Join Rochelle Township High School’s Student Council this Wednesday at Culver’s as they host their annual fundraiser benefitting Amazing Grace, a non-profit organization helping those battling cancer.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
ROCHELLE — Join Rochelle Township High School’s Student Council this Wednesday at Culver’s as they host their annual fundraiser benefitting Amazing Grace, a non-profit organization helping those battling cancer.
Culver’s is donating a percentage of sales between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The community is welcome to attend and donate as they dine, which will help Amazing Grace provide customized care packages to local cancer patients.
The DeKalb-based organization began after Grace Waller, an all-around athlete found herself eager to give back to the cancer community after undergoing chemotherapy treatments for bone cancer.
RTHS Student Council advisor Erin Bergeson explained the idea to donate to the local organization came after a contestant in the Mr. Hub pageant donated part of his winnings to Amazing Grace.
“We do many fundraisers. The last few years we have chosen local organizations, such as the Hub City Senior Center and the Wounded Warriors,” Bergeson explained. “After one of our kids a couple years ago donated to Amazing Grace, it was on our radar. This year the student council took a vote and decided it as the beneficiary for our annual fundraiser.”
Bergeson explained AGO serves cancer patients, providing care packages and transportation to help during the process.
The inspiration
Diagnosed in 2008, Waller spent eight months in Rush University Children’s Hospital in Chicago as went through the treatments. It was during a special round of chemotherapy that Waller received a suitcase full of individually wrapped gifts from her best friend. Each was to be opened at specific times throughout the days she was receiving treatment.
As she spent those days in the hospital bed, the gifts provided something to look forward to for Waller. She also never gave up her dream of attending college and competing in sports.
Waller formed the organization after graduating college in 2015, attributing the continuing support of family and friends that kept her spirits positive, giving her the strength to keep fighting.
“Grace’s aim for AGO is to provide similar experiences to those currently receiving treatment for cancer,” as read on the Amazing Grace website. “It is her hope that such care packages will lift spirits and encourage strength within other cancer patients, as they had once for her.”
Members of RTHS Student Council conduct several fundraisers and community projects throughout the year, including Make A Difference Day, the Mr. Hub pageant, and the recent Conor O’Rorke basketball tournament.
“The kids are completely in charge during the meetings. I am there as a sounding board,” Bergeson explained. “The really cool thing about student council is these kids start as freshmen and get a glimmer at leadership. I see them step out by the time they are juniors and seniors.”
For more information on the Amazing Grace organization, request support for a loved one, or to donate please visit the website at amazinggracenfp.org.
