Friends of the Parks Foundation
530 Bernard Drive
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 847.850.2104
Application form to join the Friends of the Parks Foundation Donate Now
Board of Directors:
- Cathy Novak – President
- Lynne Schneider – Treasurer
- Erika Strojinc – Secretary
- Steve Antman
- Arnie Brown
- Robert Giddens
- Howard Hoffman
- Perry Lakhani
- Karen Meadows
- Teresa Reinhofer
- Jack Schmerer
For more information, contact Erika Strojinc at 847.850.2122.
The Organization
The Friends of the Parks Foundation has been formed to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes as a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit corporation in the State of Illinois. The Foundation promotes active involvement within the community. Our direction will be determined by the needs of the community we serve.
Events
Our Mission
For the physical and recreational well-being of the residents of Buffalo Grove Park District, the Friends of the Parks Foundation is dedicated to supporting the District in the development and enhancement of its programs, services, facilities and planning.
Our Purpose
The Friends Of The Parks Foundation has been established to:
- Develop revenue streams for the advancement of programs and facilities.
- Provide program fee assistance for families in need, and military families.
- Recognize quality and excellence in recreational programming.
- Provide assistance for the enhancement of facilities and services.
The Method
In addition to special fundraising events, the Foundation plans to accomplish its goals by soliciting tax-deductible contributions from individuals, businesses, community organizations and other foundations.
We, the members of the Friends of the Parks Foundation, accept the challenge to maintain the highest standard of recreational opportunities from our District. We ask that each of you join with us for the benefit of ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our community.
Be A Friend Too!
If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring a Friends of the Parks Foundation event, contact Mike Pfeiffer at 847.850.2108.
Recognize the importance of the arts in Buffalo Grove by donating to 
. Donations help to expand arts programming at the Community Arts Center. All donations are tax deductible through the Foundation.
The Buffalo Grove Park District offers the opportunity to purchase commemorative bricks to be installed at various park sites. The list below are the parks that have bricks, and if you click on the park name, the order form for that park will open. You may also order and pay online.
The bricks are high-quality, filled with black lithochrome to protect it from the elements, and each one is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
There are 2 sizes of bricks available in some parks. The smaller 4″ brick costs $100. Personal messages are limited to 3 lines of 13 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation.
In the parks that offer the larger 8″ brick, the cost is $150. Personal messages are limited to 4 lines of 13 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation.
Money raised will benefit the Friends of the Parks Foundation and all brick purchases are tax deductible. Bricks are installed twice a year, in April and September. The Buffalo Grove Park District reserves the right to edit as necessary and determine the location of all bricks.
Alcott Park
Community Arts Center
Emmerich Park
Happy Tails Dog Park
Rick Drazner Park
Rolling Hills Park
Veterans Park
Willow Stream Park
The BG Singers Fine Arts Fund was started by the Berkowitz Family in honor of Larry Berkowitz, a 10 year member of the BG Singers who passed away. His family wanted to create a lasting legacy for Larry by supporting the arts in the community and beyond.
Annually or bi-annually, the BG Singers, the Chorus that Cares, an adult chorus of the Buffalo Grove Park District, will select one arts group or organization to honor. Philanthropic funds raised by the BG Singers will be deposited into the BG Singers Fine Arts Fund that is administered by the Friends of the Parks Foundation.
Previous philanthropic efforts have included:
· Financial assistance for college-bound students majoring in the arts
· Distributed musical instruments to city schools
· Distributed musical instruments to children in New York after Hurricane Sandy
· Raised funds for Pediatric Children’s cancer
· Granted a child’s Make-A-Wish
· Raised over $27,000 for the Ukulele Kids Club
· Partnered with the Marriott Theater and Vernon Township to provide 50 children a theater experience
The BG Singers Fine Arts Fund is always looking to give back to the community and beyond. Donations are graciously accepted and will be put to good use to fund future projects. The next project will begin during the BG Singers 2025 season which coincides with their 30 year anniversary.
If you would like more information or are interested in donating, please fill out the form below.
