'Positive Buzz In The Air' At Glenview Community Run For Local Nonprofit

GLENVIEW, IL — Vibrant colors were everywhere Sunday at Glenview's Johns Park for the Gelfand Gallop, a one-mile community run to benefit a local organization.

Debra Gelfand, a Glenview mother of six sons, sadly passed away in 1990 at the age of 37. Known for her support of the local community and overall generosity, her memory lives on with the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation.

Now in its 35th year, the nonprofit organization's mission is to support Glenview School District 34 students and families experiencing hardships by providing resources and assistance, leading toward independence, emotional well-being, and long-term stability.

"There was a positive buzz in the air on Sunday," Barbara Silver, a good friend of Gelfand and founder/president of the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation, tells Patch. "Seeing the community come together for a fun event was gratifying. The hard work by two of the board members showed a very positive result for everyone at Johns Park."

Organizers said over 175 participants showed up for this year's untimed run to raise money. The runners, which included every age from preschoolers to retirees, got covered from head to toe in colors to support the foundation.

Soon after Gelfand's death, Silver was trying to figure out a way to memorialize her friend's legacy by establishing a fund that could continue to serve the Glenview community for years to come. She has been successful in that endeavor as the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation "has kept Debra's spirit in the forefront of the community" by coming to the aid of thousands of families experiencing crisis over more than three decades.

"The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation is one of assisting in crisis situations," Silver said. "Children/families are helped at a time of need. Giving them the resources that are necessary makes for a better attitude and self-worth."

Additionally, Debra's youngest son, Zach Gelfand, now serves alongside Barbara as the vice president of the foundation. To learn more about the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation, visit here.