As we enter 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the milestones and achievements of the past year that have made a meaningful difference in Highland Park and Highwood. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our Board members, and the vital services provided by the organizations we support, Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) has been able to address many of the community’s unmet needs. Looking forward, we are excited for another year of kindness, community spirit, and impactful change.

The Foundation kicked off the year by recognizing Highland Park’s police, firefighters, and public works staff for their tireless efforts. Our MLK Day of Service Project brought together local children, Board members, and community volunteers to create and deliver care packages to these dedicated public servants. This annual project provides a fun opportunity for the Foundation and the entire community to express our gratitude for the essential work these individuals do to keep Highland Park and Highwood safe, beautiful, and welcoming for all residents.

MLK Day of Service Project

May was a month of exciting events, starting with Cocktails and Conversations, which brought together members of HPCF’s three boards, our grantees, Corporate and Foundation Champions, and several leaders from Highland Park and Highwood. In May, we also had the privilege of honoring Highland Park High School (HPHS) physical education teacher Sarah Douglas with this year’s HPCF Golden Apple Award, and HPHS graduating senior Katerina Shutman with the HPCF Personal Achievement Award.

Sara Sher, HPCF Golden Apple Committee Chair, with Sarah Douglas, 2024 Award Recipient

Throughout 2024, HPCF saw internal growth, with both the Governing Board and Associate Leadership Council (ALC) welcoming new members. “We were thrilled to welcome Cere Woods and ALC co-chair Ashley Kelly to the Governing Board mid-year, and Bonnie Mervis and Tami Gilbert in the late fall,” noted Laurie Levin, HPCF Board Chair. The ALC also expanded in 2024, bringing on Ken Sabino, Andrew Sigesmund, and Zachary Harris, with Eric Zoberman also rejoining the board. With these additions, the ALC updated its mission statement to better guide its social, community service, and fundraising goals. In the spring, the Foundation also welcomed Steve Schapiro as the new Director of Philanthropy, bringing years of philanthropic experience and fresh ideas to our organization.

In early summer, the Foundation distributed a second round of Recovery Fund grants, totaling $127,500, to organizations continuing to address the needs of community members impacted by the Highland Park shooting. Funding for these grants came from individual donors, corporate matches, participants in the June Highland Park Half Marathon, 5K, and 1-mile races, as well as the November Highland Park Turkey Trot, and the August Rock the Ride for Gun Violence Prevention.

For Board members, the summer was filled with grant work. After the July 15 application deadline, they spent weeks reviewing submissions, meeting with applicants, and making important funding decisions. Their dedicated efforts led to the awarding of $873,075 in Annual Grants to 65 organizations—a significant increase from the previous year’s total of $784,825. These grants, which support nonprofits addressing the needs of Highland Park and Highwood residents, were distributed in October at The Art Center Highland Park, a long-standing HPCF grantee.

The summer was also filled with great music at Food Truck Thursdays and the Wednesday Ravinia Farmers Market in Jens Jensen Park, both of which were supported by HPCF funding. Additionally, we participated in Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market and Highland Park’s National Night Out.

In September, the Foundation hosted its fifth annual Gather for Good fundraising event, raising nearly $260,000. The event was generously hosted by Binny’s Beverage Depot in Highland Park, where guests enjoyed a fun and lively evening, with food graciously provided by 25 local restaurants. Pablo Alvarez was honored with the 2024 Jack Blane Community Service Award for his unwavering dedication to improving the community, from his work as a Highland Park High School guidance counselor to his service as a Moraine Township Trustee. We could not think of a more deserving candidate.

2024 Gather for Good

In the fall, the Foundation also co-hosted “The Art of Communication,” the seventh seminar for nonprofits sponsored by HPCF in partnership with First Bank of Highland Park and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. During this seminar, a distinguished panel of experts shared valuable insights, tools, and strategies to help nonprofits communicate more effectively with their audiences and advance their missions.

2024 Nonprofit Seminar, The Art of Communication

Lastly, in 2024, we made a small but meaningful change that underscores our longstanding commitment to both Highland Park and Highwood. After more than thirty years of serving residents from both zip codes, we updated our logo to include the subline Strengthening Highland Park and Highwood since 1992. This addition “reinforces our commitment to addressing the unmet needs of both communities while also highlighting the Foundation’s role as a unifying force between them,” explained Laurie.

