Arlington Heights mayor donates prints for Finnerty family fundraiser

Prints of an artist's sketch of Arlington Heights landmarks will benefit an education fund for the children who survived a family tragedy in June.

The sketch was commissioned for Village President Arlene Mulder's re-election campaign last spring, and at the suggestion of her and her husband, Al Mulder, the campaign committee is donating the leftover copies.

"It reminds everyone we need to be a community and need to help each other, not just at the time," the mayor said.

All donations will be placed in the Illinois Bright Start 529 fund in the names of Bridgit and Pierce Finnerty. This plan managed by Oppenheimer Funds provides money for higher education, college tuition and educational expenses.

The children lost their parents and brother in a June fire at their Arlington Heights home. Police say the father was responsible for the blaze.

Donors of any amount from $10 to $99 will receive the print, and framed prints are available for anyone giving $100 or more.

All expenses are covered by donations, said Lauree Harp, who is organizing the project. She said donors - including the artist - do not want their names used in publicity because they want it to be clear they are not promoting themselves with this project.

The prints will be available Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the following Arlington Heights locations:

• Village Bank and Trust, 150 E. Rand Road, 234 W. Northwest Hwy and 311 S. Arlington Heights Road.

• The People's Bank, 10 S. Vail Ave. and 1104 S. Arlington Heights Road.

• Chase Bank, 1 N. Dunton Ave.

• Grand Frame, 209 S. Arlington Heights Road.

• Tuscan Market, 141 W. Wing St.

• Hair With Us, 151 N. Evergreen Ave.

• Palm Court, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road.

Questions can be addressed to laureeharp@sbcglobal.net.