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Health & Fitness

Deerfield Resident Recognized for Volunteer Efforts

Bonnie Shlensky of Deerfield was recognized along with 34 Gap employees for her work with College Bound Opportunities by the Gap Foundation out of more than 130,000 employees worldwide.

Gap Foundation Celebrates 35 Years by Honoring 35 Employees Worldwide

For 35 years, Gap, Inc. has been applying innovation into its community investment in order to solve social problems and create new possibilities. Through the Gap Foundation, the company utilizes its assets and, most importantly, its employees to give back to the community. In honor of the dedicated work of their employees volunteering in the community, the Gap Foundation recognized 35 employees out of more than 130,000 around the world whom they identified as innovators, leaders, thinkers, and doers who inspire others. One of these special Gap associates is right in our backyard. Bonnie Shlensky of Deerfield was recognized for her work with College Bound Opportunities (CBO).

For more than 20 years, Shlensky has been a devoted employee at the Gap and a champion of education in her community. Since moving to Deerfield in 1986, she has continuously been involved in PTO and currently serves on the District 113 Board of Education. But it is her work with College Bound Opportunities, a local nonprofit that helps under-resourced students get into college and graduate, that is inspiring her coworkers at the Gap. "My dream is that my work with these students and their families will help them understand that their dreams can become a reality," said Shlensky.

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By recognizing these 35 employees, the Gap Foundation hopes to inspire all of their employees to "Be what's possible." As a founding Board Member of CBO, Shlensky sees a direct correlation between this philosophy and the mission of CBO. "Be what's possible is truly the message that CBO has encouraged its students to believe," said Shlensky. "We know that many of our students have the desire to achieve but need a little encouragement, a few resources, and some guidance to get there." Bonnie Shlensky certainly personifies the value of "Be what's possible." Her dedication to education and helping students realize their full potential has earned her praise from the Gap Foundation and within the community. To get involved with CBO, call 847-943-9226 or go to www.cbo4success.org.

About College Bound Opportunities:

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College Bound Opportunities (CBO) is a not-for-profit organization centered in the ten communities within Deerfield and Highland Park High School District 113 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115. CBO identifies high-achieving but under-resourced young people who, without support, would likely forgo post secondary education and assists them in applying to and completing college. CBO goals are achieved through a program of one-to-one mentoring between volunteers and scholars. Additional aid provided by CBO includes tutoring, training services, laptop computers, and up to $4,000 per year in financial support. Learn more at http://cbo4success.org

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