Event Recap: An Evening of Enlightenment, October 12, 2023
More than 200 supporters (in-person and online) gathered at Northmoor Country Club to learn about the progress made on educational and medical initiatives over the last 12 months. The supporters heard from noted author, Don Winslow, who has written extensively about the Mexican drug cartels. There was also a special video interview with Northshore native Jon Scheyer, the head men’s basketball coach at Duke University.
Nancy and Ross Friedman (treasurer and board president, respectively) gave an overview on progress made over the last year, including:
The launch of a First Responders training program to ensure police, firefighters and EMTs are better equipped to treat patients.
Continued growth in usage of the breakthrough Full-Code virtual simulation learning tool for medical students, physicians, and nurses from across the world.
A series of Community Harm Reduction events were held in Highland Park and Buffalo Grove.
A new educational program with Chicago Public Schools involving Juniors and Seniors at Hubbard High School.
Jon Scheyer not only led his Glenbrook North team to an Illinois State High School basketball championship, but he was captain of the Duke University squad that won a NCAA Championship. Jon’s youth basketball coach and mentor, Bob Reece, interviewed Jon about his career, as well as the importance of the GPF Foundation’s lifesaving work.
The GPF Foundation presents an award annually to recognize significant contributions to reducing the harm caused by recreational drugs. This year social worker Emily Mysel and Dr. Ben Feinzimer were honored for launching the Foundation’s First-Responders Educational Initiative. Dr. Wendy Rheault, President of Rosalind Franklin University (the 2022 honoree), presented this year’s award to Emily and Ben.
Keynote speaker, Don Winslow, a best-selling author whose novels have been made into feature films and television shows, shared his exhaustive research about drug cartels and their devastating impact in Mexico and the United States. Don was introduced by Joey Berk, the son of Foundation Board Members Janna and Keith Berk.
Lake Forest’s Larry Potash, co-news anchor of the Emmy Award winning WGN-TV Morning News, again served as moderator, adroitly keeping all aspects of the evening on schedule and interesting.
