Highland Park Community Foundation 2018 Grant Awards Reception Distributes Record-Breaking $200,000 in Grants
The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) held the 2018 Grant Awards Reception on Wednesday, October 17th at the Highland Park Community House located in downtown Highland Park. This year, the Foundation awarded a record-breaking $200,000 grants to nonprofit agencies and programs, an increase of 11% over 2017's gifts.
Since 1992, HPCF has provided support to expand the services of social, cultural and educational agencies in Highland Park and Highwood.
"The Foundation is honored to provide grants to these worthy organizations in Highland Park and Highwood who tirelessly serve those in need and provide necessary programs to assist the citizens of our community," said Nancy Mills, Chairman of the Highland Park Community Foundation.
The evening began with a celebratory cocktail reception and opening musical interlude provided by grant recipients, Midwest Young Artists. Chairman Mills welcomed attendees to the evening's program which included guest speakers, honorees, grant recipients and HPCF Board Members. Community leaders in attendance included Dan Kaufman, Alyssa Knobel and Kim Stone, City Councilmen; Anne Bassi, Moraine Township Supervisor; Monica Schroeder, Deputy Superintendent at North Shore School District 112; and Deborah Finn, Interim Principal of Highland Park High School.
2018's guest speakers and honorees include: Sara Sher, Highland Park Community Foundation Golden Apple Committee Chair; Jon Mall, Northwood Junior High 7th Grade Social Studies/Academic Exploration teacher and 2018 Highland Park Golden Apple Award recipient; Ali Barnett, Director of Development, Zacharias Center and grant recipient; Maria Bautista, HPHS Student who participated in programs sponsored by the Foundation and Alyssa Knobel, City Councilman and 2018 Jack Blane Community Service Award Recipient. Vice Chairman David Reich closed the evening's special award segments.
Mr. Reich presented the 40 grant awards to Highland Park and Highwood's dedicated community organizations who are devoted to serving those in need. Vice Chairman David Reich closed the evening's special award segments. For a complete list of the HPCF 2018 Grant Recipients, please visit: https://hpcfil.org/2018/10/17/highland-park-community-foundation2018-grant-recipients/.
"It is the Foundation's goal to support a robust number of programs and organizations that enrich our community and provide the full spectrum of services ranging from early childhood development, to teen leadership, assistance for older residents, and much more. These programs are necessary for ensuring that Highland Park/Highwood continue to be an inclusive and dynamic community and provide opportunities for all of its citizens to thrive," commented Mr. Reich.
The annual Jack Blane Community Service Award, launched in 2014, honors the memory of Jack Blane and his exemplary work within the community. A founding member and previous Chairman of HPCF, Mr. Blane's commitment to serving others extended to all aspects of his life. Mr. Blane served his country as a Marine. He also served his local community by offering humanitarian services as a Rotarian and by serving as a Councilman for the City of Highland Park. This year's recipient of the award was City Councilman Alyssa Knobel.
"Alyssa's selfless desire to do good in the world inspires us all," noted Ms. Mills. "She is extremely generous, passionate and capable."
The 2018 Highland Park Community Foundation Grant Awards Reception was generously supported by the corporate following sponsors: @properties, Autohaus on Edens, Binny's Beverage Depot, Elevate Creative Group, First Bank of Highland Park, Highland Park Bank & Trust, Holland & Knight, The Jacobs Companies, LLC, Keyth Security, Kovitz Investment Group, Lodestar Investment Counsel, LLC, Long Grove Confectionery Co., Martin Associates, Porsche Exchange, RMB Capital, Guy Scopelliti Landscape, Inc, Sunset Foods, Tucker Development, Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. The Highland Park Community Foundation would like to offer special thanks to Sunset Foods for providing all food, beverages, and décor for this important community event.
The HPCF accepts grant proposals from agencies and organizations that have 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The population they serve must be at least 51% Highland Park/Highwood residents. All grant proposals must be received by July 15th of the application year. For more information, please visit:https://hpcfil.org/guidelines-and-procedures/.
The Highland Park Community Foundation was established in 1992 at the request of the City of Highland Park to build and maintain a permanent endowment fund. The fund serves to support the services of numerous social service, cultural, and educational agencies in Highland Park and Highwood. It is also used to nurture the early stages of new and innovative programs. The Foundation's mission is to expand opportunities for all Highland Park and Highwood residents and to support organizations and programs that meet the unmet needs of the community - needs that are not met by governmental or other sources. By choosing an endowment fund as its primary financial vehicle, the Foundation can serve the community in perpetuity. For more information, visit www.hpcfil.org