Nazareth Academy WALK Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Submitted by Nazareth Academy
Photo: The WALK takes students on a 3.5-mile route through La Grange Park.

On Friday, October 10, 2014, Nazareth students, faculty, staff and family members walked 3.5 miles, raising money for the school’s second biggest fundraiser. The WALK takes students through the streets of La Grange Park, with adult volunteers stationed throughout for the safety of walkers and residents.

Students collect WALK pledges before and after the event, which raised over $200,000 in 2013. The WALK is the only school fundraiser in which 100% of the Nazareth faculty and staff participate as contributors. The student planning committee has a stated goal of also getting 100% participation from the students. They have planned raffles and homeroom contests, designed posters, posted to social media and even created a video to remind students “Why We WALK.”

“The WALK is special to me because I think it is really unique to Naz. I think it shows Naz in a great light; it brings unity among the classes and between the faculty and students,” says Addie Doyle ’15. “I walk for all the teams and clubs I am a part of. Half the stuff we are able to do would not be possible without the WALK fundraiser.”

According to Colleen Cook, who is coordinating the WALK for the fourth year, “The WALK is a great way to put Nazareth’s values of philanthropy and service into action. Students are encouraged to get involved, be creative and take a positive role in their school’s success.”

Junior Analisa Pieranunzi agrees. “I am involved in the WALK committee to help motivate my fellow classmates. I want them to understand why we should WALK, how all the money we raise comes right back to us. It’s a true team effort.”

The 2014 WALK goal is $162,675. All proceeds from the WALK support Nazareth’s operating income and benefit students in the current school year. 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of this school-centered fundraiser which has evolved over the years, but always kept students’ needs at its center.