than double the number of adults and seniors served in the previous year. “A big part of our growth has to do with organizational capacity,” said Liz Fales, Executive Director. “We now have two full-time staff, which allows us to deliver regular, consistent programming with our partners. The timing of HPCF’s support has been critical in helping us meet growing community demand.”

Josselyn

Since 1951, Josselyn has been delivering quality, accessible mental health care— including therapy, psychiatry, and other specialized services—throughout the North Shore. With clinics in Grayslake, Highland Park, Northbrook, Northfield, and Waukegan, its certified Community Mental Health Centers now serve nearly 8,000 clients across 300 communities, improving lives every day.

Josselyn is deeply rooted in the Highland Park-Highwood community, particularly through their consolidation with Family Service of Lake County. “Since the consolidation, we’ve expanded our clinical staff at that location from just two therapists to a team of over a dozen therapists and interns,” said Ami Campbell, Josselyn’s Chief Growth Officer. “As a result, the number of active clients we serve has grown from about 60 to more than 300.”

The organization has also recently expanded their Nuestro Josselyn program—taking it from a tutoring program into a more comprehensive offering that includes social-emotional learning and art therapy—enriching its support for youth and families in Highland Park and Highwood.

In the wake of the Highland Park shooting, Josselyn played a vital role in our community’s crisis response. “It was a deeply meaningful opportunity to provide care during a time of such need,” Ami said. “We remain grateful to be part of a resilient community, and we are committed to continuing as a trusted mental health resource here.”

Reflecting on Josselyn’s relationship with HPCF, Ami added, “HPCF grants have played a pivotal role in helping us expand services in Highland Park and Highwood. Thanks to the Board’s support, we’ve been able to increase our clinical capacity, serve more clients, and enhance clinical supervision to ensure timely, high-quality care. Beyond funding, HPCF has also connected us with other community partners—strengthening collaboration and amplifying our collective impact.”

Willow House

Since 1998, Willow House has provided grief support and education for youth, families, schools, and other communities grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or child. What began with a Peer Support Group has grown to include a Survivors of Suicide Support Group, an Expressive Arts program, and specialized services for schools and community groups. In 2023, Willow House expanded further by launching a new Peer Support Group in Northern Lake County, extending their reach and bringing their total to five locations.

Willow House received its first grant from HPCF in 2022. Over the past three years, the organization has continued to grow its impact with support from the Foundation. “The generosity of HPCF has funded our capacity to offer a wide variety of grief-informed support opportunities to grieving families in Highland Park and Highwood,” said Anya Tanyavutti, Executive Director. “It’s been an honor to be a steward of these impactful dollars in service to grieving families and institutions in need of best-practice-informed grief support and care. The Foundation is an incredible partner in its relationship and deep knowledge of this community, and it has been our honor to be included as a partner in having a positive impact.”

Since the partnership began, Willow House has served 178 Highland Park and Highwood residents and institutions through its Peer Support Groups, Expressive Arts program, and Survivors of Suicide group. The organization has also expanded its reach with the development of Spanish-language grief resources, ensuring more families have access to meaningful impactful support.

Community Impact

Residents of the Highland Park-Highwood community rely on trusted organizations like Family Service of Glencoe, Cancer Wellness Center, Art Impact Project, Josselyn, and Willow House for accessible, high-quality mental health care and support. HPCF is honored to fund these organizations through our annual grants, and we look forward to their continued positive impact throughout the community.

As we enter the new year and look forward to all the opportunities that come with it, the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is proud to welcome Shellé Jewelers as our 10th Corporate Champion. The relationship between the HPCF and local businesses has been an essential component of the work that the Foundation accomplishes each year, and our new partnership with Shellé Jewelers brings exciting philanthropic opportunities to the new year.

Shellé Jewelers is a third-generation family-owned business with an impactful presence in the North Shore area. Fulfilling the dream of founder Sheldon M. Millman, all their design and repair work is done in-house by the finest and most knowledgeable master craftsmen. Their staff go above and beyond to provide superior customer service while offering customers stunning jewelry, meticulous repairs on sentimental pieces, and unparalleled craftsmanship from graduate gemologists, master jewelers, and certified appraisers.

