A HUGE Thank You to One of GTL's Newest and Most Generous Local Supporters!

Gateway to Learning has a challenging and worthwhile mission behind it. It's one that we hope to share with the world--but first, with the folks right here in Lincoln Square. After more than 20 years operating out of our facility on Lincoln Ave, the surrounding community is finally getting to know our organization...largely thanks to the generosity and support of one of our closest business neighbors, MB Financial.

Mary Kay Phillips, a banking center manager at the Lincoln Square MB, met Gateway to Learning's newest staff member (Kathleen Wilson, marketing) at a networking event for the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce earlier this year. Mary Kay is on chamber's Board of Directors and an active member of the community, volunteering her time, energy and creativity to help local businesses thrive. She quickly and effectively took Kathleen and GTL under her wing, introducing us to many new friends in the area and sharing our message (and Dorothy's Can-Do Cafe cookies) with her customers at the bank.

Over the past couple of months, Mary Kay and her team at MB Financial have helped us raise awareness as well as funds for our cause. In addition to supporting GTL as customers of Dorothy's Can-Do Cafe, the local MB branch has collected nearly $100 in donations from guests at the bank. Mary Kay also recently recommended Gateway to Learning to MB's charitable foundation, which has just provided us with a very generous contribution of $500 to fund our community initiatives this year.

MB Financial has helped GTL introduce our organization and new cafe to the public, and with the funds they collected and contributed to our cause, we'll be able to create new ways for our clients to grow and interact with the Lincoln Square community. On behalf of all of us here at Gateway to Learning, we'd like to thank Mary Kay, the local MB Financial branch team, and the MB Financial Charitable Foundation for their efforts in supporting our mission for individuals with special needs. We look forward to continuing a great relationship with our new friends, and to building new partnerships with others in our community this year!