Let's Face It, It's The People That Really - Events.org

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Charity certainly does begin at home, but Highland Park High School students learn by doing as well as by example. The annual HPHS Charity Drive engages students, faculty and local businesses in an effort that extends beyond the campus. We asked one of the Charity Drive Committee Heads to give us an inside look at this year’s record-breaking effort. Philanthropy 101 Alix Olian, Highland Park High School, Class of 2007 Ask the students at HPHS what their favorite time of the year is, and you’ll emphasis throughout the month is not on how much money we raise, but get a resounding “Charity Drive.” The annual February Charity Drive instead on everyone’s involvement.” benefits a different charity each year. This year, the student body raised over Charity Drive is alive in the school all month. Charity Drive Committee $175,000 to benefit Hope for Huntington’s. The generosity of an head Lauren Zaluda says, “People have a preconceived notion that the anonymous donor in New York affiliated with the charity provided a dollar- entire month is the same small group of kids at every activity. In reality, for-dollar match, with the result that $350,000 will now go towards every person at the school finds an individually appealing way to support research for Huntington’s disease. Charity Drive.” During one lunch period alone, there was an arm- The process to determine the charity is not an easy one. Any charity can wrestling competition in the cafeteria, chess games going on in one apply, but the criteria are that they are a 501(c)3, work on behalf of kids, hallway, a ping-pong tournament in our student lounge and donuts being have a local connection and are small enough that the HPHS donation will sold in another hallway. “There are so many creative ways to get involved have an impact. Thanks to people telling others about Charity Drive and in Charity Drive,” says junior Meredith Dawson. Along with junior Jamie the HPHS website, we had a record 27 charities apply this year. The Klein, Meredith raised over $1,000 simply by baking every day and selling executive board of Student Senate; our three faculty sponsors, Mary cupcakes and brownies at school. Student Senate President Chad Schwartz Gorleski, John Gorleski, and Debbie Dicker; co-Committee Heads senior agrees, “There truly is something for everyone. Whether it’s playing guitar Lauren Zaluda, junior Ali Pollack and I narrowed down the charities to in the hall or dancing at ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ any involvement three: Hope for Huntington’s, Hope for All (helping families with autism) is great.” and Friends for Health (researching to cure juvenile diabetes). Then, the The push to raise money continues after school lets out. Some entire school voted and Hope for Huntington’s was chosen. From there, examples are “HP Idol,” where junior Aaron Apple was proclaimed planning for the month of February began. HPHS’s most talented; Bowling Night at Scheduling an entire month of fundraisers is a challenge. Luckily for those in charge, the entire school really wants to 2007 Off-Campus Events Michael’s Dance . . . . .Michael’s Restaurant Family Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 North Brunswick Lanes, where over 50 students aimed for strikes; the track team’s 24-hour run, which ended up make Charity Drive a success. Senate Stash’s Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stash’s raising over $17,000; and, always a oversees the project, with different Love’s Night . . . . . . . . . . .Love’s Yogurt student favorite, the Faculty Food Fest. committees running specific events. Brian Bowling Night . . . . . . . .Brunswick Lanes For the Food Fest, the faculty members Gutman, for example, is one of the Social The Grill Night . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Grill all make desserts. At the event, teachers Committee Heads. “It was one of my Late Nite HP Karaoke Contest . .Love’s Yogurt wait tables, serving heaping plates of committee’s jobs to put together the Neiman Marcus pasta and refilling water glasses. Students Michael’s Dance,” he says. This year, a Fashion Show . . . . . . . . .Neiman Marcus pay to get food, and any tips are, of record 400 students attended the dance, held at Michael’s Restaurant, drawn in part 2007 Shop-and-Share Days: course, donated to Charity Drive. Another popular and long-standing by the ever-popular student date auction. The Perfect Blend Jewel tradition is donut sales, garnering One of our biggest events every year is Sunset Foods La Casa del Gordo thousands of dollars every year. But this the Silent Auction and Bazaar. More than Once Upon a Bagel La Petite Day Spa year, our usual “Donut Man” was on a 400 local businesses donated goods and Bloomingdale’s New York Slices medical leave. Where would we get our services to the Auction, while local artists 2007 Business Partners: daily Dunkin’ Donut fix? Math teacher contributed to the Bazaar. “One of the Dairy Queen organized Blizzard Days. Viccino’s, Tim Sirois stepped up. “I thought that it greatest parts about Charity Drive is that it one of our strongest supporters year after year, was important to make a statement that involves the entire Highland Park provided innumerable pizzas. In addition, Charity when high quality individuals ask for community, not just students,” says Student Drive was helped by more than 400 businesses. assistance with a great cause, there are Senate sponsor Mary Gorleski. “The many adults who are willing to come 16 / Summer 2007
Senate Student School High Park Highland President, Schwartz, Chad Student Senate Executive Board and Charity Drive Committee Heads: (left to right) Jordyn Lazar, Max Brock, Michael Worsek, Chad Schwartz, Eric Scott, Alix Olian, Ali Pollack, Lauren Zaluda PHOTOS: forward and help them out,” he said. Charity Drive Committee Head Ali Pollack says that “all the teachers and students recognize the importance of helping a great cause. The story of the donuts is a great example of how everyone works together.” So what exactly compels high school students to volunteer their time and spend their allowances and their earnings from part-time jobs? Charity Drive is “probably the best example of our school uniting for a worthy cause. It is an asset because it is an authentic experience in collaboration, commitment and citizenship,” says co-Principal John Scornavacco. As we all learn every February, HPHS is a great place to go to school not only because we are constantly challenged inside the classroom, but because our teachers really care about who we are in the local community. The $175,000 we collected for Hope for Huntington’s is tremendous, but the knowledge that all students now have about Huntington’s disease, and the importance of volunteering and charitable giving in general, is truly immeasurable. Any charity that wishes to apply in the future should go to www.dist113.org/hphs in September to download the form, or write to 1040 Park Ave West, Highland Park, Illinois 60035. Businesses that want to get involved can contact Mary Gorleski at HPHS, 224-765-1000, as can members of the community who would like to volunteer. Another wonderful way to support Charity Drive is by attending our shop-and-shares and events in February and simply spreading the word around. On behalf of HPHS and Hope for Huntington’s, thank you to Highland Park for supporting Charity Drive. To learn more about Huntington’s Disease, please visit www.hdsa.org. And if you have a great service project story to tell, email frontdesk@ehighlandpark.com. Mark Smrtnik and Chad Schwartz at the Closing Assembly. Mark's family founded Hope for Huntington's. Summer 2007 / 17
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