National Volunteer Week – Karen Rogatz, Benefit Chairperson

In recognition of National Volunteer Month, and in anticipation of our upcoming Benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars, Family Service of Glencoe (“FSG”) is proud to highlight one its most dedicated volunteers:  Karen Rogatz, Benefit Chair and Board of Directors member.

When Karen and her family moved to Glencoe in 2017, she began planting roots with volunteer opportunities that aligned with her passion for helping children living through traumas.

As a well-respected real estate professional, now working at the esteemed Jennings on the Park brokerage right here in downtown Glencoe, she wanted to use her role as a trusted neighbor in the community for good.

Volunteerism and philanthropy have always been woven into the fabric of Karen’s life, first as a “Big Sister” for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization during her college years.  During this time, Karen forged trusted relationships through mentorship with local at-risk youth.

Upon moving to Glencoe, Karen kicked into high gear with volunteering, first at the YWCA in Evanston, working in their domestic violence program.  It was there that she earned her Domestic Violence Training certification after a 40-hour study, educating her in domestic violence prevention and intervention.

During the Winter of 2022, Karen was introduced to FSG by a colleague serving on the Board and found instant connection and synergy with her interests and philanthropic goals.  Most notably, Karen was drawn to FSG by their unique partnership with Glencoe Public Safety, which provides a social worker to accompany officers on crisis calls to help stabilize and de-escalate domestic situations.  This resonated deeply with her prior experience and interest supporting families in domestic violences crises, and she was proud to live in and support a community vested in providing the highest and broadest level of support to its residents.  For Karen, the greatest testament to FSG’s invaluable services are the testimonials she’s heard around the community from friends who have utilized FSG and give thanks for the services and resources provided.  “I know several people in the community who sought support during difficult times, and they were all immensely grateful to have this resource in our community.  FSG truly made a difference for them and their families.”

Karen quickly submitted her application to join the Board of Directors after seeing the impact FSG had on her community and with its strong alignment to her philanthropic interests.  She joined the Fundraising committee and was then asked to be the chairperson for FSG’s annual Benefit, Glencoe Under the Stars, taking place on May 20, 2023 at Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park.

Glencoe Under the Stars is FSG’s largest fundraiser of the year and is an opportunity to not only raise crucial funds for the organization but also to educate the community on FSG’s services and welcome new community members to opportunities within the organization.

This special evening will be held under a tent with views of Northmoor’s beautiful grounds and will feature chef-curated food stations, dancing, silent and live auctions, paddle raise, and an inspirational keynote message from Cynthia Vargas, the City of Highland Park’s Resiliency Division Manager.

With help from funds raised at this event, FSG can continue to offer and expand programming and services, including private counseling, support groups, Vibrant Living senior discussion groups, senior adult support and case management, youth and family outreach, scholarship assessment, and 24/7 crisis intervention calls partnered with Glencoe Public Safety as well as continuing to offer counseling to all those affected by the tragedy in Highland Park on July 4, 2022 – regardless of ability to pay. The need is great, but so is our community’s commitment to supporting everyone throughout Glencoe and neighboring communities.  For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and to participate in our exciting auction, please visit www.glencoeunderthestars.org.

We invite you to join Karen and others from your community, whether by attending the event, bidding on auction items, or finding your own niche within the organization through volunteerism.  All are invited and encouraged to attend and get involved!  Our volunteers are comprised of a cross section of the village. This diversity is a great opportunity to meet new people, and when these connections happen, it further strengthens the resiliency and well-being of our community.

For more information on the services FSG provides or opportunities to get involved, contact Family Service of Glencoe at (847) 835-5111.