Issue 7 Volume 2 November 2025 | | |
President's Letter
Thanksgiving is approaching and we are reminded how the art of gratitude can be healing. Taking some time to get in the mindset of gratefulness is a healthy way to stay grounded. On behalf of Mary Jo, Sophie, and Grace, I can’t say thank you enough to all the people who have helped establish and grow this 100%-volunteer organization.
We thank all the generous sponsors, attendees and volunteers at our recent third annual golf and dinner. The event was hugely successful, and we raised more than $305,000.
Thanks to your commitment, the Grant Committee is poised to award $250,000 this Spring, continuing our mission to strengthen the lives of at-risk youth so they may be mentally healthy and receive needed support for their mental health. Grant submissions for this third grant cycle are being accepted until December 15.
GIVING TUESDAY is December 2, and we invite you to make Meg’s Legacy of Hope your charity of choice. Every dollar you share will fund counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and programs that save young lives.
In gratefulness this Thanksgiving, I am reminded of Meg’s thoughtful works to make a difference for the young people she helped in her volunteer work. Her outreach influences our all-volunteer organization to carry on this mission of service.
Happy Holidays,
Larry Butz
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Mental Health Around the Holidays
by Jaclyn Psenka, MA
The holiday season may bring joy and time with your loved ones, but the holiday season also can trigger difficult thoughts, feelings and behavior especially if you have less plans or feel more isolated at home.
This time of year, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms may also arise. This is characterized by feeling a significant mood change when the seasons change. It is not considered a separate disorder, but a type of depression.
Please read the full article on our website to recognize if you are suffering from SAD and to learn more about coping tips through the holidays.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis, please call 988 to reach Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis specialist 24/7.
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Or, text "MLOH" to 855-800-4975
Follow the prompts to make and pay for your donation.
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FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
The third annual golf and dinner event for Meg’s Legacy was a great success with more than 250 guests in attendance. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of sponsors, donors and participants, we raised over $305,000! It takes many wonderful volunteers to run a successful fundraiser, and special thanks to Golf Co-Chairs Sophie Butz and Kerry Miller plus their amazing Golf Committee.
We were honored to host a guest speaker from Josselyn Center, one of our 2025 grant recipients, to share progress at Josselyn’s Intensive Outpatient Center (IOP) in Grayslake. Meg’s Legacy is proud to support Josselyn in their mission to provide “mental health for all.”
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FRONT PAGE OF THE DAILY HERALD:
"OUT OF GRIEF, HOPE FOR OTHERS”
Thank you to the Daily Herald for covering Meg’s Legacy and our important work with students in the October 19, 2025 issue.
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Willow House
Sharon Aspinall represented Meg’s Legacy at the Willow House 17th annual Walk to Remember. Sharon is a dedicated ambassador and relationship manager for Willow House, a 2025 grantee.
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Cooper's Hawk
Cooper's Hawk Kildeer supported Meg’s Legacy in September and October for their Giving Back to the Community efforts, generously donating proceeds from Wednesday wine sales.
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Phase Three Brewing
Car Show
Phase Three Brewing held their inaugural car show in September, selecting Meg’s Legacy as the charity partner for proceeds.
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Chef's Dinner
One of our most popular live auction items is a specially curated gourmet dinner for ten, generously donated by local chef Bill Moylan and sous chef Ken Edwards.
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~ GRANT IMPACT ~
Carmel Catholic students inspired: “Fearless Inside”
Meg’s alma mater, Carmel Catholic High School, was a grant recipient in 2025, with the goal of developing a new, comprehensive mental wellness program.
Motivational speaker, Darryl Bellamy, spoke to the entire student body of 1,200, sharing a dynamic presentation called “Fearless Inside,” encouraging students to develop healthy coping strategies and courage when faced with life challenges.
With support from Meg’s Legacy, CCHS also provided full faculty training called "Mental Health First Aid,” presented by The Josselyn Center, to recognize, address, and improve mental healthiness of the students. READ MORE >>>
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~ Meg's Gifts of Love ~
During the holiday season, we collect toys and gifts for underprivileged children through “Meg’s Gifts of Love.” Megan had a passion for helping kids experience the joy of receiving gifts at Christmas.
If you would like to donate to the children we serve, your gifts will be shared with PADS Lake County.
Drop Off Locations Include:
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MVP Sports Academy: 143 E. Main Street in Lake Zurich
- Tacos Guanajuato: 20771 N. Rand Road, Kildeer
- Yin Yang Pilates & Yoga: 111 S. Rand Road in Lake Zurich
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3rd GRANT CYCLE at Meg’s Legacy of Hope
The 2025 grant cycle is open, and the Grant Committee is accepting submissions until December 15. Grant funding of $250,000 is available during this grant cycle for Illinois-based organizations dedicated to providing mental health services.
Meg’s Legacy grants organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting programs that address challenging mental health issues like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide.
| Crisis support is available 24/7: Call or text 988
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140 Oakwood Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
(847) 540-8534
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