Ted Muller After-School and Summer Program Fund
Leveling the playing field for all our hometown kids
FACTS: Evanston public school children of the economically advantaged may be enrolled in organized recreation, music lessons, sports camps, arts classes, theater, and other programs of enrichment. Their free hours are brimming with activities that are stimulating, inspiring, and fun. In these informal settings they learn cooperation, self-expression, and other life-skills, experiencing informal mentoring and meaningful association with coaches and other adults. In contrast, children of families living below the poverty line are left behind since virtually all public recreation and day camp programs are fee-based.
MISSION: An important goal is to reduce the gap between life experiences of the “haves” and the “have-nots.” The TED FUND addresses this critical need for “leveling the playing field” by providing access to quality, fee-based programs. Specifically, the Ted Fund provides the opportunity and means for each child to select an experience of their choice where they will acquire skills of teamwork, cooperation, and self-confidence.
SUMMER AND YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING: Our goal is to ensure that every Evanston public school child can experience quality programming throughout the year.
LINK TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAMMING: In partnership with District 65, scholarships are awarded annually to students in 2nd or 3rd grade on the basis of need and may be renewed up through 5th grade. Summer 2026, we sent over 100 kids to summer camp!
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS: The Ted Fund is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. Our Board members are all dedicated volunteers and we have recently added one paid position to manage registration and ensure smooth operations. To enroll a single child in this vital summer day camp experience carries individual expenses of $800+ per year. This year, we want to add more children who are waiting. Won’t you please help us keep the momentum going?
STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY: Investment in the development of our hometown children yields dividends for years to come and has strong, positive impact on the well-being of the entire Evanston community.
HOW I CAN HELP:
- Make a donation through our website or send check to address below
- Find out if your employer has a matching funds program
- Sponsor a child to the summer day camp program: $800/year
When a community invests in its children, everyone wins! Your support is greatly appreciated.
www.tedfund.org — 1825 Asbury Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
A tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, providing children of limited means with scholarships for organized recreation, enrichment programs, and community advocacy. Our federal tax identification number is 36-4320460.