Rolling Meadows High raises thousands for African orphanage

Posted June 29, 2014 11:00 pm

Submitted by District 214

Rolling Meadows High School students pack the stands at a fundraiser that helped generate cash to bring fresh drinking water to an African orphanage. The project was among the fundraisers coordinated by the high school's Interact club. Courtesy of District 214

Students in Rolling Meadows High School's Rotary Interact service club have raised $6,000 to help fund fresh drinking water at an orphanage in Ghana, Africa, - a sum that will now be matched by the Arlington Heights Rotary Club.

The students collected the money in just a week, selling raffle tickets, collecting spare change from classmates, arranging a fundraiser with California Pizza Kitchen in Arlington Heights and organizing a student vs. staff basketball game.

"We talk about encouraging students to participate in activities that really help them find their passion and reach their full potential, and these students have certainly done that," said Linda Pribyl, an Interact faculty adviser.

"We are so proud of the selfless work they do year after year, and the tireless example they set for fellow classmates and the entire community."

Last year, the Interact club raised $10,000 to help build the orphanage for children rescued from slavery in Ghana. The orphanage is now under construction and requires a clean source of water. The money raised by Rolling Meadows students this year will help construct a giant well to deliver drinking water, and the group is forming a multiyear plan to help fund related orphanage projects.

Rolling Meadows' Interact club, launched in 2012, annually completes local and international service projects with an eye on fostering understanding, goodwill and peace. The students were honored at a recent Arlington Heights Rotary meeting.

• Submit 'Your News' at dailyherald.com/share.

Officers in Rolling Meadows High School's Rotary Interact service club are honored by the Arlington Heights Rotary for their work in raising thousands - $6,000 this year and $10,000 last year - toward the construction of an orphanage in Africa. Courtesy of District 214

An orphanage being constructed in Africa is being funded, in part, by the work of Rolling Meadows High School students. Courtesy of District 214

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.