Updated Highland Park Community Foundation Logo

2024 was a banner year for HPCF, marked by significant milestones, deeper community engagement, and meaningful internal growth. We awarded more Annual Grants and provided more funding than ever before, participated in and hosted events that brought both residents and grantees closer together, and experienced positive changes within the Foundation that will help us continue to serve the community effectively. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum. We will continue to seek new ways to deepen our partnerships and ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of Highland Park and Highwood, further strengthening our impact.

Seniors deserve the opportunity to age in place, be safe in their homes, and enjoy life in our community. Being active and engaged also improves their social, emotional, and physical health. Yet, they often need help with daily routines, getting around town, participating in activities, and connecting with friends. Finding the help they need, determining how to pay for it, solving legal issues, and discovering community support are also challenges for many seniors. These issues dissipate, however, when appropriate programming is accessible and affordable. Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is committed to ensuring positive outcomes and improving the overall quality of life for all Highland Park and Highwood residents, including older adults.

There are a number of programs and services available for older adults in our community, such as those offered by Highland Park’s Senior Center. However, for seniors 85 years of age and older, who have compromised mobility or cognitive impairment, there is a resource gap. That’s where Southeast Lake County Faith in Action Volunteers, one of HPCF’s grant recipients, focuses its work. “The kind of services that are out there don’t always fulfill seniors’ needs. For example, those with compromised mobility need assistance when leaving the home — our volunteers go to their door, help them to the car, and provide escorted transportation for errands they need to run. Our volunteers are trained and supervised to carry out this sort of escorted transportation that is not offered by anyone else in the community,” said Robbie Boudreau, Executive Director

Faith in Action Volunteers is about more than escorted transportation, however. Their programs and services fill gaps in four areas of unmet needs: transportation, social support, behavioral health, and resource counseling. In terms of social support, for example, Faith in Action founded a group known as the Supportive Older Women’s Network (SOWN) where women come together in social settings for activities like dinners, women’s discussion groups, and pet therapy. “We identified that there were a number of older women who needed to start developing a family of friends to lean on, so we started SOWN to help facilitate that.” Additionally, Faith in Action offers a Movement and Balance class in the Frank Peers building to remove obstacles that impede older adults from incorporating age-appropriate fitness into their lives.

HPCF Grant Recipient Southeast Lake County Faith in Action Volunteers

500 community members. “The HPCF has helped with capacity building and has allowed us to create new programs. We became a dementia friendly business, and we now have some dementia friendly special services in addition to having volunteers who are dementia friends that can provide special resource counseling to family caregivers. Additionally, we have a family caregiver support group.”

Faith in Action Volunteers is a non-denominational and inter-faith, volunteer-based organization. “Volunteers come from a variety of different churches and synagogues as well as coming from the community in general. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help us grow and reach more seniors in the community,” Robbie added.

Seniors also need places to safely engage in physical activity and express themselves artistically and spiritually. HPCF grant recipient, Time to Dance, focuses on just that, providing adults 50 years old and above a safe space to take ballet, dance fitness, modern, and tap dance classes. Co-Founder Lynne Belsky notes that “Seniors in any community can have problems with isolation and interconnectedness, and it can be hard for our older population to get the exercise that their doctors recommend. So, on a basic level, that’s what we do: provide a community of people who can move together and improve their wellbeing in mental, social, and physical ways.” Lynne, a professional dancer, along with Lisa Gold, dance educator and owner of Highland Park’s North Shore School of Dance, realized this shared vision by creating the nonprofit, Time to Dance.

With the support of HPCF grant funding, Time to Dance is offering a “Free Day of Dance” for adults 50 and up on Sunday, April 14. Morning and afternoon sessions, each with an 80-person capacity, will include 20-minute trial segments of the four types of dance classes they offer. Registration is available on the Time to Dance website, time-to-dance.org. Over the past six years, Time to Dance has grown substantially, recruiting new students and teachers, and starting new classes to reach an even greater number of older adults. It has also, in a relatively short time, developed into an influential organization that positively impacts its students, as attested to by student Caryn Newburger, “Going to class is the highlight of my day. The positive feeling that comes from it carries with me for the rest of the day.”

