Slobodan "Danche" Ivanovic is a master luthier (guitar maker) who has called the Forest Park and Oak Park area home for over 20 years. Alongside his wife, Zdenka, Danche fled the former Yugoslavia during the Civil War, seeking safety and a new beginning in the United States.

Here, he earned his citizenship and the couple worked tirelessly to support their family. Their determination and diligence eventually allowed Danche to open his guitar shop in Oak Park. The couple took tremendous pride in the shop and its success, and dreamed of someday buying a building that would house both their business and family. This dream came true, and they moving their beloved guitar shop to a storefront in Forest Park, establishing their family home above it. This building was meant to be their nest egg for retirement, a symbol of all they had overcome and created together.

Here is a link to an "ART BEAT" segment that WTTW TV did when Danche opened his shop in Oak Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3d8zNgFTlk

The struggles he has faced:

Tragically and unexpectedly, Zdenka, passed away in 2017, leaving Danche with not only deep grief and sadness but also a significant loss of income. His younger son’s battle with addiction brought further emotional and financial strain, as Danche and his elder son worked to support his recovery.

Overwhelmingly, the challenges multiplied from there—Covid, competing with online vendors, inflation, and ongoing family struggles made it increasingly difficult for Danche to keep up with mortgage payments, bills, and necessary repairs.

Now, at 76 years old, Danche is facing the very real threat of foreclosure. The bank has already warned that if doesn't remedy the default in full and on time, he will lose his home and the shop that has been his life’s work.

The use of funds and why it's urgent:

The funds raised will be directly applied to overdue mortgage payments, insurance premiums, utilities, medical expenses and urgent repairs to the building.

Without this support, Danche risks losing the only asset he has for retirement, leaving him without a home or a way to earn a living. He never imagined he’d be in this position, but with the help of the community, there is hope. Any amount you can give is truly appreciated.

If you’d like to provide support in another way, please consider visiting his shop at 7232 Madison Street in Forest Park—whether it’s for an instrument, merchandise, a set up or repair of your instrument, every bit helps. Together, we can help Danche keep his home, his business, and his dignity.

Thank you all for your support.