Fremd Student Plays Big Role In Fundraiser's Success: Local Hero

PALATINE, IL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

A Palatine resident named Daniel nominated Rachel Saladin, also from Palatine, as a local Patch hero. Daniel said Rachel volunteers for the 501(c)3 organization he's associated with. Here's what Daniel said in his submission:

Where the nominee lives:
Palatine

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Palatine

Name of the nominee:
Rachel Saladin

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Daniel Vrbancic

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
Student: Rachel is a junior at Fremd High School

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Rachel Saladin, junior at Fremd High School, was thinking of ways she could help her community during this difficult time. One idea she had was to raise funds via a fundraiser in order to provide meals to different first responders in Palatine. She reached out to Fire Chief Scott Andersen, but he had a different proposal. He said that everything is fine at the Fire Department and consider themselves blessed that they have jobs and are working, while some residents/businesses are not so fortunate. He offered a slight alternative to her fundraising idea, which was to work with the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association (PPFBA). The PPFBA was in the early stages of organizing a fundraiser to assist Palatine businesses, primarily bars and restaurants, that have been severely affected by the shutdown. Within several days, the Palatine Bar and Restaurant Workers Relief Fund was created and launched on May 8th. Rachel worked hard behind the scenes to design the fundraiser banner, organized the list of eligible restaurants, arranged for a randomized lottery pull, set up (and helped operate) additional social media channels, and provided hand-written letters to all the recipients. As of today the fundraiser has raised over $8,500, which has been converted into $100 grocery store gift cards that have been distributed to laid off and furloughed restaurant workers throughout Palatine. Rachel's contributions have directly effected the success of this fundraising campaign.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Rachel's commitment to her community and compassion for others is evident through her dedication and tireless effort. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute helped raise the level of success of this fundraiser beyond our expectations.

Thank you for all you do, Rachel!

> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.