Megan Butz Legacy of Hope celebrates 2nd anniversary with June 19 event to support youth mental health
Megan Butz Legacy of Hope, a 501(c)(3) organization, has planned a second anniversary celebration from 6-9 p.m. on June 19 at Phase Three Brewing, 932 Donata Court, Lake Zurich.
The event, which will feature beer, wine, nonalcoholic beverages, and casual food, will include music by Stu the Piano Guy, along with other activities. Phase Three Brewing offers a diverse range of ales and lagers across various styles and will provide tours of its 21,000-square-foot brewery. Tickets are $40 for ages 35 and younger and $60 for adults over 35, and can be purchased online at twoyearsofhope.cbo.io.
“After two successful years, we remain committed to funding organizations in Illinois that address the immediate needs of youth in crisis or actively reduce the harmful stigma around suicide,” said Larry Butz, president and co-founder of the not-for-profit.
Recently, Meg’s Legacy awarded $170,000 to Chicago area not-for-profits addressing mental health and suicide prevention for youth and young adults in 2025. Not-for-profit organizations receiving 2025 grants from Meg’s Legacy grant team include:
• Elyssa’s Mission in Northbrook: $20,000
• Josselyn Center in Grayslake: $25,000
• Juvenile Protective Association in Chicago: $30,000
• Partners for Our Communities in Palatine: $25,000
• Willow House in Bannockburn: $15,000
• Youth and Family Counseling in Libertyville: $30,000
Meg’s Legacy also provided $23,600 to Megan Butz’s alma mater, Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, to fund the expansion of its mental health curriculum. Through Meg’s Legacy, a guest speaker will deliver evidence-based programming on mental wellness to the entire school body in the fall of 2025.
Over its first two years of operation, Meg’s Legacy has awarded nearly $300,000 to mental health organizations serving youth in the Chicago area, making a significant impact in improving mental health resources An all-volunteer organization formed in June 2023, the mission at Meg’s Legacy is to strengthen the lives of at-risk teens and young adults without resources, so they may navigate the path to adulthood through mental health programming and support.
Larry and Mary Jo Butz founded Meg’s Legacy in remembrance of their oldest daughter, Meg, who died suddenly at age 26 in 2020.