HPCF Grant Recipient Time to Dance

In addition to offering dance classes, Time to Dance participates in outreach events at a number of senior living and memory care facilities. “Our students have an opportunity to perform at these events, and we also get people there to join in and dance with us. It gives our students a goal to work toward throughout the year and encourages even more seniors to sign up for classes,” said Lynne

Lynne said she hopes to expand their offerings by adding a basic beginning class. “Our beginning ballet class has been going on for six years now and is a huge hit. All of our classes are drop in and it can be difficult for a new person to walk in and just start learning, so we’re ready to add a basic beginning class.” Lynne also noted that, “Scholarships are available for community members if they contact us about it. We believe no one should be turned away based on their ability to pay.” Finally, Lynne recognizes how important safe movement practices can be for seniors. “I’m a physician and a physical therapist, and we have taken education on safe dance practices. People feel more comfortable because we adapt the classes and the moves to what they can do.”

HPCF’s Board is grateful for all Time to Dance and Faith in Action Volunteers do forHighland Park and Highwood seniors. To learn more about them and our other grant recipients, visit hpcfil.org.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HCPF) 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 an event the HPCF held for its grant recipients.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to address unmet needs in Highland Park and Highwood. Our grant process is a rigorous and intensive team effort involving every single board member,” says Eric Ephraim, Grants Committee Chair, speaking to the importance of the grants to strengthening the community. He continues, “we are grateful for the very generous financial support from individuals, families, foundations, and businesses – as well as the City of Highland Park – who entrust us to find the most effective organizations to serve our neighbors. This helps ensure opportunities for success and lives of dignity for as many in our community as possible. That’s how our community foundation can be a foundation for the community.”

The HPCF 2023 annual grant recipients include: the 112 Education Foundation, A Safe Place, Anixter Center, Art Impact Project, Arts of Life, Bella Ru Catering, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, Blessings in a Backpack Highland Park, Cancer Wellness Center, Center for Enriched Living, Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, College Bound Opportunities, Community – The Anti-Drug Coalition, Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Curt’s Café, Direct Giving Lab, East on Central Association, Family Focus HP, Family Service of Glencoe, Focus on the Arts, Glenkirk, GPF Foundation, Gratitude Generation, Heart of the City, Highland Park Community Early Learning Center, Highland Park Historical Society, Highland Park Public Library, Highland Park Strings, Highwood Public Library & Community Center, HP After Prom, HPHS – Estudiante to Student Mentor Program, HPHS – Homework Club, HPHS – National Hispanic Institute, Infinity Foundation, JCFS Chicago Response for Teens, JCYS – Lutz Family Center, Josselyn, Keeping Families Covered, Keshet, Kids Rank, Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, Mothers Trust Foundation, Music Institute of Chicago, North Shore School District 112 – Service Learning, North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Operation Warm, Parks Foundation of Highland Park, Pilgrim Chamber Players, Roberti Community House, SaLT – Service and Learning Together, Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation, Southeast Lake County Faith in Action Volunteers, The Art Center Highland Park, Time to Dance, Tri-Con Child Care Center, United Way of Lake County, Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park, Willow House, Working Together, Youth Services, and Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.

Grant recipients readily shared the significance of the grants to their organizations as well as what they plan to accomplish with their funding. “Keeping Families Covered has been blessed to receive a grant from the Highland Park Community Foundation for the past few years. The funding supports our important work to provide individuals and families with the basics they need to thrive. Like many local nonprofit and social service organizations, we continue to see an increase in requests for help with essentials like diapers, formula, and period products. Demand for our programs has doubled since 2020, and the cost to keep our shelves stocked is higher. We are grateful for the Foundation’s belief in our mission and continued investment in programs that provide much needed assistance to the most vulnerable residents in the community,” said Ann Marie Mathis, Founder & CEO of Keeping Families Covered.

Reflecting upon the impact of The Art Center Highland Park’s grant, James Lynch, Executive Director, said, “The HPCF is the hub of the wheel for our and other not-for-profit organizations in Highland Park and Highwood. Their support empowers us to add more community-building programs to our schedule and to keep striving for new ways to be current, active, and relevant. We consider them one of our most urgent partners.” Nancy Bulzoni, Executive Director of Cancer Wellness Center, stated, “We are proud partners of the Highland Park Community Foundation addressing the unmet needs of all Highland Park and Highwood residents as we expand cancer support services to reach more people. The Cancer Wellness Center helps people affected by cancer find a way forward. Support from the Foundation helps provide counseling and support group services to those facing cancer – patients, survivors, and their loved ones. As a nonprofit that relies on donations, we are grateful for every dollar we receive, and support from the community we serve is even more special.”

