Our Team
Board of Directors
Carolyn Dun
Founder & President
I first read about giving circles in the Chicago Tribune and the idea grabbed me. I thought it was a simple and impactful way to help others in our community. I also enjoy the networking and connections that happen at our gatherings and I believe our giving circle encourages all of us to be more generous.
My background is in retail and sales. I currently lead the Community Purse Lake County Team and have served alongside those great women for a little over five years. I also serve at my church on the Missions Team and am a volunteer at the Mustard Seed, a fair trade store in Lake Forest. I live in Lincolnshire with my husband and 15-year-old dog, Beckett. We have two adult children that we try to visit as often as possible!
Sarah VanDerLip
Treasurer
As Executive Director of Informed Choices, I first attended a Community Purse meeting as a presenting charity. That evening I heard how the charity that had received the previous grant used the funds to purchase a used truck to deliver food to homebound veterans. After hearing three more presentations, I was struck by what this group of women could accomplish simply by coming together. It has been a blessing to see the growth of what is now the Northern Illinois Chapter, and it is an honor to serve on the board of Community Purse.
I have served with Informed Choices for 25 years. My husband, Rich, and I live in Lake Villa. We have two adult children and a two-year-old grandson, Titus. I enjoy dog training and added a new puppy to our family last Christmas so I can continue competing in obedience and agility trials.
Shannon Plate
Content Creator
When Jill Payne invited me to Community Purse, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. To be a part of a group of people whose sole purpose is to gather to support local non-profits was a slam dunk. What I didn’t know at the time was how being a part of this community would change me. From learning about what is happening in our area, to hearing personal stories about lives changed, to getting to pet some dogs – every meeting is an experience I don’t want to miss. I laugh, I get teary, and sometimes, I go home with hair on my pants. What’s not to like?
I am a Licensed Clinician Professional Counselor with a private practice in Palatine. I also have a tendency toward entrepreneurial endeavors that make me totally respect the organizations we get to see at Community Purse, who have often started from one idea, two people, a pad of paper, and great passion. My husband and I, between us, have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren, and live happily in Lake Zurich.
Jill Payne
A couple of years ago, I was invited to a Community Purse meeting and brought a friend along just for fun. We walked out completely smitten. The idea of gathering women you love and pooling your resources to bless local nonprofits felt like a dream that had been sitting in my heart for years. Not long after, in November 2018, we launched the McHenry County chapter — and since then, we’ve had the joy of giving generously to many incredible local charities.
My home base is LifeSpring Community Church in Spring Grove, IL. Before that, I spent about twenty years serving at Lakeland Church in Gurnee, which shaped so much of who I am. I’m the kind of person who genuinely enjoys organizing things, building databases, and getting all the “ducks in a row.” It’s my happy place.
But through all of that planning and structure, God keeps gently reminding me that His plans are even better than mine. I hold tightly to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 — that He knows the plans He has for me, and they are filled with hope and a future.
I live in Lindenhurst, IL with my husband, John, our son Dan, and our sweet dogs Missy and Koda. They’re my people, and they’re the heart behind everything I do.
Jennifer Anderson
Chapter Advisor
I have participated, donated and volunteered for many non-profits over the years and helped coordinate and attend benefits to support charities in the Chicago area. After I attended my fire Community Purse meeting I was struck by the efficiency of it. I learned about three new charities and the group raised significant funds by the power of many people donating a small amount. Immediately I knew one needed to be started in northern Cook County. After several years of prayer, the right committee came together and the chapter was launched.
My husband and I live in Northbrook with our dog. I love being a mom to my three adult children and seeing how the Lord is growing them. I am blessed to work as a financial planner at Blue Trust and love to run, read, garden and do almost anything outdoors to enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
Cindy Yi
Website Support
Discovering Community Purse years ago fulfilled a desire to give more generously with greater purpose. Being part of a community of like-minded women has blessed me by deepening my awareness of local needs and witnessing the impact of collective giving, both as a chapter member and as a board member.
I currently serve as Assistant Teaching Director for Community Bible Study in Lake Forest. Retired from our careers, my husband and I enjoy serving, traveling and spending time with our adult sons and daughters-in-law. I am happiest gathered around the kitchen table, sharing a meal with family and friends.
Who We Are
Founding Members
Amy Kamins
Charities Coordinator
When I heard the concept for Community Purse, my first thought was, “That is a no-brainer.” My husband and I are involved with several nonprofits and we are familiar with the need for financial and volunteer support. I serve as a volunteer on the Young Life Lake County Committee, at The Mustard Seed, and at Forrestal School. My favorite hobbies are gardening, baking, outdoor activities and boating on Lake Elizabeth.
Sue Voorhees
Hospitality
What excited me about Community Purse was the increased impact achieved by a group donation versus an individual donation! I love my part-time job as a Para Educator for kids with special needs at Rockland Elementary. I am a volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In my free time, I like to cook, bake, travel, sew, cheer for the Yankees and spend time in Milwaukee.
Becky Sitz
Membership Coordinator
Over lunch, I remember saying, ” I know a lot of women who would be interested in helping the community this way…I have my check ready!” Formerly, I worked as a home economics teacher at Highland Middle School. Currently, I work in the office of a school in Winnetka. My volunteer activities have included Changing Closets and Forrestal School in North Chicago. I love to travel, garden, camp, hike and hang out with our two dogs.
Jenny King
Promotions
I was thrilled when Carolyn invited me to join other women in coming together to turn a small financial gift into an impactful blessing for local charities! What a fantastic idea and an answer to prayer! My husband and I are involved with our local church, but have been seeking ways to serve the local community also. This giving circle perfectly embraces the concepts of a finance class that Jeff and I took called Financial Peace; this program teaches how to “live like no one else so we can eventually live and GIVE like no one else!” There are so many little ways we can be frugal with our money so that we can go out and bless others. I am involved in MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) as a mentor mom, help lead a small group Bible Study, and enjoy entertaining friends and family. I also like to workout, bike, and hike.