Our mission is to celebrate and nurture youth leaders by helping them develop a deep sense of self and responsibility for improving their communities.
IMPACT
Serving the community during the 2024-25 program year
Producemobile
Do Good Pop-up for Paws and Claws
Connections for the Homeless Block Party
Year-end Celebration and Park Clean-up
Habitat for Humanity Lake County
Edible Evanston Food Forect
Lee St. Beach Cleanup
Family/Board Fall Kickoff
Vineyard Food Pantry
St. Paul's Lutheran Soup Kitchen
Paws and Claws Field Trip
17th Annual JWLA Food Drive
Connections for the Homeless Winter Warmth
Feed My Starving Children
PARTNERS
During the 2023-24 program year, the JWLA volunteered 950 hours and partnered with the following community organizations:
NEWS
2025 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients
JWF in the news!
Check out these recent news articles featuring the Justin Wynn Fund!
Evanston RoundTable, February 24, 2025: Justin Wynn Fund honors Chute principal at Red Tie Soirée
Evanston RoundTable, September 12, 2024: Volunteers make the difference with monthly Evanston Produce Mobile
Evanston RoundTable, May 20, 2024: Festive and communal: Crowds turn out for District 65 art exhibit
The Evanstonian, May 2, 2024: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy: ‘A legacy to protect’
Evanston RoundTable, November 20, 2023: Justin Wynn Leadership Academy held annual Food Drive on Nov. 13
Evanston RoundTable, June 28, 2021: Justin Wynn Fund: Out of Grief Comes Community Service
2024 Marcia Wynn Award
Wynner parents Todd Cherkasky and Joe McQuade received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Family/Board Fall Kickoff held on Sept. 26, 2024. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents in recognition of their extraordinary service to the JWF community.
Todd has served on the board for 5 years, and has helped out with the Red Tie and Awards Ceremony, and now is serving on the Family Engagement Committee. He has many times spoken to the parents of new Wynners about his appreciation for and dedication to the Justin Wynn Fund.
Joe has served on the board for 5 years, has helped out with the 3-on-3 every year, and has served on the Marketing Committee and now the Resource Development Committee. His thoughtful and helpful approach are most appreciated.
Wynners Micah Cherkasky and Anna McQuade presented their fathers with the 2024 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations Todd and Joe!
2024 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients
The Wynn family selected ETHS seniors Kayla Rodriguez and Joseph Williams Salgado as the 2024 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipients.
Kayla plans to attend Grand Canyon University and major in nursing. Joseph will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a major in film and media studies.
Congratulations and best wishes to Kayla and Joseph!
2023 Marcia Wynn Award
Wynner parent John Kayaian received the Marcia Wynn Award at our Parent/Board Gathering held on Sept. 28, 2023. The Marcia Wynn Award honors parents who have been consistent supporters of the Justin Wynn Fund.
John has been a dedicated supporter of the Justin Wynn Fund since his son Theo received the Justin Wynn Award. He has served on the JWF Board of Directors since 2017, including as Vice President for four years. John has been instrumental in planning the Red Tie Soirée each year, and has planned and hosted our annual Parent Mixers.
Wynner Theo Kayaian presented his father with the 2023 Marcia Wynn Award on behalf of the Justin Wynn Board of Directors. Congratulations John!
2023 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipient
The Wynn family selected ETHS senior Maria Martinez as the 2023 Catherine McKnight Scholarship recipient. Maria plans on attending Northern Illinois University. The Catherine McKnight Scholarship was presented to Maria at the Senior Scholarship Night held on May 10th.
Congratulations and best wishes to Maria!