November, 2007Volume 1, Issue 2

Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund“Everywhere we look, caring hands have preceded us.” G.B. Shaw

TTHS Principal Dr. Betheny Lyke with Dan Ustian at the Open Dinner

Wow!!! What memories we created at the golf outing and dinner on September 10th!

The golf course was sold out and the dining room was filled to its utmost capacity. By every definition, the entire day was a huge success. Best of all, we surpassed our net goal of $100,000 for the day!!!

Event partner, Navistar, led by their CEO and TTHS alum Dan Ustian (’68), graciously provided the resources to plan and execute the day alongside the steering committee. Plus, Navistar purchased half of the foursomes as gifts for their vendors. Their effort was incredible!

Highlights were plentiful, but here are a few of the happenings that day at

2007 Wildcat Open a HUGE Success!!

Bill Brazley (‘61), Renowned Architect, Inspires Students Via Distinguished Speaker SeriesOn October 9th, Bill Brazley (’61) became TALF’s latest Distinguished Speaker, sharing his experiences with TTHS students.

Brazley, a world renowned architect, has designed airport terminals (including United’s concourse at

Calumet Country Club in Homewood, IL:

Greeters staffed by TTHS football players.

Lunchtime entertainment provided by the SophistiCats, a new TTHS girls dance troupe that was started with TALF’s funding.

The cheerleaders sold $2700 worth of raffle tickets. The winner donated back his half so TALF took in 100% of the funds.

John Toigo (’67) donated his family’s excellent wine for dinner, offered a wine tasting table, and allowed TALF to auction a trip to his family’s winery in the Montepulciano, Italy, which sold for over $3000.

The Ray Charles Experience performed an amazing set.

Tom Dreesen had the crowd in stitches with a top-notch stand-up performance.

Fred Furth (’52) added an impromptu live auction item – a luxurious stay at his Chalk Hill Winery – and Fred himself auctioned it for more than $3,000!

The silent and live auctions grossed more than $21,000!

32 sponsorships were purchased for a total of more than $33,000!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who gave time and money to make our Open dreams come true!

O’Hare), banks, libraries, churches, residences and more. It would be hard to drive around the Chicago area without seeing a structure designed by William E. Brazley & Associates.

By combining pictures of his work with his life’s

story, Brazley helped the students visualize the heights of success that they are capable of achieving if they are willing to focus on a goal, work hard and remain determined.

Thanks again, Bill, from all of us at TALF and TTHS!

2007 – 2008 SophistiCats

Paul(’57) & Barbara Boudreau Golaszewski (’57) with Carl Durnavich (’68)

An extra special thank you to our event planner, Pukelis and Lehrer Communications! Louis Pukelis and his team took great care of us and helped make this Wildcat Open our finest ever!!

Bill Brazley (’61) inspired students as TALF’s latest Distinguished Speaker

Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund News

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Alex Bass (center) poses with Gwyn Richards (right) Dean of the Jacobs School

of Music , and Dr. Gary Anderson (left) an IU

patron, after his performance.

TTHS Senior Alex Bass is an incredibly talented performer. Among his credits are playing Simba in Chicago’s “Lion King” production, performing as a lead singer with the Thornton-based group the Ray Charles Experience, and achieving great success in a variety of speech and drama productions at TTHS.

The hard work has really paid off and made him into a truly elite performer.

TTHS Senior Dazzles Indiana U. Dignitaries with Performance in

If you were a member of the TTHS community any time between 1946 and 1982, then you may remember Don O’Brien.

He wore many different hats during his time at TTHS and District 205: Biology Teacher, Science Dept Chair, Assistant Principal, District Director of Curriculum & Research, Associate Superintendent, First President of the Faculty Association and Credit Union.

Today, he enjoys reading, travel and emailing with family, friends and former shipmates who he served with on a Cruiser in WWII.

We asked Don about his memories of TTHS and here is his wonderful response:

After WWII, there were still some big industries that did a lot to help the financial situation at Thornton.  For example, in the science department, we always had a generous budget allowance to provide students with enriching equipment with which to work.  In fact, when Fred Burdine left to teach the gifted sections at New Trier, he called and requested a copy of our inventory since he lacked things he had utilized before in teaching biology. When Dr.McVey interviewed me in '46, he took me down the halls while classes were in session, so I could see how quiet and well disciplined the students were.       Pep assemblies, homecoming parades, PX dances etc. supplemented the academic and athletic programs to provide a fine spirit which was enhanced by awards from activities like music, art, theater, speech, vocational arts and science fair events.

