Community Corner

Students, Diners Help Raise Funds for Japan

Local fundraising efforts will benefit the American Red Cross in its efforts to help people in Japan.

Discussing current events in her 5th grade class at , Christi Grezlik saw an opportunity.

Rather than just share photos and discussion about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan, Grezlik thought it was a chance for students to take action.

“This seemed like a great opportunity for the kids to think about other and others outside of the school,” Grezlik said. “It seems so far away and I just think it was a way for them to reach out to other people far away.”

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A fundraiser ensued and it became a school-wide event, with students collecting funds. Every day announcements were made in the school reminding students to bring in money.

Some students donated allowance they earned. Others did extra chores around the house to earn extra money to donate. And, of course, parents helped out as well with donations, Grezlik said.

Find out what's happening in Napervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I just asked them [the students] to try and do things where they weren’t just asking for money,” she said.

In about one week the students at the school were able to raise $1,413.37, Grezlik said. The money will be given to the American Red Cross to help aid the people in Japan.

“They are so excited that they were able to raise that money,” she said.

While the students have finished their fundraiser, an upcoming event will allow diners to help the people in Japan. And, the only thing the diners need do is enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

On April 4, is donating 100 percent of the receipts from meals and beverage purchases from lunch and dinner to help those in Japan, said Tom Meehan, a manager at the restaurant. The money will be donated to the American Red Cross.

The restaurant will be serving up its tapas just like any other day; the only difference is that when diners pay the bill, the money will be donated, he said. Already the restaurant has about 100 reservations for dinner and 80 for lunch, which for a Monday is a “pretty good turnout,” Meehan said.

The restaurant has done similar events in the past, Meehan said.

“It’s really just about his [owner Hossein Jamali] philanthropic views and he tries to give back as much possible,” he said.

Diners who would like to eat at the restaurant on April 4 should make a reservation. Please call the restaurant at 630-983-3000 ext. 2 or visit them online at www.mesonsabika.com to make a reservation.

Is your organization also doing a fundraiser? Let us know about it, e-mail editors Mary Ann Lopez at maryl@patch.com or Carrie Frillman at carrie@patch.com.

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here