The Spirit of 67 hosts its first fundraiser of the school year—a ladies’ comedy night—on Thursday, October 17, featuring Chicago comedian Pat McGann. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
Fundraising is no laughing matter, or is it?
“Sometimes the school year gets so busy that moms just need a night out with their girlfriends and have a good laugh,” says Megan Engelberg, who is co-chairing the Spirit of 67 Foundation’s Ladies Night with Katie Donovan. “We’re so excited to bring the hilarious Pat McGann to Lake Forest for this fun fall fundraiser.”
This Spirit of 67 Foundation event will take place on Thursday, October 17, at 300 N. Green Bay Road in Lake Forest. It will be big on laughs and friendship, bringing together moms from Everett, Cherokee, Sheridan, and Deer Path schools to raise money for classroom grants.
“It’s fun to see how much the kids love the grants,” says Donovan. “The kids actually see these grants in action and they’re often what they really, really love about school.”
The money raised from the Spirit of 67 Foundation events goes to fund educational grants. Over the past 30 years, the Spirit of 67 Foundation has funded grants worth more than $5 million. Every year, students, teachers, and parents come up with incredible ideas expanding learning, enhancing curriculum, improving technology, and promoting emotional wellness. Last year alone, the Spirit of 67 awarded more than $175,000 through 30 grants.
“It’s really important for people to know that they can write a grant for the school,” explains Engelberg. “It can be a student, teacher, parent, or local resident that just wants the best for our schools. There is truly nothing like seeing someone see their grant come to life.”
The Spirit of 67 Foundation was founded in 1985 by a group of visionary parents and community members interested in funding excellence in Lake Forest schools. The tradition of enriching and supporting District 67 schools continues more than 30 years later. The Spirit of 67 Foundation works to enhance the education of “every student in every school, every day.” Its mission is to raise funds and acquire resources to enrich and enhance the educational and cultural experiences of students, faculty, parents, and staff of Lake Forest School District 67 in ways that might not otherwise be provided.
As a matter of fact, a grant awarded to a Deer Path librarian last spring for a wall of comic books inspired the idea for a comedy night for the Spirit’s event.
“Our fall fundraiser has historically been an appreciation luncheon,” says Kimberly Carris, president of the Spirit of 67 Foundation. “This year we decided to do something different to show our appreciation for our schools while laughing with our girlfriends new and old. We have more moms working and lots of new families with young ones at home. We’re hoping this night-time event will allow more women to attend.”
The evening’s headliner, Pat McGann, is a stand-up comedian and television host from Chicago. He frequently opens for comedian Sebastian Maniscalco—the “Italian Stallion”—and has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. McGann created and hosted the Emmy-nominated television show The Chicago Stand Up Project. His comedy album Sounds Good can be heard on Sirius/XM radio.
This ladies night out is open to all moms, supporters, and friends of District 67. Tickets start at $75 and include food, drinks, and a night of laughs. There will also be an online auction and raffle to raise funds for the event.
“I’ve seen Pat McGann perform several times and my stomach always hurts from laughing,” says Donovan. “I know this is a different kind of event for the Spirit, but laughter and ladies are always winning combination.”
To learn more about the Spirit of 67 or to purchase tickets online, visit spiritof67foundation.org.
