By Kristin Boza
Tom and Cathi Hogan are a couple with a strong passion and appreciation for their community. They choose to support BAPA’s works and have linked themselves with other organizations and initiatives to strengthen the ties all neighbors have with their surroundings.
“It makes sense to support the organization that supports us,” Cathi said about BAPA. “BAPA is the reason we are able to live in such a diverse, inclusive neighborhood that, while still in the city, feels like a small town. This organization has always responded to the issues of the times — from protecting against the work of unscrupulous realtors to helping community members during the pandemic. Currently, the Save the Trees initiative was quickly put into action with positive results.”
Cathi and Tom both grew up in Beverly/Morgan Park and began their relationship here. Like many who were born here but lived for a while on the North Side, the pair spent time in Lincoln Park before deciding to purchase a home “back home” 36 years ago.
“We happened to see a listing for a then 108-year-old home that we fell in love with on the spot! We were fortunate to live close to our kids’ all four grandparents. Now, history is repeating itself as we now have grandchildren living in the neighborhood,” Cathi said.
The couple enjoyed many BAPA events over the years, and never miss the Home Tour, Garden Walk, Ridge Run, and Memorial Day Parade. They attended Music Under the Stars, the precursor to the Porch Concert Series, and the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic/Bikes & Brews annual summer event. One of their fondest memories was attending the Snowflake Ball.
“The year we moved in, we were given complimentary tickets to the Snowflake Ball held in the old Evergreen Plaza shopping mall. Dancing up and down the escalators while eating a late-night snack of White Castle hamburgers was a real sight to behold,” Cathi said.
There are numerous reasons why the Hogans donate to BAPA. “We live in polarizing times in our country, which, invariably, can trickle down to the local neighborhoods. BAPA can continue to provide proactive, effective programs that unify residents and institutions and promote civility and respect for everyone who lives here,” Cathi said. “Also, since The Villager is free, there might be people who are not aware that it exists primarily on the donations of the residents!”
The Hogans know that Beverly/Morgan Park neighbors are always here to help one another out, and they are happy to live in a neighborhood with so many high-achieving, innovative public and private schools.
“There truly is something for everyone here,” Cathi said. Cathi taught at Clissold School, and served as a docent, volunteer, Board member, or committee member at the Ridge Historical Society, Vanderpoel Art Gallery, and Smith Village; she thinks the neighborhood’s art programs, sports venues, small businesses, and more are what makes this a special place.
Tom’s career took him from an attorney in private practice to Circuit Judge for the Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County. He served in leadership roles for BAPA, including Board president.
The Hogans are proud to live in a community with so much to offer, and they are thrilled to support its continued growth.
