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About UsOur mission is simple: To change lives in Chicago’s underserved communities by hand-delivering hope and happiness to individuals in need. North Shore Helpers is a 501(c)(3) organization that delivers gifts and holiday cheer to individuals in under-served communities in the Chicago area. Inspired by the service of people in our social and professional networking groups, we decided it was time for us to step up and make a difference. “We need to do something,” we collectively said, and before we got organized, we knew that 1) we wanted to change lives and 2) we were going to show up in-person to do so.
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North Shore Helpers’ Inaugural Outing
North Shore Helpers’ inaugural outing took place in December, 2016. We raised over $4,000 to deliver food, tents, sleeping bags, and clothing to homeless people on the streets of Chicago. In December, 2017, we raised over $6,000 to benefit the individuals of Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC). In December, 2018, we hand-delivered over $8,000 in gifts and new merchandise to staff and individuals at The Primo Center For Women and Children and threw a holiday party with a catered lunch and live entertainment. This year, we will be returning to The Primo Center For Women and Children in the Englewood neighborhood in Chicago and we hope to exceed what we delivered last year
OUR TEAM AND WHY WE STARTED NORTH SHORE HELPERS
BOARD MEMBERS
Dan “The Video Man” Gelfond
President
Keepsake Family Tree Video and Personal History Interviews
I am heavily involved in networking groups, and the leaders of these groups started their own charities. I was inspired to give back to communities like they were, so I mentioned it to my wife and networking friends, and everyone immediately said “Let’s do it!”
Keepsake Family Tree Video and Personal History Interviews
I am heavily involved in networking groups, and the leaders of these groups started their own charities. I was inspired to give back to communities like they were, so I mentioned it to my wife and networking friends, and everyone immediately said “Let’s do it!”
Marla Gelfond
Former CFO
Jet Support Services
I sold my company many years ago and found I had to do something with my time that was purposeful. I decided to fill my extra time with volunteering and found that it was so rewarding that I wanted to do more and give back to the community in a more meaningful way. Starting an organization like North Shore Helpers with my husband and good friends has not only been fun but one of the most rewarding things I have done. I hope this organization grows, and we are able to continue to help more and more people in the Chicagoland area.
Jet Support Services
I sold my company many years ago and found I had to do something with my time that was purposeful. I decided to fill my extra time with volunteering and found that it was so rewarding that I wanted to do more and give back to the community in a more meaningful way. Starting an organization like North Shore Helpers with my husband and good friends has not only been fun but one of the most rewarding things I have done. I hope this organization grows, and we are able to continue to help more and more people in the Chicagoland area.
Geoff Horwitz
Chief Mentor
The MacMentor
I grew up in a household that was very active in our synagogue and community. Giving back in any way was something that became part of who I am. The opportunity to do that with a group of friends/colleagues was simply a bonus. I simply enjoy helping those in need.
The MacMentor
I grew up in a household that was very active in our synagogue and community. Giving back in any way was something that became part of who I am. The opportunity to do that with a group of friends/colleagues was simply a bonus. I simply enjoy helping those in need.
Paul Kaufmann
President
Shred Spot
We will always remember one of our founding members, Paul, who passed away in 2020. His generous heart, contagious laugh, and passion for helping others in life and in business will never be forgotten. The North Shore Helpers continues to raise money to help underprivileged families in his honor.
Shred Spot
We will always remember one of our founding members, Paul, who passed away in 2020. His generous heart, contagious laugh, and passion for helping others in life and in business will never be forgotten. The North Shore Helpers continues to raise money to help underprivileged families in his honor.
Matt Settler
Insurance Producer
Dasco Insurance Agency, Inc.
I have always loved getting involved. Helping people has come very natural to me. Being able to give a little of what I’m grateful to have, makes it all worth it. A smile goes a long way!
Dasco Insurance Agency, Inc.
I have always loved getting involved. Helping people has come very natural to me. Being able to give a little of what I’m grateful to have, makes it all worth it. A smile goes a long way!
Alan Waner
VP of Business Development
Allegra Marketing
I have lived a prosperous life, and having a chance to give back to people less fortunate motivated me to join this group.
Allegra Marketing
I have lived a prosperous life, and having a chance to give back to people less fortunate motivated me to join this group.
OUR TEAM AND WHY WE STARTED NORTH SHORE HELPERS
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
“Unique Larry” Rosenthal
Owner, Unique Upholstery
Carpet & Rug Cleaning
We all owe it to ourselves to always give back–not only to the community, but the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to help the less fortunate, and I will always do my part to enrich the lives of others.
Carpet & Rug Cleaning
We all owe it to ourselves to always give back–not only to the community, but the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to help the less fortunate, and I will always do my part to enrich the lives of others.
Nellie Settler
Operations Project Manager
Addus
I got involved with NorthShore helpers because it is a great feeling to give back! It is amazing to be the reason that we get to see the smiles on these kids faces.
Addus
I got involved with NorthShore helpers because it is a great feeling to give back! It is amazing to be the reason that we get to see the smiles on these kids faces.
Alex Timion
Head of Operations
Red Bags
I was inspired to become part of North Shore Helpers after watching my late father, Paul Kaufmann, create such a strong organization and mission to help less fortunate families in our greater community. I have a long standing passion for fundraising and giving back, and have been involved with the American Cancer Society in various capacities for over 15 years.
Red Bags
I was inspired to become part of North Shore Helpers after watching my late father, Paul Kaufmann, create such a strong organization and mission to help less fortunate families in our greater community. I have a long standing passion for fundraising and giving back, and have been involved with the American Cancer Society in various capacities for over 15 years.