Meet a Mom: Sarah Lohr and the GLOW of Gratitude Generation!

Introducing to the Chicago North Shore Moms community, Lake Forest mom of two and proud member of Gratitude Generation’s Gratitude Givers Advisory Board, Sarah Lohr!

“Gratitude lights our world!” That’s not only the guiding principle behind Gratitude Generation, a local nonprofit teaching kids the power of giving back through hands-on service – it’s also the “GLOW” that draws board members and volunteers like Sarah to the mission. In this week’s Meet a Mom interview, learn about the impactful programs this small but mighty nonprofit brings to local communities. From assembling Gifts of Gratitude for first responders and families in need to creating toys for shelter animals, Gratitude Generation empowers children and teens to become service-minded leaders. Plus, get to know Sarah, an incredible mom leading by example, who finds happiness and gratitude through new hobbies, watching her kids grow, and spearheading programs for g2. Welcome, Sarah!

 

 

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Hi Sarah. Please introduce yourself. Where are you from?

Hi! I’m Sarah Lohr. I grew up in Libertyville and currently live in Lake Forest.  We moved here from the Western Suburbs to be closer to family.

 

Gush away about your wonderful kids!

I have two amazing kids. My daughter is 15 and a freshman in high school. She has a brown belt in karate, is an avid reader and is a member of the high school debate team and Model UN. My son is 11 and in 5th grade. He is a talented baseball player (his position is catcher) and enjoys fishing. When he isn’t at a team practice or game, you’ll find him getting in some extra reps at The Farm System in Lake Bluff.

 

Do you carve out time for any fun hobbies?

We are fortunate to have so many experiences available right in our backyard. This past year I’ve tried my hand at a few new hobbies: adult sailing lessons with the Lake Forest Recreation Department, learning to play poker through Northshore Women’s Poker club at Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park and a few art classes in painting, drawing and mixed media at The Art Center in Highland Park.

 

What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent with family, date night, hang out, etc.?

In the summertime, I love to take the kids to Lake Forest Beach. A perfect summer night for me is taking in a concert on the lawn at Ravinia Festival. My favorite restaurant for date night, family night or with girlfriends is The Bar at Deer Path Inn. My favorite place for a walk is the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

 

Any good reads or TV shows you’ve binged lately?

I’m currently reading Let Them by Mel Robbins and My Friends by Fredrik Backman. My parents gifted me “The Gift of Reading”, a monthly book subscription from the Lake Forest Bookstore. So, every month I get a much-anticipated package in the mail with a new book that the store selects for me.

 

Your mantra?

Choose happiness.

 

It’s time to get down to business. You’ve been on Gratitude Givers Advisory Board (GGAB) since the nonprofit launched it. For those of us who do not know about g2, what is the purpose of this nonprofit and who does it serve?

The mission of Gratitude Generation is to instill gratitude in future generations through education and service. We have over 20 signature programs kids can participate in that support 200+ nonprofits in Lake and Cook County.

Hands-on service is the key to these programs inspiring gratitude and values around community to support neighbors in need and encourage kids to become service-minded leaders. There are programs many times per month in Lake and Cook County, and there is a robust teen-leadership program including a Teen Board and Service Squad.

I serve on the Gratitude Givers Advisory Board. It is an easy and impactful way to support g2 financially and with willingness to help and share my creativity when bringing g2 programs and fundraising events to life.

 

From left to right: Sarah Lohr, Janel Brown, Hayley Cropper, Nicki Sutherland

Gratitude Generation’s “birth story” is super interesting and involved many amazing moms in the community. Tell us how this nonprofit came to be.

A group of moms were looking for ways to get their young kids directly involved in giving back to the community. They found a gap in hands-on experiences for their younger children. With the belief that when kids practice gratitude and experience what it means to help others they are more likely to give back later in life, the idea of creating a Gratitude Generation was born. They started creating programs that even the youngest of volunteers could be involved in. For several years, the nonprofit was run out of the founders’ basements, garages and front porches. We now have a physical location in Deerfield and just expanded into a new geographic region in Cook County, serving Norridge, Harwood Heights and the neighboring communities.

 

Service event that Sarah coordinated: Here kids are making “snuffle mats” at their school’s end of year field day.

You’ve been instrumental in the “g2 glow” and the annual Mothers’ Day service programs. What are these programs and how can we get involved?

Gratitude Generation really makes it easy to participate. You can sign up (for you and/or your child) on our online events platform for one-time volunteer slots. There is a wide variety of events for ages 3+ (and we welcome the younger siblings, too). You’ll find events like making toys for dogs in shelters, helping in our local community garden, or assembling baskets of cleaning supplies for families in need.

The Mother’s Day program, in particular, is part of our Gifting with Gratitude programs, through which we show gratitude with useful, practical gifts for people being served by our ‘friend’ nonprofits. Gifting with Gratitude has supported moms, dads, teachers and first responders — g2 volunteers put together these Gifts of Gratitude, and we distribute them directly or with the help of our nonprofit relationships to reach the audiences they serve. The ripple effect of gratitude is amazing — gratitude from kids making the gifts and the cards to go with it, through the people or organizations that help us distribute them, and, of course, to the ultimate beneficiary and their family or support system. It’s amazing!

 

g2 service event

And it’s never too early to start talking about next year’s gala, right?

The gala is always so much fun — g2 brings together people from many communities to celebrate its work and raise funds to ensure a high impact year after year. You’re right, it’s never too early to talk about it! Save the date for Saturday, March 7th at 6pm at Chevy Chase Country Club. We’ll be sharing more information in the coming weeks.

 

The g2 ladies at the 2023 g2 gala. From left to right: Sarah Lohr, Erin Kerpel, Nicki Sutherland, Jill Rivkin, Betsy Hara, Jodi Joffe, Marney Cohen

 

What are you working on right now for g2?

Just last week, we were approached by the talented and creative Ellie Nottoli of elliestyled. She invited us to partner with her on the upcoming elliestyled Holiday Market. We were honored to be selected as this year’s local nonprofit and for the opportunity to let so many more people in the community know who we are and what we do. Mark your calendars for Saturday, 11/29 and Sunday, 11/30! Ellie, and the vendors at the market, donate a portion of their proceeds to the chosen nonprofit and we are touched to be the beneficiary of their generosity this year.

What’s the best way that our readers can reach out to donate or get involved?

Check out our website www.gratitudegeneration.org to learn more about us, donate or sign up to volunteer. If you would like to learn more about organizing a private event for a large group or corporate experience, reach out to [email protected].

 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or g2?

We’d love to have you join us at a service event, think about becoming a member of our Gratitude Givers Advisory Board, tell a friend about us, or take a peek around our website to learn more.

g2 is a very welcoming community of people who want to give of themselves in some way, whether it’s funding, goods, creativity, time, energy or anything at all. You’ll GLOW! as soon as you step into this world because we always say that Gratitude Lights Our World (GLOW!).

 

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