About Us
The Friends of Budlong (FOB) is an Illinois not for profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Our goal is to raise funds to support the staff and students of Budlong, and 100% of donations to F.O.B. go directly to the school. We welcome involvement from the entire community.
FOB is a group of caring parents, community members and school staff who are committed to a high-quality 21st century education for Budlong students.
WHAT WE DO: FOB, a nonprofit organization, supports programs, resources, and supplies for Budlong Elementary students through fundraising activities and through the coordination of internal and community resources.
WHY WE DO IT: We believe in Budlong Elementary. We believe our children are the future of our community and country. We believe it takes a community to raise our children and that we can create positive change when we support our school, its students, and its teachers.
Our Chairs
Eileen Brodaski
President
I am back again, this time as your President of Friends of Budlong!!! I have two Budlong Bulldogs, one in 5th grade, and one in 1st. I have lived in Lincoln Square for over 10 years now, and if you can believe it, this is the longest I have lived anywhere in my life without moving! I have never felt more at home and more rooted than here in this place.
I look forward to getting creative with ways we can raise money to help support our teachers and students and help grow our community. I am so glad you are here!!! The more help we have, the more we can achieve! Together!
Shannon O'Sullivan
Vice President
I’m excited to be joining the Friends of Budlong officers as Vice President this year. I have two Budlong bulldogs, Liam is in 2nd and Sean in 4th and a future Bulldog, Ellie. So I’ll be here for awhile . I have been involved with FOB since Sean was in Kindergarten, meeting some wonderful families along the way.
I was born Ireland and immigrated to Chicago at 8 years old. I’ve lived in the North Center and Albany Park neighborhoods for twenty years. We love it and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. I’m a stay at home mom after years of touring and teaching Irish dancing.
I’m excited to get to work and looking forward to meeting more Budlong families this year.
Go Bulldogs!!
Kate Schweitzer
Secretary
I am thrilled to serve as Secretary of Friends of Budlong. I’m the mom to two Budlong kiddos – Viola, who is loving being back in person in first grade, and Mariam, who is kick-starting her Bulldog career in Pre-K. My husband and I have lived in Chicago – and the Lincoln Square neighborhood – for seven years, and we feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this inclusive, growing community right off the bat. When I’m not writing-from-home in my day job as a journalist, I love exploring new places, reading, taking photos, going for walks with my dog Moose, and sneaking candy when my family's not looking.
Sarah LaMotta
Treasurer
This is my second year as Friends of Budlong treasurer. I have two kids attending Budlong, one in 7th and one in 3rd grade. We have lived in the neighborhood for ten years and been a part of the Budlong community since 2013. I have been an archaeologist and a lab tech but am currently a stay at home parent.
Musa Shongwe
Diversity and Inclusion
I am a 6 years strong Budlong parent to a 9 going on 49 year old. I am and equity and injustice enthusiast, avid reader, hiking enthusiast, and ideator. In order to truly #bebudlongbeautiful, we need to represent all of the community we serve. I am looking forward to working with FOB and Budlong to create a truly inclusive group doing some good for our community.
Janet Kashuba
Community
I'm excited to serve the Friends of Budlong as its Community Chair. I have four children at Budlong and we're proud Budlong Bulldogs! I grew up on the South Side of Chicago where my grade school mascot was the bulldog so this has now come full circle with my family. We are glad to be part of the diverse, creative and caring environment that is Budlong. My background is in fundraising and I have worked in development roles at The Field Museum, DePaul University and UIC. I studied music and cultural management in school and have had at least one daycare stint playing my saxophone. I also enjoy singing but am okay with the fact that there is a reason I'm an instrumentalist and not a vocalist. It's great to see our Friends of Budlong community growing, and I'm honored to be a part of it! As Community Chair, I will be working on projects to further support for Budlong students and helping to create ways for us to lean on each other as part of the Budlong Family.
Stacie Keller
Spirit Wear
I am excited to serve as the Spirit Chair! There are some exciting updates coming to our spirit wear and I can't wait to dive in and get started. My daughter, Aurora, is in first grade at Budlong and we have lived in the neighborhood for the past 7 years. We're so happy to be part of this wonderful community!
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You can contact us at contact@friendsofbudlong.org