Gather for Good celebrates community and generosity
Highland Park Community Foundation will bring together residents, local businesses, restaurants and community supporters for its annual Gather for Good celebration from 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Highland Park, 153 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park. The event offers an opportunity to enjoy great food and drinks, connect with neighbors and support HPCF’s grants to nonprofits that meet the needs of the community.
“Binny’s has been part of the Highland Park community for many years, and we're proud to host Gather for Goodonce again!” Binny’s Beverage Depot Sales Specialist Keith Youngman said. “It's a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in support of an organization that does so much to strengthen our community.”
Bobbie Hinden, an HPCF board member and Gather for Good co-chair, said the event’s relaxed atmosphere is part of what makes it special. Guests can mingle, enjoy food from approximately 30 local restaurants and participate in the raffle and silent auction. “We’re very lucky to live in such a generous community,” Hinden said. “Gather for Good gives everyone a chance to come together and show their support.”
The event raises funds for HPCF’s annual grants to nonprofits addressing a wide range of community needs. Hinden, who also serves on HPCF’s Grants Committee, said she hopes attendees leave with a greater appreciation for the generosity around them.
“I hope people take away that this is a giving community and that we all like to participate in helping our neighbors,” Hinden said.
Patty Pell, an HPCF Advisory Council member, said the raffle and auction are other examples of the community’s generosity.
“They are exciting parts of Gather for Good,” Pell said. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses and community members, attendees have the chance to win amazing prizes while directly supporting the foundation's work.”
Cristina Mota, HPCF board member and Gather for Good co-chair, said the event reflects the spirit of collaboration that makes the community unique.
“I think that's what makes Highland Park special: everyone jumps in to help each other,” Mota said. “I love that about the foundation and the community as a whole; the connection and collaboration, and the way people come together to make our community better for everyone.”
“Community is built through partnerships and Gather for Good is a perfect example of that,” Youngman said. “We're grateful to be part of an event that brings people together to support the organizations and initiatives that help our neighbors thrive.”
Tickets are $75 per person, and donations are also accepted. For information, visit hpcfil.org/events/gather-for-good.
HPCF is accredited through Community Foundations National Standards, signifying that they meet the highest standards for philanthropic excellence, with strong practices in donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration.
They also display Candid’s 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency — its highest level of recognition — and have earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting their strong financial health, transparency and accountability.
In addition, HPCF has been recertified by the state of Illinois as a Qualified Community Foundation under the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program, which provides a 25% state tax credit for donations made by Illinois individuals and businesses.