Highland Park foundation sets up fund for shooting victims
The Highland Park Community Foundation has launched a July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund to assist individuals and families who were impacted by the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park.
The fund will provide contributions that will go directly to help families and survivors of the horrific shooting, as well as the organizations and nonprofits that support their needs following the shooting.
"All of us at the foundation want to express our sorrow and grief for the tragedy that happened at our community's annual Fourth of July parade," Highland Park Community Foundation Chairman Betsy Brint said.
"For the past 30 years, our mission has been to invest in and support the members of our community and address unmet needs of the community. Together, we stand with our community to provide support during this critical time."
On July 6, the City of Highland Park and Mayor Nancy Rotering issued an email message to the Highland Park community providing a direct link to the HPCF's July 4th Highland Park Shooting Response Fund donation form.
The Highland Park Community Foundation is a fiduciary and partner of the City of Highland Park. Within the email message, Mayor Rotering urged all residents to be aware of online and email solicitations for donations, as they may not be legitimate.
"The HPCF board of directors sends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones, healing thoughts for all who are injured or suffer, and love and support for our entire community," Brint said.
"We hope everyone will help get the word out about our efforts to help the victims and survivors of this senseless shooting. The HPCF is a trusted fiduciary and offers donors a safe way to help those in need."
To donate to the HPCF Response Fund, visit the foundation's website, www.hpcfil.org. You may directly access the donation page at www.hpcfil.org/july-4th-highland-park-shooting-response-fund, or you may send a check, payable to the Highland Park Community Foundation, P.O. Box 398, Highland Park, IL 60035.
"We urge everyone to give as generously as possible to help the victims and survivors of (July 4's) tragic event," said Terri Olian, executive director, Highland Park Community Foundation.
"Highland Park is a community in which neighbors help neighbors and lift each other up. The early support from local residents and businesses, as well as people and corporations outside of Highland Park has been heartwarming. Together, we will get through this and, hopefully, emerge stronger on the other side."
To learn more about the Highland Park Community Foundation and its work, visit hpcfil.org. For more information, contact Terri Olian, executive director, at terri@hpcfil.org or (847) 433-4100.
To donate online, visit hpcfil.org/donate.
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. As the philanthropic heart of the community, the foundation improves and enriches people's lives with annual grants to nonprofits that provide educational, social service, and cultural programs for Highland Park and Highwood residents.
The foundation's avowed purposes are to expand opportunities and address the unmet needs of the community.
The Highland Park Community Foundation maintains Candid's (formerly GuideStar's) 2022 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.