HPAC is launching its fundraising efforts.

Since reconstituting the Advisory Council, we've focused on building a strong foundation for the organization. We've created bylaws, developed a comprehensive budget request, and presented it to the Chicago Park District. We expect to see the results of that work in the near future.

Now it's time to move into the next phase: supporting the programs and events that make Humboldt Park such a special community space.

The challenges HPAC faced before it was disbanded are no longer our focus. Thanks in large part to the leadership of the 26th Ward and our partners, we can now focus our energy on creating opportunities for our community rather than addressing past issues.

We've discussed many exciting fundraising ideas, but every effort has to start somewhere. So today, we're making a simple, direct ask.

One of our immediate priorities is funding this fall's Pumpkin Patch. This has been an HPAC tradition for many years, and last year more than 300 children attended. While generous donations and dedicated volunteers make the event possible, it still costs several thousand dollars each year to produce.

If you'd like to help keep this tradition going, please consider making a donation and sharing this appeal with friends and neighbors. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make a difference.

Thank you for your support of HPAC and the Humboldt Park community.