Barry Berger has many fond memories of growing up in Lincolnwood. Now he hopes that will be the case for the next generation of children.
Berger, who resided in Lincolnwood in the 1960s and 70s and was a member of the Class of 1972 at Niles West High School, has announced he and his wife Tammy will be donating a total of $2 million to the village, District 219 and Lincolnwood School District 74 over the next 10 years as part of a “pay it backwards” effort.
“Growing up in Lincolnwood and attending Lincolnwood schools and Niles West bring up fond memories,” Berger said in a statement released through the village. “From being camper of the year at Lincolnwood Recreation Summer Camp in 1963 to attending the bonfire at the Halloween Party at the park, to the friends I made in Lincolnwood and at Niles West, I could not imagine a better way to spend my youth. It is our sincere pleasure to be able to make this commitment.”
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After high school graduation, Berger eventually moved to Los Angeles and entered the health care industry. He opened Accredited Home Health in 1980, which was sold in 2021.
Last year, he approached local officials about his interest in providing some financial assistance.
Specifically, the donation provides annual $100,000 amounts each year for the next 10 years to the village, and $50,000 a year each over the next decade to Niles Township High School District 219 and Lincolnwood District 74.
Through their foundation, the Bergers are interested in generating an inclusive environment for children facing physical challenges, in addition to summer camp programs. Therefore, the top priority from the village standpoint is construction of an accessible playground at Proesel Park with a hope of construction starting in 2024.
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Parks and Recreation Director Karen Hawk said there is a likelihood of an unspecified amount of village money that would have to be used to start of the playground by 2024. She estimated a playground could cost between $200,000 to $500,000 based on current data.
She added more information would be available once design of the proposed playground is completed.
Other intended uses include accessible surfacing at all of the village’s playgrounds, a splash pad that can be used by all children, other summer camp enhancements and equipment along with a scholarship fund for summer camp for low-income families to go into place next year.
“I could tell from the way Barry Berger talked about his childhood that he really loved Lincolnwood, but I would have never imagined talking about how to put a million-dollar donation to work,” Mayor Jesal Patel said in a statement. “The village is extremely thankful for this impactful generosity that will benefit an untold number of children using our parks. I hope the generosity of the Bergers will resonate with our community and foster more of giving back.”
Barry Berger graduated from Lincoln Hall Middle Hall School and the couple also wanted to assist District 74.
“In the coming years, funds will be allocated to projects that are already on the District’s Master Facilities Plan, such as renovations to our playgrounds to make them more accessible and turning our interior courtyards into multifaceted learning spaces,” District 74 Superintendent David Russo wrote in an e-mail. “The donation will also allow us to open the possibilities to campus improvements that will continue to make facilities accessible and renovated for the benefit and enjoyment of students, staff and the community alike.”
Niles West Principal Karen Ritter wrote in a community letter the school plans to offer students scholarships, send a lump sum to the special education department and send some funds to the Education Foundation with the goal assisting students in need.