The annual grants the HPCF provides not only fortify individuals, they strengthen our community as a whole. The HPCF thanks its generous donors as well as the City of Highland Park for supporting its mission and furthering its vision of an inclusive, well-rounded, and vibrant community where residents’ lives are enriched through its philanthropic efforts.

HPCF Grant Recipient Bitter Jester Music Festival, 2023 Preliminary Concert Photo by Alex Glassman

HPCF Grant Recipient 112 Education Foundation, Robotics Tournament

HPCF Grant Recipient Highwood Library, Book Buffet

HPCF Grant Recipient Josselyn, Counseling Session

HPCF Grant Recipient Roberti Community House, Food Distribution

HPCF Grant Recipient Southeast Lake County Faith in Action, Senior Care

HPCF Grant Recipient Tri Con Child Care Center, Learning through Play

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is thrilled to welcome Tami Gilbert and Bonnie Mervis to our Board of Directors, along with Zach Harris, Ken Sabino, and Andrew Sigesmund to our Associate Leadership Council (ALC). Thanks to the dedication of community members like Tami, Bonnie, Zach, Ken, and Andrew, our mission to address unmet needs in Highland Park and Highwood continues to flourish. Their passion and commitment inspire us as we begin a year of impactful work, starting with Treats for the Streets, HPCF’s ALC-led project for the City of Highland Park’s annual MLK Day of Service event.

Bonnie Mervis

Bonnie Mervis is a lifelong Highland Park resident who grew up in the community and returned to stay in 1976. She worked as a social worker at Indian Trail Elementary School for 23 years––a role she cherished and one that gave her a deep understanding of the needs within our community. Now retired, Bonnie previously ran a private practice in Highland Park and has an extensive background in training school social workers. Her involvement with the HPCF began after volunteering at the Foundation’s 2024 Gather for Good fall fundraiser. “I was really moved by the experience,” she recalls. “I saw people from the schools I worked at and people that I grew up with; I just felt like this is where I belong, and this is what I want to do.” Reflecting on her decision to join the Board of Directors, Bonnie shared, “I am really proud of Highland Park and Highwood, I think this is an amazing community, and I believe the Board of the Foundation is a big part of that.”

Tami Gilbert

Tami Gilbert brings over three decades of experience in the healthcare sector as a Registered Nurse with an MBA in Nursing Administration. Her expertise provides a valuable perspective on fostering a healthier community and encouraging healthy habits–– something she is deeply passionate about. A Highland Park resident since 2009, Tami has raised her children in the community and is eager to channel her dedication to community development into her new role as an HPCF Board Member. Sharing what excites her most as a new Board member, Tami said “I am looking forward to the type of collaborative work that comes with this position. There are so many amazing organizations in the community working to improve the quality of life of the residents of Highland Park and Highwood, and I am excited to serve as a liaison between them and the Foundation.”

Zach Harris

The Foundation is also honored to welcome Zach Harris, Ken Sabino, and Andrew Sigesmund to the ALC, a group of dedicated future community leaders committed to advancing HPCF’s vision. Zach, a Highland Park native, returned to the community in 2020 after completing medical school and residency on the East Coast. Since then, he has established a psychiatry practice in Highland Park and dedicates his free time to giving back to the community where he was raised. Reflecting on his decision to join the ALC, Zach shared, “Coming back to Highland Park, I wanted to be more a part of the community, to connect with folks, to embrace some of the things that make this a really special place that maybe you don’t realize when you’re a teenager growing up here.” He added, “The ALC is a great chance to get to know some of the other members of the Foundation who are younger and trying to figure out what their relationship with philanthropy in the community looks like.”

Ken Sabino

In addition to Zach, we are thrilled to welcome Ken Sabino to the ALC. Ken, who has lived in the Highland Park and Highwood community since 2021 with his wife and four-year- old son, works as a Residential Real Estate Agent with Baird & Warner, helping individuals and families find homes in the Chicagoland area. His recent decision to join the ALC was driven by his desire to give where he lives, investing time and effort back into the community where he is raising his son. “I love Highland Park, and I have been meaning to get involved philanthropically for a while now because we are so grateful for everything this community offers. I finally got to a point in my life where I was able to dedicate time to giving back, and I wanted to take advantage of that,” Ken said. He added, reflecting on the importance of his role in the Foundation, “I have really enjoyed getting to know the grant recipient organizations that provide vital services to the community. It has been very rewarding to be a part of that process.”

