who we are.

The Key to 73 Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the students and educators of Hawthorn District 73. We believe that every child deserves the tools and resources to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Through the generosity of our community, we provide funding for programs that foster academic success, creativity, and lifelong learning.

our Mission.

Advocate, promote, and fund initiatives to ensure the success of every one. every day. across hawthorn District 73.

our Purpose.

The purpose of the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation is to solicit, manage, and distribute supplemental funds for the principal purpose of supporting  initiatives to ensure the District 73 community is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. This effort includes, but is not limited to, fostering community engagement and aiding educational programs that may not receive district funding. These funds are intended to supplement, not replace or alter, tax-based revenue. Donations from individuals, corporations, and other foundations are directed toward advancing Learning for All. Every One. Every Day. initiatives.

our team.

  • Laura Platt-Kilstein

    PRESIDENT

    laura is an attorney and longtime vernon hills resident whose son attends elementary north. with a law degree from marquette university, she has volunteered her time with bernie's book bank and the northern il food bank. she believes education is the greatest equalizer and joined the board to help ensure every district 73 student has equal access to learning.

  • Hannah Kim

    TREASURER

    hannah is a senior vice president at bank of america and a dedicated d73 parent with two children at aspen elementary. she holds an mba in finance and economics and has a strong history of volunteering with organizations like feed my starving children and the food depository. she joined the board to use her professional expertise to support student success across the district.

  • Emily Eunbyul-Kim

    SECRETARY

    emily is a pharmacist and a vernon hills resident of eight years with two children in the district. a doctor of pharmacy and an active church pianist, she is passionate about giving back to her local community. she chose to join the foundation to help provide enriched educational opportunities and resources to students from all financial backgrounds.

  • Sol Cabachuela

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Vahe Ayvazian

    BOARD MEMBER

    vahe is the dvp of global marketing at abbott and has lived in gregg's landing for ten years. he is an active volunteer coordinator and a father of two district 73 students. driven by the belief that a great education is the foundation for all success, he serves on the board to help build a strong future for the community's youth.

  • Angela Maki

    BOARD MEMBER

    angela is an elementary school principal and a libertyville resident with two children attending hawthorn north. inspired by the power of community, she joined the foundation to help address the immediate, tangible needs of local students and families. she is dedicated to supporting ongoing initiatives like the food pantry and student grants that make a meaningful difference in the district.

  • Courtney Pittman

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Katherine Nierstheimer

    BOARD MEMBER

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our impact.

  • Essentials.

    Providing the foundational tools for success, from school supplies to daily nutritional support. We ensure every child arrives in the classroom ready to learn and grow.

  • support.

    Strengthening the home environment through food pantry access and emergency resources. We believe a supported family is the backbone of a successful student.

  • innovation.

    Funding innovative classroom grants and specialized programs that go beyond tax-based revenue. We provide the "extra" that makes our education exceptional.

  • joy.

    Spreading joy and stability during the most critical times of the year. Our seasonal efforts ensure that no child or family in District 73 is left behind.

your turn.

  • Every contribution helps fund ready-to-learn initiatives like school supplies, food assistance, and enrichment programs. Your support directly benefits students and families in need.

    donate

  • From helping at events to assisting with donation drives, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our mission. Join us in making a difference for students and their families.

    Volunteer

  • We welcome partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to expand opportunities for students. by collaborating with us, you help create a network of support.

    Partner

  • join us at our upcoming events to see our mission in action. whether it’s a night of bingo or a day on the golf course, your presence helps us build a stronger community for our students.

    attend

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in the loop.

a special golf outing edition of our foundation newsletter.

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