About Us

The Thing 1∙2∙3 Foundation is a Private Foundation focused on meeting the needs of children. Founded in 1999 by Jim and Nancy Ruprecht, the name was inspired by Dr. Suess’ book, The Cat In the Hat. Their children quickly identified with the Cat’s two helpers, Thing 1 and Thing 2. When the Ruprechts’ started the Foundation focused on helping children, the name was a natural way to reflect their love for their children and a desire to help other children.

Mission

The Mission of the Thing 123 Foundation is to provide support and resources to people and organizations on the front line providing services and programs to improve and enhance children’s lives.   

Thing 123 Officers

Jim Ruprecht - Jim is the President of the Thing 123 Foundation. He has over 30 years of experience in various industries. He was formerly President of Metzler & Associates, a unit of Navigant Consulting, Inc., and Blackwell Consulting, LLC. He is now a Principal with the architecture/design firm of Daedalus Development, LLC. He is also the Design Director for Reclaimed Table, the premier manufacturer of eco-friendly furniture, paneling and accessories constructed from reclaimed wood.  

Jim is very active in a number of service and non-profit organizations. He was formerly the Board President of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. He was a past Director of the Elmhurst United Way, and is very active in the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as the campaign chairman for Referendum 2000, which resulted in voter approval for the reconstruction of York High School.

Nancy Ruprecht – Nancy is a Director of the Thing 123 Foundation. She has over 25 years of executive level Sales and Marketing experience. Originally a Marketing Manager with IBM, she has spent 15 years as a Sales Executive with Blackwell Consulting Services, Chicago’s largest minority-owned technology services firm. She is currently the Vice President Business Development for Beaird Consulting located in Naperville, IL Nancy is also very active in a number of service and non-profit organizations. She is the past Chair of the District 205 Foundation for Educational Excellence and was extensively involved in the York Stadium Renovation Project and the York Student Enrichment Team program to provide support to students having challenges affording school fees and expenses, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Sarah Somers – Sarah is a Director of the Thing 123 Foundation. Sarah has an extensive background in the Financial Services and Investment Banking industries. She currently holds the position of Managing Director of Direct Investments at Romar Capital, a Chicago-based family office. Previously, she worked in New York for both Perella Weinberg Partners and Silver Lake Partners in Marketing & Investor Relations capacities. She started her career in the Financial Services industry via multiple roles Morgan Stanley, including Investment Banking. She holds an Honors B.S. degree in Finance and International Business from Marquette University.

Incorporation

The Thing 123 Foundation is an Illinois non-profit corporation, organized as a 501(c)3 charity.  Since being formed in 1999, the Foundation has made multiple grants to qualified non-profit and charity organizations whose requests are consistent with the Mission and direction established at its formation.