Funds flow freely during Giving Dons Day

The CCHS community exceeded expectations by raising more than $25,000 during the recent Giving Dons Day fundraiser. Who could say no to CCHS security guard/teddy bear Steve Duarte, anyways?

Photo by Chris Lucio

The CCHS community exceeded expectations by raising more than $25,000 during the recent Giving Dons Day fundraiser. Who could say no to CCHS security guard/teddy bear Steve Duarte, anyways?

Chris Lucio, Staff Writer

The Cathedral Catholic High School community got into the giving spirit early this year, donating more than $25,000 last Tuesday during Giving Dons Day, a one-day event which encourages CCHS families to give back to the community.

“Giving Dons Day, a rebranded form of the national Giving Tuesday, is a new addition to our Cathedral Catholic family,” Director of Marketing Ms. Anne Pickard said. “We started involving our community in the holiday last year and it gives the students, parents and alumni a chance to give back to their community and help a fellow Don in need.”

The national charitable drive started three years ago in New York by the YMCA for families, businesses and charities to give back to their community. CCHS decided to get involved this year to benefit various charities and causes close to the CCHS community.

CCHS students and parents raised $8,000 last year, with only a day’s notice. The CCHS community was encouraged to donate any amount of money, because no act of kindness is too small in the eyes of God. And as a family, Dons were urged to support each other with any type of donation.

The funds raised from #GivingTuesday will help students who are financially struggling, as well as the Drama and Music programs, the Athletics Club, the Robotics Program and various scholarships.

Parents and alumni can still donate online by going to the “Dons Funding” tab under “Advancement” on the school’s website. There is the option to choose where the donation goes, or the donation can be given to faculty who will give the money accordingly.

Students who donated are encouraged to download and print out either the “#whyigave” or the “#igave” poster and take a “unselfie” with it.

“The ‘unselfie’ is a way to spread the word of the meaning of Giving Tuesday, and it is a combination of being unselfish and taking a selfie,” Ms. Pickard said.

CCHS students who do post their “unselfies” should use the hashtag #givingDonsday.

Even though Giving Dons Day has passed, the CCHS community is encouraged to keep giving this holiday season.

“The entire Cathedral Catholic community is one that focuses on giving and helping others,” CCHS President Mr. Stevan Laaperi said. “We want to create an atmosphere of caring, and this is the perfect time for everyone to give to a good cause that will help our school and community.”