Laura Drake, Member and Donor
Q: When did you first get involved in HPIC, and why?
I moved to Highland Park in November 1999. In the spring of 2001, I started my business, Stage Struck, a summer theatre camp program for young people. Although I secured a space in a church basement in the Admiral district, I wanted something in my neighborhood as well. The HPIC building intrigued me – of course this was before there was a website, cellphones, etc. The Board at the time okayed my request and I held two small Disney camps there the summer of 2001.
Being at the HPIC building brought in kids from our community. We moved on to the stage at the Fauntleroy Church/YMCA building after that, where I ran it and finally sold it at the end of the summer in 2023.
I was a multi-arts (visual, theatre) specialist at Highland Park Elementary for nine years, from 2004 – 2013. Around 2006, the city wanted to build a jail at the bottom of Highland Park Drive. I joined others in the fight to stop the build. This was with HPAC, the Highland Park Action Coalition. We attended many meetings, and one that I ranted and raved at in Georgetown hit the internet, and caused quite a stir. Being an educator at the local school and a resident, I considered the neighborhood at the time “fragile” in becoming a more solid community and the last thing it needed was a jail nearby. We did stop the jail from being built.
Q: What keeps you an active supporter of HPIC today?
Through the years I have attended many wonderful events at HPIC, held my retirement party there when I left teaching, and re-started my commitment to yoga classes there in the early 2000’s. I have a history here, HPIC is like a family member. Having a community center run by the community is a rare and important asset in any neighborhood, and requires support from all.
Q: What’s one way you’d like to inspire others in the community to get involved with HPIC?
To somehow let the community know the long history of HPIC, and how it has worked with HPAC to help Highland Park’s citizens with everything from being a voting station, a place for union meetings, a place to fight the good fight, a place to celebrate, to dance, to learn new skills, a place to start a business, whatever it may be.
Q: What’s one event you’d love to see happen once HPIC’s building is rebuilt?
I’d like to see classes of all kinds come back to the building. And of course, Corner Bar! My partner from Minneapolis played there with his trio right before COVID closed it down and the fire happened. Corner Bar, with its all ages until a given time, allows families to enjoy themselves with live music, food and drink (if they want) for a very low cost. And it’s a way to get to know your neighbors better!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
There are members in this community who have volunteered HUNDREDS of hours to HPIC, and this cannot work without committed volunteers.
Thank you, Laura! We are deeply grateful or your support. We hope your story serves as inspiration for others in our neighborhood to join the HPIC community