Andrew Sigesmund

Joining Zach and Ken is Andrew Sigesmund, a longtime Highland Park resident and successful entrepreneur. After returning to the community in 2011 to raise his family and grow his business, AMS Staffing, Inc., Andrew sought a way to give back. “I wanted to join the ALC as a way to show my children the importance of community,” he said. “Being part of the Foundation allows me to give back to the amazing community that has given so much to my family. Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed incredible strength in the Highland Park and Highwood community, especially in difficult times, and I wanted to be directly involved in supporting the efforts that HPCF fosters.”

Zach, Ken, and Andrew will join other ALC members in spearheading this year’s MLK Day of Service project, which reflects the Foundation’s commitment to community support and gratitude. Led this year by the ALC, HPCF’s project brings together local children, members of its Boards, and community volunteers to assemble and deliver care packages to Highland Park and Highwood’s hardworking Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments.

Eric Zoberman

ALC Co-Chair Eric Zoberman explained, “Treats for the Streets is our way of recognizing and thanking first responders for all they do to support our community. During the event, children and adults create heartfelt notes for the recipients, expressing gratitude for keeping us safe. We include the notes in care packages filled with treats, designed to offer a quick pick-me-up during an emergency or on a cold, winter night. At the end of the event, we deliver the packages to the Departments as an additional way to express our gratitude.”

This annual project provides a fun and meaningful opportunity for the Foundation and the community to show their appreciation for the essential work these individuals do to keep Highland Park and Highwood safe, beautiful, and welcoming for all residents.

The City’s MLK Day of Service program will take place on Monday, February 17th at the Highland Park Recreation Center. The event will begin at 10 AM and end at 12:30 PM. For more information about the event, visit the City of Highland Park’s MLK Day page. To learn about the new members of HPCF’s Board of Directors and ALC, visit hpcfil.org.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, throughout the summer, the sounds of lively music and community members gathering emanate from Jens Jensen Park at the corner of St. Johns and Roger Williams in Highland Park. This now eight-year-old happening began as small Sunday morning jam sessions started by Highland Park resident Noah Plotkin at a coffee shop on that same corner. Needing more space to accommodate ever-growing audiences, the concert was moved to Jens Jensen Park where it eventually became a full lineup of musical performances at Food Truck Thursdays — an event enjoyed by Highland Park and Highwood residents of all ages.

The Meadow Ridge Ramblers performing at the Ravinia Farmers Market, 2022. Photo by Noah Plotkin.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) provides funding for the concerts through its Jens Jensen Legacy Fund, which was established in 1994 to honor Jens Jensen and his vision for the Park. “Jens Jensen was a landscape architect. He wanted his park to be enjoyed not only for its beauty, but also used to celebrate arts and culture, for social gatherings, music, and poetry readings. It thus seemed logical to our Board to provide funding for music in the Park as a way to honor his legacy and fulfill his vision,” said Laurie Levin, HPCF Vice-Chair. Three years ago, inspired by the success of Food Truck Thursdays, Noah and the HPCF collaborated to bring music to the Wednesday Ravinia Farmers Market as well.

Families gathering to enjoy Food Truck Thursday in Jens Jensen Park. Photo by Mark Hersch

Noah, born and raised in Highland Park, has always been passionate about music. He is a percussionist as well as a music director and has coordinated the music in the Park for the past eight years. “I love working with the HPCF. They’ve always seen my passion as something that is key for bringing neighborhoods and communities together to enjoy live music. Jens Jensen Park is an amazing space to host performances during Food Truck Thursdays and the Ravinia Farmer’s Market. With funding from the HPCF, the City of Highland Park, and the Ravinia District Special Service Area 17 property owners, we’re doing wonderful things for the community every Wednesday and Thursday,” he said.

Live music in Jens Jensen Park has made Highland Park more vibrant and engaging. “It’s a way of celebrating who we are and enjoying the cultural fruits of the talents that are in our midst,” said Laurie when reflecting on the importance of these events. For more information, visit enjoyhighlandpark.com/food-truck-thursdays and raviniafarmersmarket.com. For more information on Noah Plotkin, visit www.liferhythmsinc.com.

