rally
Determination, resiliency, and passion are hallmarks of Evanston residents. Different community groups stepped up to mobilize in 2020 and provided the support our residents needed.
Students from both Northwestern University and Evanston Township High School, along with ETHS alumni, rallied to raise money through fundraisers to support ECF. In the midst of juggling remote learning, work, and socially distancing, these young community-minded philanthropists pitched in to make a true difference.
Rechanneling energy & commitment
Over the years, NUDM (Northwestern University Dance Marathon) has awarded ECF over $1.4M as one of its beneficiaries, making NUDM one of the Foundation’s top donors. This collaboration exemplifies how a city like Evanston and a university like Northwestern can work together to make a real difference in the community. We are so grateful for their partnership.
Each year, students with seemingly boundless energy gather under a tent, dancing to the oldies and current hits. In 2020, COVID changed where they danced but didn’t weaken their resolve. These tenacious young philanthropists organized and hosted a virtual dance party, raising nearly $700,000! The event included a Second City performance, speakers, games, and even virtual yoga.
Showcasing their love for the community
With Evanston Township High School’s long history of helping students develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary for participation in a democratic society, it came as no surprise to see groups of ETHS alumni and current students working to raise money to help address the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, Ben Morton and Adam Haas, along with a small cadre of other fellow ETHS grads, held a three-day virtual concert series, Evanston Cov-AID, showcasing some of Evanston’s most talented artists and performers in an online live stream. The three-day event drew a crowd of more than 6,000 viewers and raised more than $12,000 to support the Rapid Response Fund.
“I am from Evanston and have immense love for my city. It was important to me and my colleagues to do something for the place we call home.”
—Ben Morton
Serving support for families
Evanston Township High School Boys Tennis Team decided they needed to support classmates’ families who were losing jobs and housing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sophomore teammates Gunnar Andersen, Alex Robinson, Ben Ward, and Asher Wexler created a video to spark interest in this work. Their leadership, talent, and kindness led to more than $2,000 in support of the Rapid Response Fund. When asked why it was important for them to participate, their collective response was the desire to do the right thing for their fellow classmates and their families.
