The Hometown Treasure April 2012 | Page 57

Westview Finalizes Fundraising For Henryville On March 2, southern Indiana was rocked by a series of storms and tornados. These storms wreaked havoc on several communities destroying homes, businesses, and schools. In the immediate aftermath, Westview Junior-Senior High School began planning a series of fundraisers to help fellow Hoosiers to the south. Henryville High School was one place that was hit especially hard and thankfully there were no injuries. The Principal at Henryville High School is Mr. Troy Albert. Albert was the principal at Westview High School from 2004-2007. His wife, Karen, also taught at Westview and she graduated from Westview. Karen’s family still lives in the Westview district. Since there was a strong connection between the communities, the staff at Westview knew they needed to do something and the community was called upon for their generosity. At the end of the fundraising, no one could have imagined just how much generosity was in this area. In total, $43,500 was raised by the efforts of Westview. An anonymous donor gave $10,000 with an additional matching grant of $10,000. The community heard the call and opened their pockets too. An additional $23,500 was raised by students at Westview Junior-Senior High School and from community members. People from Goshen, Elkhart, Lagrange, Albion, and even as far away as Huntertown contributed to the fundraising. In addition to financial donations, people dropped off clothes, food, and hygiene supplies. A semi truck was loaded the first week with all of the supplies and sent on a semi tractor owned by Tony Guyas. Tony is the brother-in-law of Karen Albert. This past week, Tony picked up another load of supplies and headed south again. This was an all out effort by the community. High School Principal Rich Cory called a meeting first thing Monday morning after the tornado with the office staff to begin the early planning and brainstorming of ideas. It was decided that the school would sell pop and cookies, collect change, and have hat days for the students. The office staff thought they might be able to raise a few thousand dollars for the Red Cross and Henryville. They were way off. “Once the story hit the newspapers, people from the surrounding areas were willing to donate to the relief effort as well. We began receiv- Schrader of the Lagrange County Red Cross accepted the check and will put the money directly towards the tornado relief efforts in Henryville. Westview would like to thank the people that freely gave their money to help a good cause. Without the generous hearts of the community, none of this would have been possible. It is also important to thank the follow- (left to right): Westview High School Principal Rich Cory, Westview Junior High School Principal, Paul Johnston, Laura Lemmings LaGrange County Community Foundation and Jo Schrader Red Cross. Hometown Treasure Photo ing checks on a daily basis. One person walked in and handed us $500 in cash,” said Cory. The strong outpouring from the community was well above and beyond what anyone had imagined. Students began collecting change in their first hour classes in hopes of earning a pizza party for the class with the highest total. Students were bringing in $100 bills and cupfuls of change. The school kept stressing the point that for each dollar raised, it would be matched through a grant. The grant money was more than matched in the first few days of fundraising. Junior High Principal, Paul Johnston, used his connections at the Lagrange County Community Foundation to set up an account for people that wanted to donate money anonymously. The Community Foundation in turn, served as a holding place for that money before it was given to the Red Cross. As of today, $43,500 has been collected and is being given to the Red Cross. Jo ing people and places for their help and support during the fundraising; the students of Westview JuniorSenior High School, Westview Staff, Meadowview Elementary, Topeka Elementary, Westview Elementary, KSS Enterprises, Forks County Line, Shipshewana Auctions, Save A Lot, Emma Café and Catering, E & S Sales, Tony Guyas, Lagrange County Community Foundation, and the Red Cross. Forks County Line Discount Groceries With locations in Shipshewana and Middlebury to serve you best. On the east edge of Middlebury at 508 E. Warren Street In Shipshewana North Village just east of SR 5 Hrs: Mon.-Thur. 8-5:30, Fri. 8-7:00, Sat. 8-4:30 The Hometown Treasure · Apr. ‘12 · pg 55