The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation
Welcomes You
The Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation (DGCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fundraising organization comprised of Glenview School District 34 parents and community members who are dedicated to providing support for students experiencing crises.
As a mother to six sons, Debra Gelfand involved herself extensively in the D34 school community. Much of her time was dedicated to supporting students experiencing hardships and she deeply believed in the importance of this work. Sadly, Debra passed away on July 4, 1990 at the age of 37. The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation was formed to honor Debra's memory, her work, and her dedication to the children of School District 34.
DGCF relies solely on donations to support hundreds of students facing emergency situations. Please donate today or contact us about one of our many volunteer opportunities as we work together to continue Debra's mission. All funds raised directly benefit District 34 students and their families.
Virtual donations are accepted via the link below -- or -- checks may be mailed to:
Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation | PO Box 747 | Glenview, IL 60025
THE DEBRA GELFAND CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
Board of Directors*
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director of Fundraising
Director of Business Development
Director of Communications
D34 Gelfand Event Reps 2023-24
Henking
Hoffman
Kristin Spalo & Nicole Carlson & Amy Alberts
D34 Preschool & Westbrook
TBD
Glen Grove
Brooke Martyn & Katie Thomas & Marie Ratajczyk
Lyon
Pleasant Ridge
Attea
Carrie Mathis & Mary Wehrle & Jen Crouse
Springman
Kim Lundgren & Jen Wiesman & Suzy Pachtman & Mara Lindsay
Advisory Board & District Representatives
Need help?
If you are a District 34 family in need of assistance, please contact your school's social worker listed below.
Early Childhood / Westbrook Christine Crowe
Lyon Abigail Allen
Springman (6th) Rachel Grossman
Springman (7th) Courtney O'Sullivan
Support Request Coordinator
Join Us!
The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation could not exist without District 34 parent volunteers! Consider joining us and becoming a part of what makes District 34 so special.
Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO?
All donations received by the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation go directly to the students and families of District 34. Foundation provides shoes, clothing, temporary transportation, rental and utility assistance, medical bill assistance, school supplies, books, uniforms, field trips, band instruments, and many other supports, to District 34 students who are experiencing an emergency crisis and/or financial needs. The Foundation works with all eight schools in the district. Our school social workers work directly with the students and families as liaisons to our Foundation.
Also part of the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation are The Gelfand Necessities Closet and the Gelfand Gardens. Both of these amazing new additions to our Foundation could not have been possible without the amazing support from The Glenview United Methodist Church (“GUMC”). Both the Closet and the Gardens are located at GUMC-727 Harlem Avenue in Glenview.
The Gelfand Necessities Closet provides cleaning supplies, hygiene products, school supplies, diapers and other baby products, and paper goods to our families in need. The closet is also supported by our social workers and families can reach out to them directly to access this support.
The Gelfand Gardens was another gift from our friends at GUMC. The Gardens are currently being used to support teaching and learning for our students through hands-on opportunities to plant, grow and harvest! The Gardens will be hosting several student field trips this fall. This summer, our summer school was invited to the Gardens and they weeded, dug holes, planted and watered!! Food that is grown will be donated to the Northfield Food Pantry.