$1.6 million donation largest in Northern Illinois Food Bank history

The Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank has received a donation of more than $1.6 million - the largest in the nonprofit group's 37-year history - from the estate of a Lombard couple who were longtime supporters.

Neal and Lois Oppenheimer were regular donors for more than a decade, officials said, helping feed children, seniors and families in need across Northern Illinois. Neal Oppenheimer died in 2019, after his wife, Lois, died in 2018.

"With this gift, the Oppenheimers have created an incredibly meaningful and lasting legacy to help solve hunger in Northern Illinois," said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank, in a written statement. "Their stewardship of their good fortune means that hundreds of thousands of meals can be shared with our neighbors in need."

"Neal (and Lois) lived a modest lifestyle - it's no surprise to me that (they) would give everything to those in need," said Jennifer Gutzwiller, the Oppenheimers' goddaughter.

The food bank's board of directors last week approved the move of the estate gift in its entirety to the organization's endowment fund.