L to R: Shellé Jewelers Team Members Liz Nazario, Peg Keane, Manny Millman, Brian Millman, Abra Berkley, and Pattanin Chaijenkit

Since its inception, Shellé Jewelers has been committed to the giving spirit through fundraisers and donations that support local organizations. By becoming a HPCF Corporate Champion, Shellé Jewelers has extended its philanthropic hand to directly benefit the Highland Park/Highwood community. “For more than 70 years, Shellé Jewelers has been committed to giving back. Now, as a Corporate Champion with a long-term investment to support and enrich the lives of those in and around Highland Park and Highwood, we directly align our philanthropic mission with the Highland Park Community Foundation;” said Brian Miller, grandson of Sheldon Millman.

Corporate Champions are crucial to helping further the philanthropic efforts of the HPCF and improve the lives of those in the community. Their donations provide critical funding for programs and services Highland Park and Highwood residents need to thrive. When businesses champion the HPCF, they help community members overcome adverse circumstances, provide opportunities for underserved members of Highland Park/Highwood, and change lives

With the generosity of Shellé Jewelers, the HPCF can continue to fulfill the educational and human service-based needs of children and adults, provide funding for senior services and services for individuals with disabilities, and support the needs of organizations that provide artistic opportunities for community members.

Shellé Jewelers is in good company with nine other HPCF Corporate Champions, all of which are committed to improving the lives of residents. The HPCF would not be able to enact the same level of change in Highland Park/Highwood without them. As we welcome Shellé Jewelers to our program, we express heartfelt gratitude to all our Corporate Champions: Mesirow, Sunset Foods, First Bank of Highland Park, Kovitz, Autohaus on Edens, Banner Kitchen and Bath, Highland Park Bank and Trust, Mariani Landscape Architects, Porsche Exchange, and Shellé Jewelers.

As the new year begins, we invite businesses large and small to join us in our quest to address the unmet needs in our community and expand opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. For more information about how to become a Corporate Champion, contact HPCF Executive Director Terri Olian at terri@hpcfil.org.

On June 4, 2023, runners will race to honor the victims of the Highland Park shooting and benefit impacted community members. The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is proud to be the charitable partner of the Highland Park Strong Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Run (or walk), formerly known as the North Shore Classic. One of the best in Chicago, the half marathon begins in downtown Highland Park and makes its way north past historic sites in Fort Sheridan before heading back to downtown HP. The 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk make a quick loop around the neighborhood. There is a virtual option for those who want to participate at a distance, and there will be a post-race celebration for participants as well as the entire community.

The 2022 North Shore Classic Starting Line

Ventures Endurance is known for producing unique races and athletic events that bring communities together in an active way. After nearly five decades of producing the North Shore Classic, Stuart Wall, Senior Director, Event Development & Operations at Ventures Endurance, says this year is “an inflection point” for the event in light of the Highland Park shooting. Reflecting on what makes this year’s race different from those in the past, he said, “we are enhancing the community atmosphere and participant experience by engaging more local partners, extending the post-race celebration, and creating meaningful connections with neighbors. We look forward to welcoming new runners and non-runners to the event and 1 Mile walk. We will also remember those impacted by the shooting.” Participants can raise money for the HPCF’s July 4th Recovery Fund, which will be distributed to local organizations dedicated to providing mental health, legal, and other services for impacted community members.

New Highland Park Strong Race Logo

From its Hot Chocolate 15K/5K races to obstacle courses and cycling races, through their charity program, each of Ventures Endurance’s events support nonprofits, allowing participants to fundraise and donate as well as raise awareness for the chosen cause. The inspiration to choose the HPCF as this year’s charitable partner came from Ali Burnham, a Highland Park resident and avid runner. Just weeks after the shooting, Ali rallied her fellow runners and approached Ventures Endurance about modifying the race to honor the victims and help the community. “We were impressed by the immediate action to establish and distribute the July 4th Response Fund to assist victims and families following the shooting. More than that, though, the Community Foundation has long been a presence in Highland Park, reinvesting in the community in which we host our events. From our initial conversations, we felt we could be great partners, and together we could raise more funds that would create a greater impact.” HPCF Board Member Craig Leva added, “the HPCF is very much honored to be the chosen beneficiary for this race. For over 30 years the HPCF has been meeting critical needs within the Highland Park and Highwood community. The funds raised from this race will support a variety of local organizations that continue to help the community’s grieving and healing process.”