Recollections from Retired Faculty Don O’Brien

So when TALF’s Jane Halagiere Martin (’67) was planning an October gathering of IU officials that included Gwyn Richards, Dean of IU’s world-class Jacobs School of Music, she saw an opportunity to expose an exceptional TTHS student to one of the country’s top training grounds for performers.

With his mother Rhonda, Alex flew to Bloomington and, according to Jane’s own account, his

performance at the party was “absolutely wonderful,” and received glowing reviews from Dean Richards and other top administrators.

We’ll keep you updated on Alex’s plans for next year, but Jane’s efforts on behalf of TALF, along with support from Alex’s family and TTHS, epitomize one of TALF’s key missions: To assist today’s students in realizing their full potential.

The strength of the school was bolstered by community pride and support plus the outstanding faculty. Teachers like Eleanor Nelson, Fred Ring and Viola Seebach knew how important it was to teach the basics.  Jennifer Hance was one who showed warmth by her personality alone.  Toby Hightower could handle discipline cases like magic and had original humorous sayings at the tip of his tongue.      I am especially proud of former students who overcame problems and achieved success.   Judith Krecek comes to my mind as she was legally blind but retired not long ago from teaching even though ISU professors tried to discourage her from such a career.  Fred Furth was discouraged by some, but graduated with honors from law school [and went on to] be a highly successful lawyer.  He wrote in my 1950 Thorntonite: "I know I didn't get high marks in biology, but I believe I learned some things that are worth a lot more."     One incident stands out as a memorable event:   The gym was filled with students for a special occasion and one part of the program featured the girls' dance club in a ballet scene on stage.  Unfortunately, they were soon greeted with disrespect to the point that they stopped dancing and left the stage in tears.  After some calming words were spoken, Mr Morris Gladstone called down from the balcony:  "Please bring the girls back!"   They soon came back and the audience ended up giving them a resounding ovation. I do know that my years at Thornton were enjoyable and I treasure having known and worked with so many fine students and teachers.

If you would like to contact Mr. O’Brien, he can be reached at: ussca24@sbcglobal.net or at his home address: 4736 Larch Ave Glenview, IL 60025

Don O’Brien, here attending TALF’s Tom

Dreesen Benefit Concert in June 2006 with his

daughter, Linda Ramsden.For the full text of Mr. O’Brien’s essay, other letters sent to TALF and to add your own stories, please visit our blog at: http://talf.typepad.com

Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund News

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Membership Level Annual Contribution

Benefit

Associate $25 TALF Membership Card, Recognition in Newsletter, WebsitePurple $100 Associate + Wildcat PinWildcat $250 Purple + Hand Carved & Bronzed Medallion, Event DiscountsK.I.P. Circle $1000 Wildcat + 2 Tickets to Annual Event & Special Recognition

Since TALF’s founding in 2004, response from Wildcat graduates has been tremendous. Many alums have asked for ways to support our mission, even if they are unable to attend events in person. So this fall we are launching a TALF Membership drive. For as little as $25, you can be a part of the TALF team and help make us successful.

To join, you may mail your payment to our office address at:

833 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607

The gift is tax deductible and membership cards and other perks will be mailed right after the first of the year.

Join TALF: 2007 – 2008 Membership Drive

Did you know the Toigo family from your days at TTHS? What you may not have realized is that the family originally hails from a small town in the Tuscan region of Italy, an area famous for its world-class vineyards, one of which is owned by the Toigo family.

John Toigo is now bringing the family wines to the U.S. and he has generously offered to donate a portion of all TALF-related sales, back to the Legacy Fund. This offer is in addition to the wine John donated

John Toigo (’67) Donates Wine Proceeds to TALFfor the golf outing dinner, as our Sommelier Sponsor. It was a real luxury for all of our guests to enjoy outstanding quality wine with dinner!

Please support John’s efforts emailing him directly at jw@toigogroup.com Details about the wine, availability and special offers will also be available soon on the company’s website: www.toigogroup.com

In March 2007, TALF was granted its official 501c3 status by the IRS. This means we are a full-fledged, independent non-profit organization. Previously, donations to TALF were deductible under the District 205 foundation, and they continue to be deductible under our own unique identity.

