Our Mission
Joanie’s Closet is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that serves under-resourced Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 students and their families, by providing basic needs to help students achieve their full potential.
Joanie’s Closet was founded in the spirit of May Whitney Elementary School’s long-time nurse, Joanie Bednarz, who passed away unexpectedly in August of 2005. Joanie was well known for her humanitarianism and generosity, especially toward May Whitney families in need. She helped families quietly, providing assistance with care, respect, and dignity.
After Joanie’s unexpected passing, the Joanie’s Closet organization was originally created as a PTO committee, then later as a committee of the Educational Foundation. As of July 2024, Joanie’s Closet is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that continues to serve the under-resourced students and families of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 in collaboration with the community.
How We Help
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School supplies
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Winter coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, and boots
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Clothing, underwear, socks, shoes
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Health office snacks for hungry students
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Grocery and gas cards
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Household necessities
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Summer School scholarships
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...and much more!
Students can't learn optimally when their basic needs are not being met, and hunger is a prime example.
Snacks are provided by Joanie's Closet to the schools' health offices for those times when students are experiencing hunger.
Every under-resourced Lake Zurich School District 95 student is eligible to receive new school supplies and a backpack from Joanie's Closet. These supplies mirror the District 95 supply list.
Having the tools they need to learn is important for a student's social-emotional well-being as well as their academic success.
Any under-resourced Lake Zurich School District 95 student is eligible to receive a free winter coat, hat, and mittens/gloves. Immediate family members in the same household are also eligible to receive coats.
Many families struggle to pay for basic needs like food and clothing. Winter outerwear can present a big financial challenge for some families - especially with growing children.
Support Us
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Joanie’s Closet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer organization. Monetary donations of any amount are welcome electronically through the 'Donate' button or via check, mailed to the address below. Additionally, sponsorships are available at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Dance levels as defined below.
Donating by Check?
Mail your donation to Joanie's Closet, 832 S. Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL. 60047
We also accept the following in-kind donations and will honor the appropriate sponsorship level based on the value of the donation:
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New backpacks - solid colors
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New school supplies from the Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 list
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New winter coats, gloves, hats
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Individually packaged snacks
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Gift cards for select local merchants
Sponsorship Levels
Joanie's Sponsors
Thank you to these generous donors!!
Joanie's Platinum Level Sponsors
Donations of $10,000 or More
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Foglia Family Foundation
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Deacon John & Bobbi Sfire
Joanie's Gold Level Sponsors
Donations of $5,000 - $9,999
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District 95 Educational Foundation
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District 95 Families - Registration Donations
Joanie's Silver Level Sponsors
Donations of $2,500 - $4,999
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American Legion Post #964
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Baird & Warner - Lake Zurich
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Echo Incorporated
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Joy Lutheran Church
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Mobile Music - Interactive Entertainment
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The Ash Family - In Honor of Caitlin Vail
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Samantha & Dave Hassler
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Lori & Steve Smith
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Anonymous
Joanie's Bronze Level Sponsors
Donations of $1,000 - $2,499
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BIMBO Bakeries USA
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Cutting Edge Counseling of North Shore
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CUSD District 95 Choirs
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ECO Automated Designs
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Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care
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Knights of Columbus #8022 - St. Mary of Vernon
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Lamp, Inc.
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Rotary Club of Lake Zurich
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Whitsons Culinary Group
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The Handal Family - In memory of Casey Handal
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Sally & Chris Kutsor
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Ann Marie & Scott McConnell
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Barb & Bill McConnell
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Elizabeth & Michael Naponelli
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Vicki & Mike Pesch
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Ruth & Dmitry Spivak
Joanie's Dance Sponsors
Donations of $250-$999
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$750 - Buckley Fine, LLC
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$750 - Nothing Bundt Cakes - Kildeer
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$500 - Baird & Warner - Lake Zurich
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$500 - In Light Photobooths
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$500 - Smalley Steel Ring
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$500 - Stacy & Mark Betz
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$500 - Barb & Rick Haas
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$500 - Meghan & Steve Hoxmeier
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$500 - Lance Jacobson
- $250 - Cooper's Hawk
- $250 - K&M Printing
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$250 - Physical Therapy and Wellness with Dr. Cathy Malloy
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$250 - Volles Bridal & Mr. Tux
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$250 - Darby Hills
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$250 - Mary Zarr
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$250 - Book Smart Cookies
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$250 - Bon ApeTreats
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$250 - Brendy's Sweet Creations
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$250 - Cookies by CharMar
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$250 - Cookie Momster of Chicago
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$250 - Eivats Sweets
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$250 - JoJo's Goodies
More About Us
Volunteers
Joanie's Closet is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, managed by an Executive Board, in cooperation with Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95.
In addition to the Executive Board, volunteers serve as school liaisons through the PTOs, as committee members for initiatives like school supplies, winter coats, and the main fundraiser (Joanie's Closet Valentine's Dance).
Executive Board Members
President
Ann Marie McConnell
Vice President
Michelle Hanson
Secretary
Regina Olech
Treasurer
Scott McConnell
Member
Sally Kutsor
District Liaison
Gaby Mascote
School Representatives
Caroline Carson Bell - LZHS
Carmel Pfeifer - LZHS
Vicki Pesch - LZHS
Sharon Koppa - MSN
Christina Wald- MSN
Christina Bos - MSS
Andrea Watkins - MSS
Hollie Holbach - Isaac Fox
Jennie Olson - Isaac Fox
Carly Peirick - Isaac Fox
Kristin Mintjal - May Whitney
Erin Ott - May Whitney
Melissa Riske - Sarah Adams
Regina Olech - Sarah Adams
Anna Lykholap - Seth Paine
Cathy Malloy - Seth Paine
Ruth Spivak - Seth Paine
Erin Alianello - Spencer Loomis
Michelle Hanson – Spencer Loomis
Members At Large
Jean Malek
Patricia Linares
Melissa DeLuga
Michelle Pratt
Dagmar Tribuzio
Need Assistance?
Contact the District 95 Liaison for Joanie's Closet by clicking on the Need Help button.
Joanie's Closet
832 S. Rand Road
Lake Zurich, IL. 60047