February 2025 

Dear blare Foundation Community,

 

As we step into February, we take this opportunity to reflect on the amazing people who make our foundation thrive. Behind every successful initiative, there are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to support our mission. This month, we are excited to spotlight some of these invaluable team members, including Zack Rubens and David Bergman, who play essential roles in keeping our foundation strong. Their behind-the-scenes contributions help us grow and ensure that we can continue making a meaningful impact in our community. We are also incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of Dana Bergman, whose dedication has been instrumental to our success.

 

Spotlight on Zack Rubens: The Digital Force Behind the BLARE Foundation

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This month, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of Zack Rubens, our Social Media Executive and website designer. Zack has been a crucial part of the BLARE Foundation since 2022, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our digital presence strong and organized. From managing our website to ensuring our social media platforms effectively communicate our mission, Zack’s work is integral to our success.

Beyond digital marketing, Zack plays a vital role in organizing important documents and streamlining our internal operations. His dedication and expertise allow the BLARE Foundation to function smoothly, ensuring that our outreach efforts are both impactful and engaging. We are truly grateful for his continued commitment and the immense value he brings to our team.

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A Special Acknowledgment for Dana Bergman

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We also want to take a moment to highlight Dana Bergman, whose contributions to the BLARE Foundation have been invaluable. Dana’s support and dedication help drive our mission forward, making a real difference in the work we do every day. Whether through direct involvement or behind-the-scenes efforts, Dana's impact is felt across the organization, and we sincerely appreciate all that she does.

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Spotlight on David Bergman

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David Bergman is an invaluable member of the BLARE Foundation team. A CPA with a specialty in real estate accounting, he has spent the past 5.5 years at InvenTrust Properties. David and his wife relocated to Buffalo Grove, a move he describes as life-transforming. Since then, he has been actively involved in the community.

David and his wife enjoy seeing shows, dining out, and visiting museums. He volunteers at the Buffalo Grove Farmers' Market from mid-June to mid-October and has also contributed his time to Open House Chicago through the Chicago Architectural Foundation for the past two years.

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A devoted Chicago sports fan (favoring the Cubs over the White Sox), David received his graduate degree from The University of Georgia in 1999, where he maintains strong connections with friends and the school. Interestingly, he and his wife met at a Meetup bowling event—despite neither being great at bowling! They also met Blair through a Scrabble Meetup, and although the group has dissolved, they continue to gather with many of its members.

David looks forward to helping Blair with her foundation and is truly inspired by her commitment to giving back to the community. His experience and passion for service make him an essential part of the BLARE Foundation's mission.

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Looking Ahead

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As we move into February, we are excited for another month of growth, engagement, and new opportunities to give back to our community. While we don’t have a major event coming up in the immediate future, we are always working on new initiatives and ways to further our impact. Stay connected with us on social media to see what’s next and stay tuned for our upcoming virtual raffle! There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with the community and make a difference. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more updates with you soon!

 

With gratitude,
Blair Brenner
Founder & Director
the BLARE Foundation

theblarefoundation@gmail.com

847-507-5605