FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Akilah Wilson
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Celebrate Evanston Event Highlights Collective Action and Strategic Growth 

EVANSTON, IL- June 14- 2024, –  The Evanston Foundation proudly hosted its annual Fundraiser, Celebrate Evanston, bringing together community members, partners, and supporters to honor the strength and unity of Evanston. The event, held on June 13, 2024, marked a significant moment in the foundation's history, reflecting on its evolution, unveiling exciting developments, and reaffirming its future commitment to the community. 

The evening's keynote addresses highlighted ECF's dedication to the philosophy of "Ubuntu in Action," encapsulating the idea of "I am because we are." This Strategic Framework guides the Foundation to listen to the community, elevate voices, and invest in a stronger Evanston, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. Reflecting on the past year's theme, "Rooted in Legacy, Prepared for Growth," ECF shared its progress and future direction, promising to Advance Justice, Invest in Evanston, and Empower Leaders. 

Looking ahead, ECF plans to expand its Signature Leadership Evanston program into the Ubuntu Leadership Institute, diversify its philanthropic model, and deepen investments in systems change initiatives. This evolution builds on the innovative foundations laid by past leaders, reinforcing a commitment to combat historical injustices and foster a community where everyone can thrive. 

A special moment was dedicated to honoring Rebecca Cacayuran, a pivotal figure in the Foundation's history. Her contributions have transformed ECF’s grantmaking into a community-led model, positioning the Foundation as a national leader in the philanthropic sector. Her dedication over the past two decades has made Evanston a better home for many. As Rebecca steps down from her role, ECF expressed profound gratitude for her service and wished her well in her next chapter. 

Attendees were invited to watch an inspiring video showcasing an emotional tale of two women who turned heartbreak into heroism when they turned to their community foundation. Exemplifying "Ubuntu in Action” this partnership celebrates the power of courage, collaboration, and community. The event left everyone with a sense of hope and determination to continue driving positive change in Evanston.  

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About Evanston Community Foundation 

 Founded in 1986, the Evanston Community Foundation’s mission is to mobilize community resources to drive systemic social change and build a thriving, resilient Evanston. We achieve this by: 

• Investing in the community with a long-term and sustainable perspective 
• Empowering leaders to foster innovation and collaboration 
• Prioritizing community voice and choice