By Caley Griebenow (Features Editor)
Senior Marisa Romanelli, who organized the fundraiser that occurred during Knight’s Way on November 19th, couldn’t be happier as all the donations were counted. Students and staff raised $1920.84 to support the Chopin Elementary School Orchestra, a school in Chicago facing budget cuts. The Knights’ Way budget provided the remaining money to make it an even $2000.
These results exceeded Romanelli’s expectations. Romanelli was hoping for everyone to contribute a dollar, and since about $2000 was raised, she was content with the outcome.
“[I was] immensely happy,” Romanelli said. “I’m really grateful [to all the people who donated] because this is going to make a difference. I can’t believe we actually managed to do this, to turn an idea in my head … into actually having money to help this program continue.”
She initially found out about the school by reading an article in the “Chicago Tribune,” and she was compelled to help, especially because she is involved in orchestra at Prospect. Romanelli believes playing an instrument is beneficial to students, and she wanted to make sure students at the Chopin School had the same opportunity she did.
“I’d be a different person without [orchestra], probably a worse person,” Romanelli said. “These kids deserve to have the opportunity to learn about themselves, to try something new.”
Romanelli will be presenting the check to Chopin orchestra director Arturs Weible at their concert on Dec. 16, an opportunity she calls “a honor.”
She chose Knights’ Way to sponsor the fundraiser because she believes it embodies the spirit of the school, and because it would be easy to collect money since the Knights’ Way leaders would be in every classroom.
To Knights’ Way coordinator Dr. Jay Kyp-Johnson, the whole situation was a success, especially since it benefited students close by.
“This was a charm, because Marisa saw that [the orchestra] was close to home, and our topic is about being involved,” Kyp-Johnson said. “It’s a miracle, perfect match.”     
Kyp-Johnson was especially impressed with Romanelli because she pursued her idea and put in the time and effort to make it happen. Romanelli wrote up a proposal, which had to be approved by Kyp-Johnson and Principal Dowling. She designed flyers to be put up all over the school, to make sure everyone was aware of the fundraiser.
Romanelli believes this fundraiser not only will make a difference to the Chopin Orchestra, but it also sends a positive message about Prospect.
“Prospect noticed, and Prospect cared,” Romanelli said. “It shows that we’re a caring community.”
Click here to learn about the Chopin Elementary School and how to donate.