This year’s Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Run will be particularly meaningful for the Highland Park and Highwood community. This importance is reflected in the new logo for the race, which was redesigned to honor the 7 victims through the leaves of the tree and in the name change for the event to the Highland Park Strong Race. “Having this race renamed as the Highland Park Strong race is a testament to our community’s resiliency. There were so many members in our community who took immediate action with candlelight vigils, memorials with pictures, flowers, and words of hope. HP Strong signs popped up just about everywhere,” remembers Craig. “The Highland Park Community Foundation, with help from an incredible number of individuals and businesses, quickly raised and distributed $5.8 million to help the victims’ families and those physically injured. Somehow Highland Park Strong went from a hope to a reality.”

2022 North Shore Classic

The Highland Park Strong Half Marathon, 5K, and 1 Mile Race will take place on Sunday, June 4, 2023. The Half Marathon begins at 7:30 AM at St. Johns and Central Ave. The 5K and 1 Mile Race start at 7:00 AM. All end at the site of the post-race party, St. Johns and Elm Place, where there will be food, refreshments, and more. For race details and to register, please visit the hpstrongrun.com. Registration for the virtual event ends May 27th. Registration for the in-person race will remain open until noon the day prior to race day.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) provides critical funding for nonprofits that provide programs and services to address needs of our community and improve the quality of life for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. Our committed Board and dedicated staff propel the work that is done year-round to raise awareness about the Foundation and funds we need to support our grants. As our presence in Highland Park and Highwood continues to grow, so too does our team. With great excitement, we recently welcomed Caroline Mead as our newest Board member and Eric Zoberman to our staff.

Back row, L to R: Caroline Mead, Piper Mead; Front row, L to R: Crosby Mead, Clayton Mead

Caroline Mead was raised in the suburbs of Kansas City and moved to Highwood with her wife Piper in the summer of 2013, where they continue to make their home with their two sons. “There are so many things that individuals in Highwood and Highland Park do to celebrate each other, to look out for one another,” Caroline stated. “This community has inspired me to become involved with the HPCF.” Seeing how the Community Foundation has made a difference over the past three decades, she wanted to be a part of a “local organization that makes our community special, and that makes it what it is.” As she also said, “The Foundation has been around long enough to establish itself as an entity that can make an impact, and I am beyond thrilled to be a part of it.” “We are delighted to welcome Caroline as the newest member of our Board,” said HPCF Board Chair, Betsy Brint. “With her experience and commitment to community organization and planning, as well as her background in renewable energy, we look forward to having her insight and talent on our devoted Board.”

With 14 years in the renewable energy industry, Caroline hopes to bring a “green lens” to the HPCF. Her background in this field positions her to bring this perspective to existing projects and events, as well as to the future of the Foundation. “From the arts, education, and other various focuses, the Foundation contributes to so many different areas of need, and I think that one of the most important issues for current and upcoming generations is climate change, environmental awareness, and sustainability.” Additionally, as a member of the Highwood Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as Celebrate Highwood, Mead has helped shape the future of the town for decades to come. Her continued commitment to ensuring a better future for the next generations makes the HPCF proud to welcome Caroline Mead to the Board.

L to R: Eric Zoberman, Ilana Zoberman, Jennifer Zoberman, Eli Zoberman

Eric Zoberman has been named Senior Director of the HPCF. Eric brings with him an extensive background in nonprofit fundraising and volunteer management. He will work closely with HPCF Executive Director Terri Olian to communicate the HPCF’s vision and story, fundraise, and partner with donors. “We are thrilled to welcome Eric to our small but mighty staff. We appreciate his considerable experience working with community organizations, and the collaborative and energetic approach he brings to his work. With his clear passion for community engagement and philanthropy at a local level, Eric will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation,” stated Terri.

