TRENDS

The Grove Foundation awarded $11,700 to 12 local nonprofit organizations at a recent gathering. “Cumulatively we have granted nearly $70,000 since this annual grant process started,” says Karen Laio, Grant Program Coordinator. 2021 recipients included DuPage PADS, Sharing Connections, Hope’s Front Door, FISH food pantry and Alex’s Mission. The increase in demand for mental health care during the pandemic was evident in the applications from awardees including NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), SamaraCare and Grit2. The grant program is funded through the Foundation’s two fundraisers. For more information, please visit www.thegrovefoundation.org.

Photos courtesy of the Grove Foundation.

THE GROVE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS (L TO R): LESLIE SADOWSKI-FUGITT, BRUCE SWANSON, MOLLY BONANNO, RACHEL NEUSTADT, MARY ELLEN YOUNG, CATHY MAHONEY, KAREN LAIO AND GREG HOSÉ. (MISSING: LOIS KOPIS AND SCOTT LINCOLN)

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE 12 RECIPIENT ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE GROVE FOUNDATION BOARD STANDING IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM. MEETING WAS HELD AT THE LINCOLN CENTER ON DECEMBER 1, 2021.

The Grove Express

The Grove Express 5K was launched this year by a collaborative of community organizations to continue the Downers Grove Thanksgiving Day tradition started originally by the Bonfield Foundation. The Roadrunners Soccer Club, the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, and the Downers Grove Rotary Club organized the run that attracted over 4,700 people in the community. The 5K raised close to $200,000 to help support education and youth programming for District 58 and District 99 schools. The community outpouring of support confirmed that this Thanksgiving Day tradition is a necessary gathering for thousands of family and friends every year.

FISH FOOD PANTRY GRANT RECIPIENT: MARY ELLEN YOUNG (GROVE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT), WITH LISA RASIN AND DEBBIE AGUZINO, CO-MANAGERS OF FISH FOOD PANTRY

GROVE EXPRESS KAYLIE MCDANIEL

GROVE EXPRESS WITH MAYOR BOB BARNETT AND WILL KUPISCH

In December, the West Suburban Humane Society kicked off its 50th Anniversary with its first Adoption Center Open House. Over 200 community members attended this free event offering the opportunity to take a tour of the new Adoption Center while enjoying refreshments and crafts. An evening ticketed event also featured tours, games, a silent auction, and meets and greets with some of the adoptable dogs and kittens. The WSHS also debuted timeline artwork featuring various events and special animals over the last 50 years. WSHS will be hosting more events to celebrate 50 years of saving dogs and cats throughout 2022. Visit www.wshsdg.org for more information.

THE NEW ARTWORK TIMELINE SHOWCASES MAJOR EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

St. Mary of Gostyn

St. Mary of Gostyn held its annual fundraiser, the We Are One SMG Gala in February. The event, held at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort, featured dueling pianos entertainment, a silent auction, and spirited live auction. With nearly 300 attendees, the event raised over $225,000 for the school.

hotographer - Hawa Images, Roxanne Engstrom

GUESTS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THE NEW ADOPTION CENTER.

A SILENT AUCTION RAISED ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE WEST SUBURBAN HUMANE SOCIETY.

GALA ATTENDEES BID ON ONE OF THE MANY EXCITING LIVE AUCTION ITEMS.

FELIX AND FINGERS DUELING PIANOS WOWED THE CROWD WITH THEIR MUSICAL TALENTS AND EXPANSIVE SONG REPERTOIRE.