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Deerfield students raise $6,300 for first‑responder families; village proclaims March 21 World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Summary
Shepherd Middle School student council told the Deerfield Board of Trustees they raised more than $6,300 for the 100 Club of Illinois; the board also adopted a proclamation recognizing March 21, 2025 as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and presented it to Gigi's Playhouse Deerfield.
Shepherd Middle School student council members told the Deerfield Board of Trustees that their "Pack the Place" basketball fundraiser raised more than $6,300 for the 100 Club of Illinois, which supports families of first responders killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
"This year, we raised over $6,300 for the 100 Club, which helps provide support to families of first responders killed in the line of duty and support active duty first responders," Molly Kleinman, a student council co‑president, told the board. Students said the total more than doubled last year’s haul and credited community partners and local businesses for sponsorships.
The student council listed local sponsors including City Barbecue, Deerfield Bakery, Whole Foods, Deerfield Shake Shack and others, and thanked the Deerfield Police and Fire Departments for participating in the event. A village volunteer said the net fundraising figure without a Deerfield Lions Club donation was $4,396.
The board also adopted a proclamation read by Mayor Daniel C. Shapiro declaring March 21, 2025, World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and recognizing Gigi's Playhouse Deerfield, a community achievement center that provides educational and therapeutic programs. The proclamation cites prevalence figures and calls for acceptance and inclusion.
Shannon Karen, who identified herself as a staff member of Gigi's Playhouse, accepted the proclamation and thanked the village. "It is our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to be accepted and embraced in our schools, families, and community," she said, and noted that the Playhouse is run largely by volunteers.
The board approved the proclamation by unanimous roll call. Trustees and staff praised the student organizers and encouraged residents to support local nonprofits and first responders.
The board moved on to other business after the presentation; the meeting later entered executive session.
