Highland Park High School’s Charity Drive Kicks Off with Event on February 19

Each year students at Highland Park High School (HPHS) organize a nationally recognized, student-run Charity Drive. The effort gains more momentum and energy every year, and was featured in The Wall Street Journal in 2008. This year will be the biggest outreach ever.

Charity Drive co-chairs Julia Greenberger, Emma Kravitz, and Rachel Weiss reviewed over 20 applications from local charities, and narrowed it down to three of the most qualified charities for a vote by all students and faculty. The entire student body, staff, and local community will come together to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Illinois Chapter.

charitydrive-smallHPHS Charity Drive began in 1994 as a simple week-long bake sale for the Howard Brown Health Clinic. Since then, it has evolved into a month-long series of events, including the “principal-pie-in-the-face” pie throwing contest, the school talent show “HP Idol”, the student-run silent auction supported by local businesses, and the family brunch. However, everyone at HPHS knows it wouldn’t be Charity Drive without the individual efforts of students and faculty members—every day the halls are filled with teachers selling donuts and students selling freshly baked goods.

Last year Highland Park High School raised $167,500 for the Foundation for Retinal Research (FRR). This year, HPHS will fundraise for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)—Illinois Chapter. Problems associated with these diseases include major weight loss and pain. Serious cases can result in depression, having parts of one’s bowel removed, and bedtime feeding tubes. CCFA’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of those affected by these diseases.  All funds raised from HPHS will go to CCFA’s Research Program for Youth.

Alan-BrintSela-CornellandNicki-PurpuraHPHSCharity-Drive-smallEvents are open to the public and donations are greatly appreciated. We encourage all interested to join us at our biggest fundraising event, our Silent Auction and Art Bazaar. The event is on Friday, February 19 and will begin at 7 p.m. in the HPHS Cafeteria, 433 Vine Ave.

This year, we are fortunate to have an anonymous donor who will match all funds raised, up to $200,000. Charity Drive is a powerful opportunity to make a big difference in our community.  For information on our calendar of events and how to donate, visit www.dist113.org/hphs and click on the Charity Drive link.

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