Welcoming Gregory Auto Group as the Highland Park Community Foundation's Newest Corporate Champion and Jonathan Plotkin to the Board
The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) is honored to welcome not only Gregory Auto Group as our 11th Corporate Champion, but also to have Jonathan Plotkin join our Board of Directors. The HPCF relies on local businesses as well as committed community members to further our mission of addressing unmet needs in our community and expanding opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents. With Gregory Auto Group's help, we will be able to fund essential services nonprofits provide for children and adults. Jonathan brings with him a creative perspective that will be used to further our mission in other respects.
Gregory Auto Group has served the Highland Park and Highwood community as a family owned and operated car dealership for the past 35 years. In addition to their extraordinary customer service, they are known for helping customers find the perfect car that suits their specific needs, and for ensuring the best deal possible. With several dealerships throughout the Chicagoland area, including Gregory Hyundai and Gregory Genesis of Highland Park, Gregory Mitsubishi in Lake Villa, Gregory Infiniti of Libertyville, and a variety of used car lots, their expert staff are available to fulfill all automobile-related needs for the community.
"Being a Corporate Champion for the Highland Park Community Foundation is a true honor for the Gregory Auto Group," said Gregory Mauro, President. "After serving the community for 40 years, this step highlights our steadfast commitment not only to providing exceptional service to our customers, but also to giving back and making a positive impact in the community we are proud to call home."
Corporate Champion donations provide critical funding for programs and services Highland Park and Highwood residents need to thrive or, sometimes, just to survive. The HPCF is incredibly proud and thankful to have the support of 11 Corporate Champions: Mesirow, Sunset Foods, First Bank of Highland Park, Kovitz, Autohaus on Edens, Banner Kitchen and Bath, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Mariani Landscape Architects, Porsche Exchange, Shellé Jewelers, and now Gregory Auto Group. To add your business to our growing list, email Terri Olian, HPCF Executive Director at terri@hpcfil.org.
Jonathan Plotkin was born in Highland Park but moved to Massachusetts when he was 8 years old. He moved back to the Chicago area when he was 26 to marry Robin, each the other's first neighborhood friend from the time they were 3 years old and living on South Deere Park Drive. Jonathan says he always considered Highland Park his true home, subconsciously knowing he'd return one day. Highland Park is not only home to Jonathan and Robin, but their children and grandchildren as well.
"My grandchildren represent the 5th generation of my family to live in Highland Park. It's not just home, but it's Home with a capital H both personally and professionally. It is incumbent on all of us to continually remind ourselves how special and unique this place is, and to do everything possible to help others live their life to the fullest potential."
As a nationally published illustrator and editorial cartoonist, Jonathan has extensive philanthropic experience in the arts. As Chairman of the Highland Park Cultural Arts Commission, he assisted in funding local arts organizations and helping artists connect their work with their community. He also served as the Board President of The Art Center of Highland Park, where he fostered education in the arts in the community. He believes that art is the heart of our community and wants to continue to spread that message as a HPCF Board Member.
"We are proud to welcome Jonathan to the Board," stated Laurie Levin, HPCF Vice-Chair. "His creativity and commitment to inspiring that same spirit in others as well as his dedication to the Highland Park and Highwood community are, in part, what makes us grateful to have him on our Board."
"My background in business and the arts lends itself well to the organizations that the HPCF currently funds and will fund in the future," Jonathan said. As a Board Member, he looks forward to working directly with the organizations and programs funded by the HPCF. He believes it is essential to work beyond the "glass wall" that often separates board members from the communities they serve. "What excites me about the HPCF is that board members are expected to be liaisons to the organizations the Foundation supports. Many times, boards don't engage, or see, or spend quality time with grantees. I look forward to being a part of that process."
We are honored to have Jonathan, with his artistic talent and philanthropic spirit, on the Foundation's Board and look forward to having his ideas enrich and brighten our community. We are also thrilled to have the support of Gregory Auto Group and know that their giving spirit will help improve the lives of the Highland Park and Highwood residents.
About Highland Park Community Foundation: The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) improves lives and enriches the Highland Park-Highwood community as a whole. Through grant funding, the Foundation strengthens families, supports individuals with disabilities, nurtures children, assists older adults, develops skills in teens, enhances artistic experiences, and more.
The Highland Park Community Foundation maintains Candid's 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency - Candid's highest level of recognition - and has received a 100 out of 100 rating from Charity Navigator through their Encompass Rating System.