Acquiring talent through practise

"This is the true joy in life: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

George B Shaw

Ethan Gagliano and Prashanth Ramachandra are 2 outstanding high school students who have perfected the art of social entrepreneurship through practise. Since its inception Chess Without Borders has encouraged youth to create their own projects that benefit society and youth who have taken on this mantle have outperformed their potential. For the last 7 years in collaboration with the Barrington community youth volunteers have raised funds, collected gifts and gently used winter clothes to make it possible for ex-prisoners and their families to have a special treat. Each year around 20 volunteers travel to the Moriah Baptist Church to serve a meal and distribute gifts to this vulnerable population. What is amazing is how creative the youth are in raising funds. Even restrictions with Covid did not dampen their enthusiasm. Prashanth ran a virtual trivia contest charging a fee that was donated towards this project. Ethan has served as a chess tournament director and coach donating all his money to charity as well. Ethan has also generously donated his winnings from chess tournaments that he has won. Both boys raised funds from collecting entry fee from inviting people to view Artist Mort Luby's personal gallery last wee. Youth have also helped with technology, publicity and marketing with these projects. There has been tremendous learning and cultural enhancement from these experiences. "I feel like a global citizen", said Ethan. Children enjoy immersing themselves in the project and its many challenges. They learn resilience and take pride in the fruits of their labor. " I was able to raise $700 for a new roof for a school for orphans near my grandparents home in India", said Prashanth.

Learning to excel and reach goals means coordination and teamwork. Zein Bertacchi has provided mentorship for both these youth. She has generously donated her time, ideas and culinary skills to many projects. "It has been so much fun working with these gifted youth on so many levels", said Zein. "What surprises me is how dedicated and enthusiastic these children are to their goals and how much they develop as they work towards achieving them. It is impossible to imagine what they can achieve", Zein Bertacchi.

Thanks to the team effort and leadership efforts by Ethan, Prashanth and their mentor Zein, Chess Without Borders raised $1400 towards providing a meal for this vulnerable population. They achieved an impossible goal this year in spite of Covid precautions and restrictions. Even Cervantes would be proud of them!

“To dream the impossible dream, that is my quest.” ― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote

Following older youth such as Ethan and Prashanth 12 year old Palash Gupta is on a quest to raise funds by inviting youth to enjoy a chicken farm at the home of Zein Bertacchi. He will educate children about healthy farm to table practises while raising funds for charity.

Chess Without Borders has donated over $200,000 for local and global charities through long and short term projects since its inception. Over 100 youth have volunteered more than 20,000 hours and this year the Barrington High School chess team tied for 1st place at the Il State Chess Tournament among 118 teams.