Living & Giving | Jun. 2023
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
By Contributor
Rob Rotering, Mayor Nancy Rotering, Micah Swislow, and Officer Greg Mendoza come out for the "Service Above Self" event hosted by The Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood.
“Service Above Self” was the resounding theme of The Rotary Club of Highland Park/ Highwood annual gala on Friday, May 19. The event, held at the stately Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park, recognized the leadership, bravery and daily steadfast service provided by the City of Highland Park and the suburb’s first responders.
After a gracious cocktail hour, the 125 guests were welcomed by Eric Ephriam, President of Highland Park Rotary and First Bank of Highland Park/First Bank Chicago.
“Tonight, we honor our brave first responders and city employees,” said Ephriam. “We are grateful for their service, not just on July 4th, but every day after and before. Their dedication, selflessness, relationships, and goodness are what makes our city special.”
Highland Park High School (HPHS) students Lili Richter and Jagger Barnes took to the podium to thank Rotary members for their funding and commitment to the HPHS Interact Club, a community service club sponsored and supported by the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood. The club encourages students to organize, plan and complete a variety of service activities as they conduct one service project each month.
“Due to the Rotary’s generous guidance, support, and funding we have been involved in significant community service projects,” said Lili. “This involvement has changed the lives of countless HPHS students who have been empowered by the gift of giving to others.”
Noting that the Interact Club is only as strong as its members, both girls were effusive in their praise of the commitment of their fellow Interact members.
“By being stronger together we can more effectively support local charities and uplift vulnerable populations,” said Jagger. Offering praise to the first responders, the students thanked the brave team for providing a clear example of “Service above self.”
Speaking on behalf of the City of Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering noted, “When tragedy struck, our first responders were ready to deal with nightmare duty because of what they are trained to do every day. Our community came together to support one another with care and deep compassion.”
Adding to Mayor Rotering’s comments, HP City Manager Ghida Neukirch, said, “We are so proud of our Police and Fire Departments, and their team of 118 professionals, who responded in a swift, brave, selfless, and coordinated manner on that horrific day. They put aside their own trauma to help the community.”
Highland Park Police Chief Louis Jogmen and HP Fire Chief Joseph Schrage shared their pride in HP’s first responders.
“We are trained to be ready for the worst each day, so when tragedy struck, we were all in reflex mode,” said Chief Schrage. “Our team rushed downtown, and their immediate response saved lives. Whenever and wherever our community needs us, we will be there.”
Chief Jogmen praised the tireless efforts of his team, who worked 16-hour shifts during and immediately following the July 4th tragedy. “We continue to feel the love, respect, appreciation and partnership from this community,” he said.
The evening concluded with a raffle which raised funds for Rotary’s local community grants and scholarship programs, and a musical program provided by, Christian, a Zion-Benton High School student.
