Nazareth Academy Celebrates 41st Annual Walk: Together As One

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Nazareth students, faculty, staff and family members walked 3.5 miles, raising money for the school’s second biggest fundraiser. The WALK takes students through the streets of La Grange Park, with adult volunteers stationed throughout for the safety of walkers and residents.

Students collect WALK pledges before and after the event, which raised over $184,000 in 2014. The WALK is the only school fundraiser in which 100% of the Nazareth faculty and staff participate as contributors. The student planning committee has a stated goal of also getting 100% participation from the students. They have planned raffles and homeroom contests, designed posters, posted to social media and even created a video to remind students “Why We WALK.”

Senior Analisa Pieranunzi, who created the video, explains why she got involved. “I am involved in the WALK committee to help motivate my fellow classmates. I want them to understand why we should WALK, how all the money we raise comes right back to us. It’s a true team effort.”

According to Colleen Cook, who is coordinating the WALK for the fifth year, “The WALK is a great way to put Nazareth’s values of philanthropy and service into action. Students are encouraged to get involved, be creative and take a positive role in their school’s success.”

The 2015 WALK goal is $171,225. All proceeds from the WALK support Nazareth’s operating income and benefit students in the current school year. 2015 marks the 41st anniversary of this school-centered fundraiser which has evolved over the years, but always kept students’ needs at its center.