LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOME TOUR

Just when you think the Spirit of 67’s annual Home & Garden Tour can’t top itself, it does.

“We are thrilled to announce that Amy and Dan Fields will graciously open the doors of their home, the former Lake Forest estate of the late philanthropist Nancy Hughes and her husband, the acclaimed filmmaker John Hughes, for our tour,” says Katherine Hensley, the Spirit of 67’s Vice President of Communications. “Amy is our event chair, alongside co-chairs Mia Gregor, Jing Lindsey, and Monique O’Brien. Throughout our event, we’ll pay homage to Hughes’s legendary movies, ensuring a focus on entertainment and celebration.”

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Home & Garden Tour and the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of 67. The Spirit of 67 Foundation is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1985 by a group of visionary parents and community members interested in funding excellence in Lake Forest schools. The Spirit is a partner in education to Cherokee, Everett, and Sheridan Elementary Schools, along with Deer Path Middle School where funds are raised and resources are acquired in order to provide enriching, educational, and cultural experiences that might not otherwise be offered. Any community member is invited to submit a grant request to the Spirit. Since it was founded, the Spirit has funded 850 grants—totaling $6.7 million.

“It’s a huge honor to be part of the Spirit and to be in the role that I am this year,” says Courtney Turner, the current president of the Spirit of 67. “When you delve deeper into the grants, you appreciate the responsibility we have on behalf of our schools and our students. We care so much about our children’s education. It’s been a privilege to work with our board.”

Home & Garden Tour guests will be welcomed inside and outside of the four homes featured this year. A “Breakfast Club” will kick off the day at the Fields’ home, an exclusive event with a limited number of tickets available for purchase. The tour will highlight grants awarded by the Spirit over the last 40 years. Students throughout the district have benefited from these grants in various areas of education, including language arts, fine arts, wellness, STEAM, social and emotional learning, science, social studies, and world languages. Some of the most notable grants include the visiting author and scientist series at the elementary schools, as well as the enhanced science lab, improved Haskins Library, and recently renovated cafeteria at the middle school.

“Witnessing the results of a grant and the excitement it brings to the students is incredibly rewarding,” adds Hensley. “My children view those involved with the Spirit as fairy godparents with the ability to grant their wishes. The Spirit provides opportunities to enhance their education with unique grants that make their school dreams come true. That’s what the Spirit does.”

Although money raised from this event goes to schools in District 67, everyone is welcome to attend the Spirit’s Home & Garden Tour. Tickets to the Spirit of 67 Home & Garden Tour are available at spiritof67foundation.org.