Highland Park, Illinois, Sister Cities Foundation

06/08/2026

Founded by Highland Park resident Barbara Paget, Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is celebrated each year on the first Tuesday in June.

On this special day, professionals in the beauty and wellness industries provide complimentary services to cancer survivors—regardless of age, gender, cancer type, or how long they have been in survivorship—offering moments of care, confidence, and connection.

For the past several years, the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation has partnered with the Puerto Vallarta–Highland Park Sister Cities Committee to expand this meaningful initiative beyond borders. Participating salons in Puerto Vallarta were recognized with certificates of gratitude for their generosity and support.

This year, we were especially delighted to welcome participation from our sister city of Modena, Italy, making this inspiring event even more international.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our sister city partners, this year’s event was once again a tremendous success. We are deeply grateful to the salons, stylists, and wellness professionals who helped bring joy, confidence, and smiles to so many cancer survivors.

Together, we are proving that compassion knows no borders.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor.

This Memorial Day, the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation joins our community in paying tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

As we reflect on their courage and selflessness, we are reminded of the importance of unity, peace, and fostering understanding across cultures and communities.

Wishing all a meaningful Memorial Day.

05/18/2026

The Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation is proud to announce the addition of our new "America 250" Garden in Sister Cities Park located in downtown Highland Park, across from the Pierce Garden that has graced the park for five years.

Created in honor of the United States’ upcoming 250th birthday, this special new section features beautiful new plantings including Rose of Sharon, lilac, and lily plants — symbolizing growth, resilience, friendship, and community.

We invite residents and visitors alike to stop by, enjoy the garden, and celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history with us.

04/28/2026

We’re proud to share that the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation has been named the Illinois Sister Cities Association's 2026 Champion of Youth! 🌍✨

This award honors our commitment to empowering young people through global connections. And what a year it’s been:

🤖 Partnering with Meta Infinity, a Highland Park-based student robotics team, to collaborate with peers in our sister city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, culminating in a 1st place win at an international competition and a trip to the World Championship in Japan this August!

📚 Launching the Itai Seif Tool Kit as part of the Highland Park Public Library's “Library of Things,” honoring a young participant in a past robotics exchange from our sister city of Yerucham, Israel, who lost his life in Gaza.

⚖️ Connecting globally through education, including a virtual guest lecture by the Lake County States Attorney's Office at the University of Guadalajara law school.

🏛️ Creating a Student Architecture Exchange showcasing the culture and design of Highland Park and Puerto Vallarta.

🎓 Welcoming a youth-focused delegation from our sister city of Modena, Italy, and supporting international opportunities for young artists through Associazione artistico culturale Actea.

With our sister city relationships we continue to build bridges of friendship, learning, and opportunity for the next generation.

03/31/2026

Assistant State’s Attorney Eduardo Zermeño of the Lake County State's Attorney’s Office recently led an engaging lecture and Q&A for the University of Guadalajara Law School in Puerto Vallarta.

This meaningful exchange was made possible through collaboration between the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation and the Puerto Vallarta–Highland Park Sister Cities Committee, strengthening cross-cultural dialogue in the field of law.

We extend our sincere thanks to Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart for his continued support.

03/23/2026

We pause to honor and remember Lou Lamberti.

Lou played a pivotal role in establishing our sister cities relationship with Modena, Italy, helping to build lasting connections that continue to enrich our community today. His passion, generosity, and vision made a meaningful impact on so many.

In tribute to Lou’s legacy, the Foundation has made a donation to Actea, the organization founded by tenor Gianni Coletta, which supports aspiring young opera singers through masterclasses and competitions. Lou and Gianni shared a special bond, and we hope this contribution reflects the spirit of their friendship and Lou’s enduring love of culture and the arts.

He will be deeply missed.

03/16/2026

We're excited to announce the launch of our YouTube page featuring a series of videos from our Sister Cities Architectural Exchange Series!

In these videos, HPSCF student liaison Liam partnered with Luis, a student from Puerto Vallarta, to explore the meaningful connection between our two sister cities. Together, they highlight significant buildings, community challenges, and inspiring local projects that shape life in both communities. Join them as they highlight the unique bond between Highland Park and Puerto Vallarta.

Head over to our YouTube page (link in first comment) and watch these amazing and insightful videos. Great work Liam and Luis!

02/25/2026

01/16/2026

The Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation was deeply honored to welcome guests from our Sister City, Modena, Italy, for a meaningful and historic visit.

Led by Don Stefano Violi, Director of Città dei Ragazzi (Boys’ Town of Northern Italy), the delegation came to Highland Park on a pilgrimage of gratitude, returning to the community that gave birth to Don Sante Bartolai, an extraordinary priest, humanitarian, and benefactor whose life continues to inspire generations.

Born in Highland Park in 1917, Don Sante was orphaned at a young age and sent to northern Italy, where he was raised by his aunt and later entered the seminary. Ordained in 1942, his unwavering values led him to join the Modena Underground Movement during World War II. He was captured by Fascists, imprisoned by the N***s, and sent to Dachau and later Mauthausen concentration camps, where he endured unimaginable suffering.

Liberated in 1945, Don Sante recovered his health and authored his memoir, “Da Fossoli a Mauthausen.” Soon after, he founded Città dei Ragazzi, dedicated to education, faith, and opportunity for young people. For risking his life to save Jews during the Holocaust, he is honored at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC as a Righteous Gentile.

When Highland Park and Modena became Sister Cities, this profound connection was unknown. Today, that bond is deeper than ever, rooted in the legacy of a remarkable man who exemplified courage, compassion, and humanity at its best.

During their visit, Don Stefano co-officiated a special Mass with Father Hernan Cuevas, joined by Bishop Timothy O’Malley, in tribute to Don Sante Bartolai. The delegation was later welcomed at City Hall by Mayor Nancy Rotering and the City Council. Mayor Rotering issued a proclamation declaring January 12 as Don Sante Bartolai Day, while State Senator Julie Morrison presented each guest with a state pin and flag.

The visit also included a welcome dinner at the Highwood Bocce Club and a meeting with Consul General Mario Bartoli at the Italian Consulate.

This unforgettable visit reminds us that the concept of Sister Cities is about more than geography; it’s are about shared history, shared values, and enduring human connections.

01/13/2026