For 75 years, The Cove School in Northbrook has helped children with learning disabilities in grades K-12 develop the skills and self-confidence they need in order to successfully transition to community schools or post-secondary education. On February 26, the school held its annual benefit, Cove Shine Bright 2022—raising a record-breaking $600,000 to support both its mission and a new career center opening in downtown Northbrook in Summer 2022.
The evening, which was conducted virtually due to the pandemic, began with a wine tasting pre-party hosted by Joe Glunz, Cove board member, alum and CEO of Louis Glunz Wines. Jessica Brosche and Samantha Kaplan, who both served as event chairs, welcomed attendees and shared their personal perspectives as mothers of Cove students. The benefit also featured in-depth stories of Cove students’ educational journeys and how the school has guided them towards success, including a poignant tale shared by The Cove School’s Board of Trustees President David Crosswhite about his son.
Dr. Sally Sover, the school’s executive director, spoke of the long history of The Cove School and the growth of its mission since 1947. “Cove’s 75-year long story is a compilation of the beautiful lives who have come together, united in purpose, driven by passion, empowered by possibility and with the promise for a brighter tomorrow,” said Dr. Sover.
The evening continued with a vibrant live auction, with several celebrity studded packages up for grabs. Grace Goudie, winner of Food Network’s “Chopped” and executive chef of the award-winning restaurant, Scratchboard Kitchen, generously donated her talents to personally prepare an exclusive home-based dinner for 8. Jose Abreu, the all-star first baseman for the White Sox and 2020 American League MVP, donated a full-service suite for 12 for a home game.
A number of local businesses stepped up to sponsor and support Cove Shine Bright 2022, including Academic Approach, American Chemet Corporation, Barnett Capital LTD Northern Trust, Katten and CIBC.
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Donna Berry Glass is a freelance writer in Marin County who writes mostly about family and kid-oriented topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family exploring the natural beauty of Marin, snuggling with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel while reading a good book or whipping up something delicious in her space-challenged kitchen. Donna is a supporter of the California Academy of Sciences, a world class science museum and research institution, and the Institute on Aging which provides much needed services to seniors and disabled individuals.
