April Event Will Benefit Strongsville Arts Programs

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Shoppers at SouthPark Mall will have the opportunity to support art programs at Strongsville City Schools in April. The shopping complex is hosting a fundraiser for arts funding on April 14, from noon to 4 p.m. The funds will benefit seven different Strongsville schools.

The mall said the following schools will benefit from the fundraiser: Chapman Elementary, Kinsner Elementary,Muraski Elementary, Surrarrer Elementary, Whitney Elementary, Strongsville Middle School and Strongsville High School.

“We’re so pleased to host this fundraiser in continued support of the Strongsville City Schools with the help of our popular retailer, Where I’m From. It will be fun to see students put down their phones to raise money for their art departments,” said Ed Jaroszewicz, SouthPark Mall’s marketing director. “And we encourage parents, school alums and the community to participate and show their support to ensure the Strongsville City Schools have the necessary funds for art supplies so students can continue to enjoy artistic experiences that broaden their educational and creative horizons.”

The fundraiser will take place in the mall's Center Court. Shoppers will be able to win prizes while taking part in a variety of activities, all of which will benefit the school systems. The shoppers will be able to donate to a school of their choice during the event.

SoutPark Mall will match all donation up to $3,000 for the Strongsville City Schools art departments.

Plus, from noon to 4 p.m., each Strongsville City School will be represented by an art-department-created, school-themed rocking chair. Students will rock, back-and-forth, in the old-fashioned chairs while soliciting donations.

As an extra wrinkle, students won't be able to make use of technology while rocking out in the chairs. That means no cell phones, tablets or laptops.

Competitions will be taking place at the same time as the chair rocking, with prizes being awarded to both guests and participating students.

The event is being presented by Where I'm From, a store in SouthPark mall, and will be hosted by KISS FM's Alan Colon.

Additionally, Where I'm From will be presenting a check to the Strongsville City Schools and Strongsville Education Foundation with a check from proceeds generated during the holiday sales of "The 'Ville" T-shirts. That money will be used to fund Strongsville City Schools K-8 Field Trip Program in 2018.

Photo from Google Earth