It Takes A Village logo It Takes A Village

Evergreen Park · Since 2007

Neighbors helping neighbors.

We organize fundraisers and events supporting local families dealing with illness, building compassion and teamwork across our community.

Certified 501(c)(3) EIN 41-2403547
It Takes A Village charity logo

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Be part of the village

Benefit Tickets Join our next event Make a Donation Help a local family Facebook Page News from the village Online Raffles Enter on Facebook Shop the Store Fight for Knight gear

Our Story

A tradition of showing up.

Our mission is to bolster community strength and resilience through collaborative efforts. What began among friends has grown into a nonprofit committed to helping one family at a time.

  1. 1

    2007

    A tradition begins

    A birthday bar crawl called “Turkey Trot” starts among friends, with T-shirt proceeds donated locally.

  2. 2

    2018

    First official benefit

    The first official benefit is held at Baracco's Pizza in Evergreen Park.

  3. 3

    2024

    It Takes A Village

    Renamed It Takes A Village, reflecting a deeper commitment to neighbors helping neighbors.

  4. 4

    2026

    501(c)(3) status

    Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, expanding the village's reach and impact.

  5. 5

    Today

    One family at a time

    We continue proving that when a village comes together, lives are changed.

Matt's Story

Fight with Knight.

Matt has been a firefighter for the past 10 years and is a proud member of Engine 73 in Chicago.

Matt is the son of fallen Chicago Police Officer John Knight, who was killed in the line of duty in January 1999. That legacy of service continues through Matt — and now his own family needs the community to serve them back.

Fight for Knight benefit event poster with details on Matt Knight's story and the upcoming fundraiser
  1. 1

    August 2025

    An injury on the job

    Matt fractured his arm while fighting a fire. What looked like a simple break turned out to be something far more serious.

  2. 2

    Diagnosis

    Chondrosarcoma

    Doctors diagnosed a rare bone cancer. Matt underwent major surgery, including a humerus replacement and artificial shoulder reconstruction.

  3. 3

    Recovery

    Fighting to get back

    Several cancer-free months followed, with Matt working hard through physical therapy toward his goal of returning to the job he loves.

  4. 4

    Recent months

    The cancer returned

    A scan revealed the cancer had spread to his lungs. Surgery removed several tumors, but smaller ones remain and require ongoing treatment.

  5. 5

    Right now

    A family growing, and fighting

    Matt and his wife Sarah are raising their son Cormac and their second son Connor.

Get Benefit Tickets Donate to Fight for Knight

Sponsorship

Ramp up your support.

Local businesses keep this village standing. Every sponsorship level carries its own recognition — and each tier builds on the one before it.

  1. Friend of the Village

    $250 – $499

    • Social media acknowledgment
    • Website name listing

  2. Village Builder

    $500 – $999

    Plus all Friend tier incentives

    • Main event donation sign
    • Logo on back of the event T-shirt
    • Digital donation wall on website
    • Enhanced website wall placement

  3. Village Visionary

    $1,000+

    Plus all previous tier incentives

    • 2 complimentary VIP event tickets
    • Placement in the “Keys to the Village” donation section of the website
    • 2-minute announcement at the event (company plug)
It Takes A Village charity donation levels: Friend of the Village $250 to $499, Village Builder $500 to $999, and Village Visionary $1,000 and up, with the recognition included at each level
Our charity donation levels at a glance.
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Our sponsors

The businesses behind the village

Thank you to the local businesses standing with our neighbors.

Certified nonprofit

501(c)(3) · EIN 41-2403547

Your donation may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax adviser.

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