6 Far NW Side Groups Get 70,000 Donation To Help Fund Garden, Mural And Park Projects

The estate of Donna King has donated $70,000 to fund community projects in the 39th Ward, enhancing local schools and parks. Ald. Samantha Nugent collaborated with estate executor Anthony Licata to distribute the funds among six organizations aligned with King’s values. Awardees include the Northside Learning Center, which received $15,000 to install wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds. The Forest Glen Community Club will use its $15,000 to create a mural, completing a long-held dream for neighborhood beautification.

Additionally, the Gompers Park Athletic Association will invest its $15,000 in underground drainage to resolve flooding issues affecting its baseball field. The Mayfair Park Advisory Council and Gladstone Park Neighborhood Association also received $5,000 each for projects aimed at enhancing local greenery and aesthetics. The North Park Community Market will use $15,000 for marketing and infrastructure improvements. Over the past year, the King estate has contributed to about a dozen charities in the Chicago area, reflecting a commitment to community support.