Nominations for the Highland Park Community Foundation’s (HPCF) 2024 Golden Apple Award are now open! The HPCF Golden Apple Award honors and recognizes teachers who display excellence in their profession as well as those who leave a lasting, positive impact on their students in the Highland Park and Highwood community. The annual HPCF Golden Apple Award will be awarded in spring 2024 to a Highland Park High School teacher who exemplifies these qualities.

“Each year, we honor an exemplary educator with the prestigious HPCF Golden Apple Award,” said Sara Sher, Chair of the HPCF Golden Apple Committee. “The recipient is chosen based on content knowledge, instruction, staff and student interaction, and contribution to school and community. It is our mission to collect nominations from the community to award a teacher who has dedicated their time and effort to making a difference in their student’s lives through their academic guidance and encouragement.”

HPCF 2024 Golden Apple Award nominations will be accepted for full-time teachers currently working at Highland Park High School. Community members – students, parents, colleagues, and administrators – may submit nominations. Nominations by family members and self-nominations will not, however, be accepted. To nominate an educator, please visit https://bit.ly/3PiLEJG.

L to R: 2023 HPCFGA Award Recipient Mirela Vesa with finalists Rachel Joseph, Meredith Rossman, and HPCFGA Committee Chair Sara Sher

“The Golden Apple Award is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and thank our high school teachers for the outstanding work they do,” said Jean Meadows, HPCF Board liaison to the HPCFGA Committee. “They create exciting, thoughtful, and engaging learning experiences for our diverse student population. And they build meaningful personal relationships with children and parents. Our teachers are such a valuable resource in our caring community.”

The HPCF Golden Apple Award honoree will receive a $2,000 honorarium, a $500 Apple Store gift card, and a Golden Apple statue. There will also be a celebration in recognition of the recipient at the high school, and they will be honored by the HPCF after the award presentation.

In order to be eligible for the award, the nominee must have completed four full years of teaching. Educators must also be committed to continue teaching in the Highland Park and Highwood community for at least two years and be part of the Golden Apple Selection Committee after receiving the HPCF Golden Apple Award. Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, November 17, 2023, at 5:00 P.M.

Show your appreciation for the outstanding HPHS teachers who have positively impacted their students by submitting one or more nominations today! For more information or questions regarding the HPCF Golden Apple Award, please contact Sara Sher at sarasher606@gmail.com.

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is thrilled to welcome not just one, but two new Corporate Champions––Ballyhoo Hospitality and Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric! These respected businesses are joining a growing network of community members, businesses, and donors beyond the Highland Park–Highwood area, all dedicated to helping us further our mission of addressing the unmet needs of our community and expanding opportunities for all residents. With Ballyhoo Hospitality’s presence in the area through one of its restaurants and Ravinia Plumbing’s longstanding local roots, both are integral to helping the Foundation continue to fund essential services provided by local nonprofits for children and adults throughout our community.

Ballyhoo Hospitality, a Chicago-based hospitality group, has been providing feel-good dining experiences across Chicago and the North Shore since 2009. Founded by husband-andwife team Ryan and Anna O’Donnell, Ballyhoo has built a reputation for creating a comfortable atmosphere that complements its high-quality meals and exceptional service. With eleven locations, patrons have come to love their offerings from restaurants such as Coda Di Volpe, DeNucci’s, Gemini, Old Pueblo Cantina, Pomeroy, Buck Russell’s, Pizza by Sal, and Sophia’s Steak.

Jonathan Ferrer and Ryan O’Donnell of Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo Hospitality is a community-focused company that enjoys giving back to the neighborhoods they serve. Eager to expand their philanthropic efforts, Ballyhoo Hospitality chose to become an HPCF Corporate Champions––a decision that aligns closely with the Foundation’s mission to support local needs. Ballyhoo is particularly excited about how the Foundation’s grants support a wide range of community needs, allowing their contributions to have an even greater impact and reach more lives than ever before.

Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric has been a trusted provider in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs and the North Shore community since 1928. As a family-owned and operated business, Ravinia Plumbing has grown significantly over the past 97 years, merging with several well-established local companies. They offer a broad range of services, including plumbing, sewer and drain solutions, heating and cooling, and electric work, drawing on decades of expertise in each field. Committed to excellent customer service, Ravinia Plumbing goes above and beyond by offering emergency services and after-hours appointments when needed, ensuring the safety of their customers and their homes.