Eric grew up in Northbrook and moved to Highland Park in January 2020, shortly before the pandemic began. “We had a crash course in what it means to live in a community of people who support each other in uncertain times.” This community spirit, along with a lifelong passion for philanthropy and giving back, motivated him to join HPCF’s Associate Leadership Council and work with local rising leaders to provide philanthropic channels that are accessible to all residents. “I have always been guided by the belief that neighbors are uniquely positioned to help neighbors. I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to help move the organization – and the community it serves – forward.”

Eric has a long history of inspiring young people to get involved in their community and of connecting philanthropic organizations with the communities they serve through his work as the Managing Director at Precision Giving and as Director of Volunteer Services for United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. He also managed the Foundation’s yard sign distribution efforts in the immediate aftermath of the July 4th tragedy. By quickly building and mobilizing a coalition of stakeholders, Eric helped provide a pathway for all community members to show their support. He plans to draw on these experiences to achieve similar goals within the Highland Park and Highwood community.

With their backgrounds, community mindedness, and giving spirits, we know Caroline and Eric will help us achieve our vision of an inclusive, well-rounded, and vibrant community where residents’ lives are enriched through our philanthropic efforts. We are honored to have them on our team.

Since 2018, the Associated Leadership Council (ALC), has served Highland Park Community Foundation as a collection of highly motivated young community members who are dedicated to furthering HPCF’s mission of addressing unmet community needs. With the goals of raising awareness about the HPCF’s mission, fundraising, actively engaging residents in community service events, and bridging the gap between the Foundation, community, and grantees, the ALC has assumed a critically important role. With tremendous gratitude, HPCF’s Board recognizes the current members of the ALC: Ali Barnett, Joey Bleiman, Erik Gimbel, Ashley Kelly, Taryn Kessel, Lisie Kuchar, Simon Leibovich, Emily Nasatir, Heather Sher, Jeff Weil, and Eric Zoberman.

Taryn Kessel, HPCF Board member, ALC founder and current Co-Chair, believes the ALC is a vital part of ensuring the next generation becomes invested in HPCF’s work. “I grew up in Highland Park and came back here to raise my family,” she stated. “As the youngest member of HPCF’s Board, I was interested in finding a way to get the demographic of younger adults and families involved in the Foundation. I thought maybe there could be a subgroup focused on bringing awareness to the HPCF and giving back to our community in a way that involved them,” Taryn added.

The ALC was formed in 2018 and hosted its first community service project, which was followed by a very successful fundraising event. Then came COVID. Unable to host events and with the strain of the pandemic on their own families, the ALC members’ work nearly came to a halt. Fortunately, the strain has eased and with the ability to host events once again, they are looking forward to a bright 2024.

“Our first year we coordinated a wonderful community service project at the Nuestro Center, where we assisted in moving their library. It was an excellent event where families got together to give back to the community. One of our goals is to sponsor more community service events that families can participate in, which will benefit HPCF’s grantees. We have since put together packages for mothers at Zacharias Center, and we’ve donated food to Blessings in a Backpack, but we are looking for more opportunities to pitch in and give where we live,” Taryn explained.

Nuestro Center Event

Craig Leva, HPCF Board member and liaison to the ALC, reflected on the ALC’s importance to the Foundation. “The ALC is about next generation leadership, so it consists of young leaders that are driven to create awareness about the Foundation, raise funds, and lead in order to help others and our community,” Craig said. He, too, is looking forward to all that is to come. “I am excited about their plans to host community service projects, fundraising events like the terrific Bocce event they held pre-COVID, and social events to move the needle forward for the HPCF.”

