Search fund set up for missing Highland Park student

Family and friends of a missing Highland Park doctoral student have set up a fund to help cover the cost of search efforts after he disappeared in Costa Rica.

People who want to help find David Gimelfarb can contribute to the Adler School of Professional Psychology Rescue Resource Fund, which will support the agencies involved in the search and rescue operation.

"Adler School is spreading the word about the fund so that people know how they can contribute to David's safe return, which is what we all want," said Jo Beth Cup, vice president for administration for the school in Chicago.

Gimelfarb was traveling alone and last seen at 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Rincon de Vieja National Park near Liberia, Costa Rica. Officials said his car was noticed in the parking lot after closing hours that day. There has been no evidence of him returning since.

Officials said Gimelfarb's parents have been in Costa Rica searching, along with the local Red Cross, since the day after his disappearance. The U.S. government, the U.S. Costa Rican Embassy and ResQglobal also have joined the search.

School officials said creation of the fund was prompted by numerous inquiries received by Gimelfarb's family asking how best to contribute to his safe return.

One hundred percent of gift contributions will benefit the rescue agencies in Coast Rica. Due to IRS regulations, gifts are not tax deductible.

Checks payable to the Adler School Rescue Research Fund may be mailed to the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Attn: Rescue Resource Fund. 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 2100, Chicago, IL, 60601. Gifts may also be made online at adler.edu/alumni/823makeadonation.asp. Officials ask that "Rescue Resource Fund" be listed in the additional information section of the form.

For up to date information, the family has established a Facebook page at "help find David Gimelfarb."