DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -Students at Hillside Bethel Christian School have raised almost $5,000 for a Decatur Lakeside 9/11 Memorial project.
Throughout the month of February, nearly 45 students from the various programs at Hillside collected money. The funds raised totaled $4,838.56.
That will be added to money contributed by other schools and community donors for the construction of a flagpole and landscaping at the memorial site.
All the students who participated in the fundraising initiative will get a commemorative t-shirt.
Among the participants, Reyna Perry, a kindergarten student at Hillside Bethel Christian School, stood out, the school said. Reyna raised $2,342, earning her the grand prize of a day of sailing with her family on Lake Decatur with Pastor Kevin and Kathy Horath, who are members of the Commodore Decatur Yacht Club.
A presentation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on March 20 at Hillside Bethel Ministries, located at 3575 E. Greenhill Road in Decatur. Reyna Perry and all the students will be recognized for their hard work, and a check will be presented to Paula Luckenbill, the coordinator of this Decatur Lakeside 9/11 Memorial project.
“Obviously, every donation is very much appreciated," said Paula Lukenbill, “and the over-the-top efforts of the students, staff, and families of Hillside Bethel Christian School is off the chart! It is so special when our young people put their energy into giving to the community.”
"We are incredibly proud of our students and families for giving to the community like this," said Kevin P. Horath, Lead Pastor at Hillside Bethel Ministries. "Their enthusiasm and dedication exemplify just some of the many values of Jesus that we strive to instill in our students,” said Sherri M. Weaks, School Director at Hillside Bethel Christian School, “and we are honored to support such a meaningful cause."
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