Member Spotlight: Gail Bisher, President, Spirit of 67 Foundation

Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber:  Please share a bit about the history of the Spirit of 67 Foundation and its special roots in our community.

 Gail Bisher:  The Spirit of 67 Foundation has deep, long-standing roots in our community. We were established in 1985 as an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by a dedicated group of parents and community members who shared a passion for enhancing the educational experience of elementary and middle school children. Many of today’s business leaders and successful community members began their journeys in District 67 and were impacted by the support of the Spirit. We aim to continue our tradition of support and are grateful when leaders give back to the Spirit.

 Over our 40-year history, the Spirit has awarded more than 900 educational grants totaling over $6.9 million to support students across all District 67 schools, grades K-8. The grants support advancements in various areas, including fine arts, STEAM, language arts, wellness, and beyond, to elevate and enrich the learning experience for all students, preparing them for life and high school. As a community, these exceptional educational experiences benefit all of us, from the student to the real estate agent helping a family relocate.

LF/LB: Tell us about the Spirit of 67 Foundation and the unique role the Foundation plays in enhancing the educational experience for all students in Lake Forest District 67.

 Gail Bisher:  Most people are familiar with parent-teacher associations like APTs or PTOs, which are created to support teachers and staff in schools and organize school events that promote engagement and involvement. Our local APT does an amazing job. We are fortunate and unique in Lake Forest to have the Spirit of 67 Foundation, an independent organization dedicated to fundraising for grants. The grants that the Spirit provides fuel a transformative and innovative educational culture by going beyond what the district and individual schools can provide.

 Community involvement has been essential to the Spirit's success for over forty years. Today, our board, consisting of more than 65 volunteers, remains just as committed to our mission. To ensure that every student benefits from our fundraising efforts, our Grants Committee, led by VP of Grants Noel Dolan, reviews and thoughtfully considers each application, guided by our mission and grant guidelines.

LF/LB: The Spirit does amazing work supporting the students in our community.  Can you share a bit more about your fundraising initiatives, special events, and ways that the community and businesses may support the work of the Spirit and our Lake Forest local schools?

Gail Bisher:  Our dedicated parent volunteers organize wonderful events throughout the year that connect with our larger community and bring people together to support our students. Most of this work is only possible thanks to the incredible support and partnership of local retailers, corporate sponsors, and the generous donations from our district families (Nearly 80% of district families donate each year.) If business leaders are interested in sponsorship at an event, donating to our general fund, or supporting a specific educational area, please contact our VP of Fundraising, Katie Salgat. 

 Our flagship fundraising event is the biannual Home and Garden Tour, which celebrated its 20^th anniversary last year. This highly anticipated premier event has become the highlight of our fundraising efforts and takes a village to organize. Last year, the event raised over $100,000 for our students, with more than 600 guests attending over four hours. We showcased five stunning local homes and their beautiful grounds. Delicious food and drinks were provided by nearby bars and restaurants, and tablescapes and design were also supported by local small businesses. It was a community event not to be missed. Save the date for the next Spirit of 67 Foundation Home Tour, Thursday, September 24, 2026.

 The annual Crosstown Challenge, our main fundraising event this fall, runs from September 22, 2025 to December 31, 2025. VP of Donor Relations, Katie Wilson, oversees this friendly competition among the D67 schools, which encourages families to donate to the foundation to increase family participation. Each school has a participation goal, and if they reach it by the end of the year, the school wins $1,500. The first school to meet its goal earns an extra $500, a trophy, an all-school prize, and bragging rights.

This past spring, we hosted our inaugural Paddle Tournament fundraiser at The Lake Forest Club, where teams competed for fun and bragging rights. At this lively fundraiser, spectators enjoyed food and drinks, a live music performance by the School of Rock in Highwood, and a boutique shopping experience featuring items from local artisans, jewelers, and designers. The Spirit Executive Board is considering a return of this fun event in the spring of 2026.

 All our fundraising events and online campaigns are only possible thanks to the cooperation and support from the city, corporate sponsors, local businesses, and others in the community, which help raise funds that enable a wide range of learning and educational opportunities to prepare, engage, and inspire our children.

LF/LB: What is your hope and vision for the future of the Spirit of 67 Foundation?

Gail Bisher:  As the new president of the Spirit, my goal is to keep building momentum and to preserve the impressive legacy and work of the Spirit within our community. Specifically, I plan to grow our volunteer base, attract more corporate partners, and strengthen our community outreach efforts to connect with a wider range of residents and local businesses. A successful academic institution, even at the elementary and middle levels, is vital for everyone living in Lake Forest.

 This year, under the leadership of our VP of Communications, Jing Lindsey, we will showcase the significant impact of grants on our students through our Grants-In-Action campaign. Our aim is to make sure our community is aware of how the funds raised by the Spirit directly support children and teachers in the district. It is vital not only to continue the 40-year tradition of supporting our students but also to remind residents and business leaders that this dedication to our community and its schools is what makes Lake Forest a special place.

LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about the Spirit of 67 Foundation as we embark upon an exciting new school year?

Gail Bisher:  I encourage all residents to learn more about our Grants-in-Action, understand the impact they have, and consider donating to support this important work. Everyone in the city is affected by these students, even if you're not a parent of a current student. These kids are your neighbors; they shop in your stores and dine in your restaurants, and they will grow up to become residents and community leaders. We are all interconnected.

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To learn more about the Spirit of 67 Foundation, educational grants, or make a donation, visit our website.