David Ariano of Ravinia Plumbing

Ravinia Plumbing’s commitment to the community extends beyond their business services. As a company dedicated to giving back to the areas they serve, they support organizations such as the Northern Illinois Foodbank, Mid-West Veterans, and Lake County Haven. Reflecting on why they chose to become an HPCF Corporate Champion, David Ariano, representing the third generation of the family business, said, “We chose to become a Corporate Champion this year because we felt that our goals aligned well with the goals of the Foundation. HPCF streamlines the process, ensuring that our contributions support the local organizations that can have the most impact on the community.”

HPCF is deeply honored and grateful to have the support of our two new Corporate Champions, Ballyhoo Hospitality and Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric. Their generosity and commitment play a crucial role in helping us fulfill our mission and strengthen our community. Stay tuned for next month’s issue of Highland Park Neighbors, where we will introduce two more Corporate Champions who are making a difference. If your business is interested in joining this highly valued and wonderful valued group of corporate citizens, please contact HPCF’s Director of Philanthropy, Steve Shapiro, at Steve@hpcfil.org.

Community members and many others will walk and ride together for gun violence prevention on August 20 at Rock The Ride North Shore. Rock The Ride was established in 2018 in the aftermath of a mass shooting in Yountville, California, when Congressman Mike Thompson and Ride Napa Valley Event Producer Rebecca Kotch wanted to find a way to use their voices to say “enough” to gun violence. The annual ride is also a way to raise funds for organizations that are supporting those impacted by gun violence or dedicated to gun violence prevention. Rock The Ride North Shore will include a 25-mile ride, a 12-mile ride, and a 3-mile walk.

After six years in Napa, California, Rock The Ride is coming to the North Shore and will honor the victims and survivors of the Highland Park shooting. Congressman Brad Schneider, Rebecca Kotch, and Highland Park resident Pam Faulkner are spearheading the effort to produce the event, which will benefit the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) and two national organizations, the Giffords Law Center and Moms Demand Action/Every Town for Gun Safety. “We saw how very thoroughly and generously the HPCF stepped forward in the immediate aftermath of the event. We wanted to honor that and support their ongoing efforts to support survivors and victims’ families through their grants to a number of nonprofits that are helping them,” stated Pam when reflecting on why she chose the HPCF as the local nonprofit beneficiary.

Rock The Ride Napa, June 24 2023

Through the HPCF’s Highland Park Shooting Recovery Fund, the Foundation continues to address the ongoing needs of victims for mental health and other services stemming from the event. “We are honored to have been chosen as one of the three nonprofit beneficiaries of Rock The Ride North Shore,” said Betsy Brint, HPCF Chairman. “While the other two recipients address the critical issues of gun violence nationally, we are a grassroots community foundation helping local organizations address mental health and other issues impacting community members as a result of the mass shooting in Highland Park last year. We are grateful for the combined efforts of the Pam and the entire Rock The Ride Team, the important work of Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety and the Giffords Law Center, and the hundreds of participants.”

Pam adds that, as the community passes the anniversary of the shooting, it is more important than ever to continue to have events such as Rock The Ride. “I think it’s important to continue to raise awareness, and to understand that gun violence prevention is a multi-faceted issue. We have to be aware of the ongoing impact it can have. It’s crucial that we bring people together in non-divisive ways and allow people to get involved at places where they are comfortable. Rock The Ride is a family-friendly event where we can bring people together to address the prevention of gun violence,” she stated.

Scan QR Code for Rock The Ride North Shore Registration

Rock The Ride North Shore will take place on August 20, 2023. The event begins and ends in Hubbard Woods Park. Online registration closes at 3:00 PM on August 18 with check-in and day-of registration available at Hubbard Woods Park on August 20, starting at 7:00 AM. Entrance is free for children and youth aged 17 and under. The 25-mile ride begins at 8:15 AM, followed by the 15-mile ride at 8:45 AM and the 3-mile walk at 9:15 AM. The event includes a Burritos and Bubbles Brunch in the Park for all registrants, and a brunch-only and virtual option are available. For more information, visit Rock the Ride North Shore at http://bit.ly/3JKK3dW.

