Speaking From Experience
Monies raised at L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur fund the Tuition Assistance Program at Sacred Heart.
At this year’s L’Esprit, Mona Kharoofa A’12, who is currently a junior at Harvard University
studying economics and computer science, spoke about her life-changing experience as a
recipient of tuition assistance at Sacred Heart. She spoke of her family’s journey from Iraq to
Chicago, and says, “…even now, seven years later, I still find myself talking about Sacred
Heart and the great influence it had on me.” Below is an excerpt of her remarks.
“…Just this past week, I was at a conference in South Korea hosted for a group of Harvard students.
As we walked out of opening ceremonies, one of the South Korean students asked me how my
transition from the Middle East to the United States was so smooth and how I was able to get
into Harvard after coming to the United States in 2008. My answer to that question is and will
ALWAYS be Sacred Heart. I was welcomed into a home and a community where I was comfortable
being myself, my talents cultivated, and most importantly, even when I made mistakes, I was
supported. For a child to excel, that is crucial.
“Sacred Heart taught me how to be a woman for others, how to live my life through the five Goals, and that is much more valuable
than what any textbook can offer. I remember sitting in chapel at the end of my 8th grade year and hearing Mr. Wilburn tell us that
we will take the five Goals with us for the rest of our lives. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but I now realize that they are a
large part of who I am. I was provided with a strong foundation at Sacred Heart and without Sacred Heart, my life would have been
very different. As my dad says: I must never forget that Sacred Heart is the reason I am where I am today. …”
L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur
Nearly 500 people attended L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur on March 30, 2019 at the Hilton Chicago. Through the dedication,
contributions, participation and enthusiasm of the Sacred Heart community, this gala event raised more than $435,000 in
support of tuition assistance, including a $25,000 matching All Star grant from Cubs Charities.
Event Co-Chairs Raffle
Maureen Gilligan
Sara Gramata Maria Shideler
Anne Westphal
Auction Outreach Reservations
Jen Kasten
Maribeth McElveen
Bina Shetty Colleen Farrell
Carolyn Henderson
Art Projects Paula Bork
Marie Kipp
Robyn Sexton
Elena Carvajal and Enrique Anaya
Décor
Tara Shannon
Megan Weidenhammer
Goal Award
Jackie Bush
Stacy Jakobe
Golden Ticket
Carrie Cashion
Sign-up Parties
Sponsorship
Jen Beattie
Cheri Hubbard
Betsy Zeiger
Teacher Treats
Kate Bradley
Catherine Denny
Parent Recruitment and Set-up Volunteers
Katie Cherry
Brendan Gilligan
Jim Gramata
Dario Medina
Kristin Quinn
FALL 2019
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