Fundraising
Crosstown Challenge
The Crosstown Challenge is an annual competition amongst the five district 67 campus locations, Cherokee, Everett, Sheridan, DPM-East, and DPM-West, to raise family donation participation percentages. The friendly rivalry to see which school’s families have the highest participation concludes with prize money** for the schools, bragging rights, and a popsicle party.
Thanks to the generous support of our families and community, the Spirit of 67 Foundation can make lasting, powerful, and impactful improvements to our children’s education.
**The contest allocates a total of $7,500, which includes a $1,000 base prize per campus and a $500 "holiday” bonus if the goal is reached by December 31.
SHOPRAISE
The Spirit of 67 Foundation is partnering with ShopRaise, an app and online program that helps to make everyday shopping a way you can support us.
Just scan to download the app or visit https://shopraise.com/
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How We Raise Funds
The Spirit of 67 Foundation raises funds through three main channels: general donations, special events, and corporate sponsorships.
General Donations
General donation opportunities begin at the point of school registration, with parents opting in when they register their children in District 67. This subtle appeal helps the Spirit begin its year of work to raise funds for all students.
Corporate matches, which can be submitted any time of year, are another passive but impactful way to support the foundation. Many companies already have matching programs for nonprofit organizations like the Spirit of 67—check your company’s policy today.
Another opportunity for general giving is through our annual Crosstown Challenge, running from September 22 to December 31, 2025. This friendly competition among the D67 schools encourages families to donate in support of increasing family participation. Each school has a participation goal. If a school reaches its goal by year’s end, it wins $1,500. The first school to meet its goal earns an extra $500, a trophy, an all-school prize, and bragging rights.
Special Events
Spring Fundraiser
This past spring, we hosted our inaugural Paddle Tournament at The Lake Forest Club, where teams competed for fun and bragging rights. At this lively event, spectators enjoyed food and drinks, a live music performance by School of Rock Highwood, and boutique shopping featuring items from local artisans, jewelers, and designers.
The Spirit Executive Board is considering bringing this fun event back in the spring of 2026.
Fall Fundraiser
Our flagship fundraising event is the biannual Home & Garden Tour, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. This premier event has become the highlight of our fundraising efforts and requires a village to organize.
Last year, the event raised over $100,000 for students, with more than 600 guests attending during the four-hour experience. Five stunning local homes and their gardens were showcased. Delicious food and drinks were provided by nearby bars and restaurants, with beautiful tablescapes and design support from local small businesses.
It was truly a community event not to be missed.
Save the date for the next Spirit of 67 Foundation Home Tour:
🗓️ Thursday, September 24, 2026
Corporate Sponsors
Over the Spirit of 67 Foundation’s 40-year history, all of our fundraising events and online campaigns have been made possible thanks to the generous cooperation of corporate sponsors, local businesses, the City of Lake Forest, and other community partners.
Their support helps us raise the funds that create innovative learning experiences and educational opportunities that prepare, engage, and inspire our children.
To learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit our Donors & Sponsors page.
Save the Date
The Spirit of 67 Home & Garden Tour will take place September 24, 2026.