Laurie Levin, HPCF Chair, added her thoughts. “Like their peers, the ALC’s families have been dealing with a lot of very tough issues over the past few years. I am happy they feel ready to re-establish themselves and move forward with their goals.” Turning to the relationship between the ALC and Board, she stated “As a Board, we want to engage the ALC in some of the activities we do with our grantees, so they get to know the organizations that help our community in so many ways. The ALC is a springboard for younger people who may eventually want to serve on our Board or become involved in other ways. It’s a good way to learn about the needs in our community and the organizations that address them, and to work alongside a group of people who are 100% dedicated to addressing community needs.”

Bocce Event

Ashley Kelly, the second of three ALC Co-Chairs, says she hopes to focus on microfundraising events. “Through cards, pickle ball, or other micro-fundraisers we can engage community members in fun and impactful ways. We are also looking to do a larger hospitality event—I feel like that’s a good connection point, whether it’s hosting interactive grantee events or just bringing people together in a social event.” Like Taryn, Ashley also commented about the need to engage younger families. “What the Foundation has been doing over the years is so wonderful and impactful. But there is this gap of younger families who have never heard of it, let alone know how much the Foundation helps our community. The ALC can change that. Our main goal has always been to raise awareness among our peers, so younger families see the really great work of the HPCF. We want to inspire them get involved and also to support the HPCF financially.”

ALC member Emily Nasatir joined the Council in 2018 after working for one of the Foundation’s grantees. She was inspired by the important work the HPCF does for both Highland Park and Highwood. “For me, what really resonated was HPCF’s vision of an inclusive and vibrant community where everyone feels welcome and comfortable regardless of socioeconomic status, race, creed, etc. All of the ALC members are professionals who care about the community; we’re the next generation that is deeply committed to our community and to everyone who lives here; and we want to make sure that there is equitable access within the community.” To Emily, that vision can be achieved by supporting the organizations that address community needs. “We want younger people in the community to learn about HPCF’s grantees and volunteer with their families, so the next generation gets to see the importance of giving back to the community. We are also focused on integrating the Council with the Board, so we understand their processes, and fundraise to support the wonderful work of HPCF’s grant recipients who address the educational, creative and cultural, and human service needs of children, teens, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who live in our community.”

With the busy year ahead, the ALC is looking for additional members. If you are interested, please contact the Foundation at info@hpcfil.org and put ALC in the email subject line.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is proud to welcome Daniel Management Group (DMG), a multifamily real estate investment and property management firm, to our growing team of Corporate Champions. As a Corporate Champion, DMG will play an essential role in helping us advance our mission of addressing unmet needs in the Highland Park-Highwood community and expanding opportunities for all residents. The support of local businesses, such as DMG, is crucial for funding many of the essential services nonprofits provide for residents. Their support also provides funding for programs that enrich residents’ lives and make our community more vibrant.

Based in Chicago, DMG operates, along with its affiliates DMG Leasing and DMG Capital, over 2,200 multifamily units in Illinois and Wisconsin. The firm believes in improving the lives of their residents as well as enhancing neighborhoods through outstanding customer service, easy integration of technology, luxurious accommodations, and energy-conscious practices. To DMG, management matters when it comes to housing, and they are known for their attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and dedication to providing quality, customized living experiences. They believe that proper management is truly what transforms a living space into a home, and the results of their efforts are reflected in their properties across the region

Roger Daniel, DMG Founder, and President

With their ties to the Chicagoland area, DMG looks forward to putting their philanthropic foot forward and investing in our community. “DMG is proud to become a HPCF Corporate Champion. Giving back to the communities where we live and serve is central to DMG values. We are thrilled to partner with the HPCF and look forward to being a part of the impact that the HPCF provides to area nonprofits,” said Roger Daniel, Founder & President of DMG.

For DMG, giving back to the communities in which they operate is a priority. Their DMG Cares Day, which gives employees the opportunity to volunteer together, is a pivotal part of DMG’s annual, full team gatherings – and something that is viewed as a unique opportunity for team building and impact. This fall, their Cares Day will be hosted in Highland Park and support a Highland Park Community Foundation grant recipient.

