Barrington High students' fundraiser to help needy in Guatemala
The 4th annual Hope's In Fashion Show to help people who live in the garbage dump in Guatemala City with housing and medical care will be held from 1:15 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates.
The effort, launched initially by two Barrington High School girls, twins Courtney and Ashley Quigley, has raised enough money to build 14 homes, constructed by 143 volunteers, totaling over 5,300 service hours. Teens work with Potter's House Association in Guatemala, an organization that helps more than 13,000 people who have been living in the garbage dump for more than 30 years.
"For two years now, I have visited Guatemala to help build houses for the families living near the Guatemala City community garbage dump," said Hailey Balder, a junior at Barrington High School. "Those two weeks have been by far the most memorable and best weeks of my life."
In addition, 24 medical team volunteers have treated over 800 patients and delivered more than 500 pounds of medical supplies. Students also have run six sports and dance camps with more than 300 participants and distributed more than 350 soccer shoes and jerseys.
More than 60 student volunteers are involved in this year's show, which will be lead by Barrington High School senior Laura Mena. The leadership is passed on to upcoming students each year.
Tickets are available at hopesin.org and cost $35 for adults and $25 for students.