Contribution and Membership Sign-up Registration FormThe holidays are a time to give thanks for all that we feel fortunate enough to have in our lives. TALF would like to thank our supporters for helping us exceed our goals for the Wildcat Open and to extend our wishes to everyone for a very happy holiday with your family and friends. If you are fortunate enough to be making choices about what charitable organizations to support at year’s end, we hope you will think of us, and realize what a difference you can make, with any size of gift.

Despite our successes, the needs are still greater. We have hopes to provide new equipment for science labs, math and reading supplements, band instruments, mentoring programs, college scholarships and more. But we need your help. Please consider helping us reach our goals by contacting us and/or making a donation today. Thank you for your support!

Please clip this box and return it with a check made payable to “Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund”. Below you may direct your funds toward specific uses:

Yes, I would like to join your effort. Please contact me at the following: ____________________________________ Yes, I would like to become a TALF member at the following level: $ ____________. Please select one of the following:

_____ Please apply my gift toward an immediate need_____ Please deposit my gift into the Legacy Fund’s general fund (20 – 30 % immediate, 70 - 80% endowment)

Name ___________________________ Graduating Class: ______________________Street Address: ___________________________ Email Address: ______________________City, St Zip: ___________________________

Tom Dreesen performs at Wildcat Open dinner

Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund News

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Address Service Requested

2007 Wildcat Open SponsorsAccentureAmerican Eagle SteelAmerprise Financial, Inc.Anonymous*William BielbyJan BohacekSharon Boudreau McLainJoel BrockKay BushGlenda Buss DillmanDiane Campbell CarrickJeffery ClarkRichard CondonDr. & Mrs. Todd H. Cubbon, DDSRichard DennisCarl DurnavichFaye EdwardsErnst & YoungFinancial DynamicsGreg FletcherFranczek Sullivan, P.C.Jeanne FranksFred FurthHuron Consulting Illinois School Bus, IncThe Ingalls Memorial HospitalRay JakubiakKen JurekJennifer Karrson

Recognition of Our Supporters

The Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund is dedicated to preserving the past and ensuring the future of Thornton Township High School.

Our mission is to create an endowment in excess

About Our Organization…

Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund

833 West JacksonSuite 200

Chicago, IL 60607

PHONE:(312) 224-3109

E-MAIL:talf@district205.net

2008 Membership DriveSee Inside for Details

about how you can join!

We’re on the Web!See us at:

http://www.tthswildcats.comOr visit our Blog:

http://talf.typepad.com/

THORNTON ALUMNI LEGACY FUND833 West Jackson

Suite 200Chicago, IL 60607-3015

NAMESTREET ADDRESSCITY, ST 22134

of $1 million to provide financial support for under-funded academic and extracurricular programs now and in the future.

Our bylaws require that 70% – 80% of our funds

permanent endowment to benefit the school while the remaining 20% – 30% may be spent to address today’s needs immediately.

PRSRT STDECR.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPermit No. 1951

Open Sponsors (Continued)LB SteelJane & Patrick MartinNavistar InternationalAlan NudoOld Oak Dental Center100 Women for Harvey, IncRich PagoriaPropes & Kaveny, LLCPukelis & Lehrer CommunicationsPwCBrian RagonaRandy RamseyStoneridge, IncTahoe PartnersThornton Township SupervisorsJohn ToigoCarol Vandenberg LukertVirchow, Krause & CoKenneth Whitted

2007 DonorsArtemis BastarMike BeltMerry BraymanDr. & Mrs. James ClarkWilliam B. CostelloBeatrice V. Crane-MahaffreyJoyce I. Dennler

2007 Donors (Continued)Carmella Firetto DonatoRon FergusonGolden Anniversary Class of ’49Kathryn Goodwin ConantKathryn P. HackerFred D. HarrisBill HayesNorman O. JungThomas KalinowskiMelvin L. KattenRaymond J. LenartDwight LewisRoger A. Liehr DVMRoe E. Mallstrom, Jr.Ellen MassothPaul MazzoneKathleen & Gene NeedlesDave NelsonDon O’BrienPatrick O’LearyGregory PageVirginia PaulPatrick PichaCarol PokrackiMerrill & Jean SauriolAmy Selkirk JacquesBruce SerbusTTHS Class of ‘47TTHS Dist 205 Academic Enrichment FundF. Ellen Vandenberg-Miller

* TALF received a $10,000 donation from an alumnus who wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you!!!