HPCF is honored and thankful to have the support of 12 Corporate Champions: Mesirow, Sunset Foods, First Bank of Highland Park, Kovitz, Autohaus on Edens, Banner Kitchen and Bath, Gregory Auto Group, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Mariani Landscape Architects, Porsche Exchange, Shellé Jewelers, and now Daniel Management Group. To add your business to our growing list, email Terri Olian, HPCF Executive Director, at terri@hpcfil.org.

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is honored to recognize Sarah Douglas as the 2024 recipient of the HPCF Golden Apple Award! HPCF and a local family foundation initiated the award in 2010 to recognize outstanding teachers in the Highland Park public school system. Nominees must have completed four full years of teaching, and nominations rotate among the elementary, middle, and high school levels of teaching. This year, teachers who work full-time at Highland Park High School were eligible for nomination.

“A Selection Committee, comprised of exemplary current and retired educators, administrators, and former HPCF Golden Apple Award recipients evaluate applications and complete a full day of observation for each of the finalists. The final recipient of the award is chosen based on instruction, content knowledge, student and staff interaction, and contribution to school and community,” said Sara Sher, Chair of the HPCF Golden Apple (HPCFGA) Committee. The committee received many impressive nominations, and after a rigorous and intensive review process, narrowed the nominations to two finalists: Sarah Douglas and Remington Clark. Sarah Douglas was ultimately selected as this year’s recipient.

Sarah Douglas teaches physical education, adaptive physical education, team sports, and traffic safety at Highland Park High School for grades 9-12. With a background in general education, she has gone above and beyond what is expected of her, stepping into the role of a special education teacher as an inclusion modification specialist. As a colleague noted, “Sarah has a gift for making sure that every student, regardless of physical limitations, participates in a meaningful way. She orders special adaptive equipment, makes adaptive equipment out of household items, and celebrates the big and little accomplishments of her students. She made a hockey stick, for example, using part of a typical hockey stick, a pool noodle, and other supplies for a student in a wheelchair.” Recently, Sarah applied and was awarded a grant for a special driving simulator so that all students in her traffic safety class could practice driving in a safe and controlled environment, especially those without access to “at home” supervised practice time.

Nuestro Center Event

“Sarah not only promotes inclusion, but she fosters it in a way that helps students accept inclusion as the norm. Her level of care for her students reaches beyond the classroom; she encourages and sets an example,” stated Sarah’s observation team. A parent also noted how Sarah’s forges “new pathways” for other general education teachers to increase inclusive measures.

Her dedication to inclusivity is not just noticed and appreciated by parents and teachers; the general education students she teaches value her steadfast belief in inclusivity and accept inclusion as the norm. Sarah Douglas has made a lasting impression in the Highland Park High School community, earning the respect of her colleagues, students, and parents through her commitment to ensuring all students feel included and are appropriately challenged in her classroom. As another parent noted, “when a teacher believes in you like Sarah does—she’s like Mary Poppins. She magically makes it happen. Some teachers have it, and Sarah has it.”

Sarah Douglas and Family Members at Surprise Celebration

HPCFGA finalist Remington Clark teaches orchestra and guitar at Highland Park High School. He is known for his engaged and energized classroom environment, which students are drawn to. “His classes have a collaborative feel—like he’s a student with the other kids, and they’re all in this together. He is kind of like the Pied Piper—kids are always following him around,” remarked a parent of one of Remington’s students. Through an enriching teaching style, he enhances both his students’ lives and their academic journeys. “The Mr. Clark effect is his ability to light up a room with his humor, focus, and love for music and the kids,” noted a student.

The HPCF Golden Apple Selection Committee met in early May to determine this year’s recipient and semi-finalist. Sarah Douglas learned that she had been selected as this year’s recipient at a surprise celebration on May 9th, where she was presented with a golden apple statuette and The Sara Sher Excellence in Teaching Prize – a $2,000 honorarium and $500 Apple Store gift card.

HPCF recognizes exemplary teachers to demonstrate the importance of a strong education system in helping young people reach their full potential and in shaping lifelong learners. For more information about past recipients, visit hpcfil.org/awards/golden-applewinners.