Join the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) for its 4th annual Gather for Good celebration on Friday, September 29. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM at Binny’s Beverage Depot, 153 Skokie Valley Highway, Highland Park. Proceeds from this fun and informal event will be used to further the HPCF’s mission of addressing unmet needs in the Highland ParkHighwood community. “This event is a way for the community to celebrate the nonprofits that come together and create the quilt of community that makes Highland Park and Highwood so special,” said Jon Levey, Gather for Good co-chair.

The event raises funds and awareness about the crucial work of the Foundation and, through the Jack Blane Community Service Award, honors exceptional service to the community. “Part of the purpose of the event is to recognize our leaders and people who have made an impact in the community,” stated Peter Flanzer, event co-chair, about the importance of the Award. This year, the HPCF will honor Latham & Watkins LLP and recognize a team of lawyers from the firm.

Highland Park and Highwood residents mingling at the 2022 Gather for Good celebration

The law firm of Latham & Watkins was instrumental in helping the HPCF distribute $5.8 million to victims and survivors of the Highland Park shooting and organizations supporting their needs. Specifically, Highland Park resident Mark Gerstein and four of his colleagues – Dan Breslin, Diana Doyle, Karen Frankenthal, and Daniel Robinson – provided invaluable assistance to the HPCF’s Together Highland Park Unidos Committee. “Donors across the country and around the globe showed their generosity and compassion at a time when the residents of Highland Park and Highwood needed it most. Creating the legal structure to quickly and transparently distribute the funds helped to maximize their impact to victims and their families and made a tangible difference in our community,” said Betsy Brint, HPCF Board Chair. “No amount of compensation can replace a human life, but we thank Latham & Watkins for helping us take steps as a community to come back together and move forward. Their guidance throughout the process was truly a godsend.”

HPCF Chairman Betsy Brint (center) presenting the 2022 Jack Blane Community Service Award to Nancy Mills(left) with HPCF Board member Karen Reisin (right)

Gather for Good is a night for mingling and fun! The event will feature delicious food stations and drinks provided by 28 Mile Distilling, Backyard Grill, BellaRu Catering, Bent Fork Bakery, Binny’s Beverage Depot, Bluegrass, Carol’s Cookies, The Claim Company, Doña Paty’s Restaurant, Long Grove Confectionery Co., Maria’s Italian Bakery & Caffe, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Once Upon A Bagel, Tamales…A Mexican Joint, and Viaggio Highland Park. It will also include wine tastings and an incredible raffle. “Being members of the community for 40 years, we appreciate everything that the HPCF does for everyone in the community, and we look forward to hosting this fun event as a way to give back,” said Keith Youngmann, Binny’s Specialist, Suburbs.

Recognizing the difference their support makes for children and adults throughout the Highland Park-Highwood community, over 100 individuals and businesses have already signed on as event sponsors. The HPCF hopes to increase that number in the coming weeks to maximize the success of the event and the good that can be done through individual and corporate philanthropy.

Gather for Good is a night for Highland Park and Highwood residents to gather, learn about the Foundation’s work and impact on the community, appreciate members of the community who have dedicated their time to giving where they live, recognize exceptional service to our community, and help further the Foundation’s mission of addressing unmet needs and expanding opportunities for all. For more information about donations, tickets, and how to add your or your business’s name to our list of sponsors please visit https://www.hpcfil.org/events/gather-for-good/!

This March, Judy’s Pizza, located on Deerfield Road in Highland Park, is proudly supporting the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) as one of Judy’s first Community Partners of 2025.

As a local, family-owned business, Judy’s Pizza has been serving the North Shore since 1979. Over the years, the restaurant has remained committed to giving back, continuously supporting HPCF and other causes through fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Throughout the month, customers can help further HPCF’s mission whenever they order pizza from Judy’s. As a special highlight, on Pi Day (3.14), Judy’s Pizza will donate 20% of all sales to support the Foundation’s work.

“We are proud to partner with HPCF and play a role in strengthening our community,” said Will Abonce, owner of Judy’s Pizza. “Supporting local organizations that uplift our neighbors is a core part of our mission.”

HPCF works to enhance the quality of life for residents in Highland Park and Highwood by providing grants to nonprofits that address unmet community needs.

Judy’s Pizza invites the community to dine in, carry out, or order delivery throughout March to support HPCF’s efforts––because every slice makes a difference.