Winnetka, News

News Briefs: Dunk Alzheimer’s raises $11,000; Businesses support wildfire relief; County to subsidize spaying, neutering in February

North Shore Country Day’s annual Dunk Alzheimer’s Basketball Bash returned for its 13th year on Jan. 25 in the newly renovated Mac McCarty Athletic Center.

The event surpassed its goal by raising nearly $11,000 to support Alzheimer’s research, according to a press release from the Winnetka school.

“From assembling the committee to pricing concessions, selling merchandise, securing raffle prizes, managing the event itself, advertising weeks in advance, and planning the dance — every detail required careful thought and effort,” said senior Charlie Ver Eecke, of Winnetka, one of 11 student leaders of the Dunk Alz committee. “But in the end, it was all worth it.”

The day was packed with activities, including five basketball games, two Little Dribblers Hoops4Health clinics and a series of fan-favorite competitions, such as free-throw and three-pointer races.

The Mac Shack concession stand reportedly sold 450 Raising Cane’s chicken tenders orders with all proceeds going toward the Alzheimer’s Association.

“I was on the fence about including Raising Cane’s due to the cost, but the second we announced it, there was a line of 20 to 30 people,” Ver Eecke said in the release.

A record 2,500 raffle tickets were sold for five major prizes: front-row Chicago Blackhawks tickets, Bulls and Bears tickets, Chicago Sky tickets, and a $100 Raising Cane’s gift card.

“Seeing the entire North Shore community come together under one roof for an entire day was an incredible experience,” Ver Eecke said. “From the freshman/sophomore game at 9 a.m. to the final seconds of the varsity boys game at 4:30 p.m., the gym was absolutely packed with Raiders, young and old.”

The tradition of Dunk Alzheimer’s began in 2013 when NSCD alumnus Jonathan Segal, class of 2015, founded the event in honor of his grandmother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 60.

His younger sister, Caroline Segal, class of 2020, continued the event after him, and today, upper school students have taken the lead in ensuring its impact continues to grow.

Since its inception, Dunk Alzheimer’s has raised more than $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research.

“The event’s success comes from the fact that Dunk Alz brings together everyone — students from JK to 12, parents, faculty, staff and alumni,” Ver Eecke said. “North Shore can sometimes feel small, but on this day, you get to see just how big and connected our community truly is.”


Highland Park businesses pledge support to wildfire-relief efforts

Several Highland Park businesses are supporting the people of Southern California who were impacted by the devastating wildfires in January.

BellaRu Catering, 1480 Old Deerfield Rd., (847) 461-3995

Donating a portion of proceeds throughout 2025 to support food service workers impacted by the wildfires.

Indus Progressive Indian, 617 Central Ave., (312) 282-8064

Donating 50% of brunch profits through Feb. 8 to Chicago Chef Cook’s Los Angeles Relief Fund.

Kaleidoscope heART Market, 599 Central Ave., (847) 521-6782

Event on Feb. 6 will benefit Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that supports families and babies displaced by the wildfires. Cost of the event is $40 to create Valentine’s Day-inspired artwork.

Pets4Life, 661 Central Ave., (847) 434-2745

Donating 10% of retail proceeds to shelter, rescue and reunite pets with their families through Los Angeles Animal Services.

Secret World Books, 1774 Second St., (847) 469-4875

Donating a portion of proceeds for limited time to support Southern California Booksellers through the Book Industry Charitable Foundation.

Tamales, 493 Central Ave., (847) 433-4070

Donating $1 for every margarita sold through Feb. 10 to the Chicago Chef’s Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Fund.


Get a discount on spay, neuter services this month

Cook County residents can receive up to a $40 discount when they spay or neuter their pets in February, which is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month. 

Many, but not all, veterinarians in the county accept the discount program, but residents should confirm. No coupon is required, but the pet owner must live in Cook County and the county will cover up to $40 off the service.

For more information about the spay and neuter program, visit the county’s website.


The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.

Staff

This article was developed using publicly available information, such as press releases, municipal records and social media posts.

Related Stories